$15M plan to shift Sandpoint Beach away from hazardous drop-off heading to council

Cautionary signage is seen at Sandpoint Beach in Windsor on Dec. 28, 2024. (Sanjay Maru/CTV News Windsor)

A $15-million plan to relocate and revitalize Sandpoint Beach — shifting its swimming area away from hazardous waters and adding features like a splash pad and accessible playground — will go before Windsor city councillors at their first meeting of the new year.

Developed by Landmark Engineers Inc., the proposed plan involves moving the beach eastward to steer clear of a steep drop-off and strong currents that make the current western edge unsafe.

The hazards were underscored this past May when authorities recovered the bodies of two men in their 20s from the waters at Sandpoint Beach.

It’s believed they drowned after inadvertently stepping off the drop-off, which connects to a nearby shipping channel.

In response, the city installed higher fencing and additional signage in June to discourage swimming in unsafe areas.

The master plan also features new amenities, including an accessible playground, splash pad, improved beach facilities, and enhanced landscaping.

Additional adaptations, such as flood-resistant structures and natural barriers, are designed to protect against shoreline erosion and extreme weather events.

Public feedback gathered through surveys and open houses in 2022 helped shape the plan, the city said.

According to the report heading to council, residents have shown strong support for the proposed safety upgrades and environmental enhancements.

Funding remains a key challenge, however.

While the plan’s implementation is estimated to cost $15 million, only $1.5 million has been allocated in the city’s long-term capital plan for 2029 and 2030.

That means an additional $13.5 million would need to be secured if the project is to proceed.

"Should City Council endorse the Master Plan as presented and further wish to proceed with the Master Plan, Administration would need to be directed to consider additional capital funding as part of a future capital budget development process," the report states.

Administration has recommended council endorse the plan and instruct the city treasurer to include it in upcoming capital budget discussions.

If approved, the project will move forward as funding becomes available.

"The Sandpoint Beach Park Master Plan offers a vision for a safer, more engaging, and environmentally sustainable recreational space," the report adds.

Windsor city council will meet on Jan. 13.