Work to protect the Thames River shoreline from erosion has taken another step forward in Chatham with a recent land donation.
Chatham-Kent council has voted unanimously to accept a parcel of land at 24 Thames St. from a numbered Ontario company, paving the way for the next phase of a major shoreline protection project along the Thames River.
The donation, made official during Monday night’s council meeting, will allow for a sheet pile wall and shoreline stabilization to be completed along the north shore of the Thames River, between the Third Street and Fifth Street bridges. The sheet pile wall is a type of retaining wall designed to protect the shoreline from erosion and collapse by holding back soil and water.
The waterfront strip, where Woodall Physiotherapy Clinic is located, will also enable the Municipality to build a pedestrian pathway that links existing parks and parking lots along Thames Street.
While the property is being donated, the municipality will still cover the cost of a reference plan to define the portion of land being transferred and reimburse up to $2,000 in legal fees to the donor.
In a report to council, Manager of Engineering Mark McFadden said the construction project is currently out for tender, with the successful bid expected to be presented to council during the August 11 meeting.
Phase 1 of construction is scheduled to begin in late August, starting with the relocation of mussels in the riverbed by divers. Installation of the sheet pile wall is expected to follow in mid-September. If weather and timing allow, storm sewer replacement may also be completed during this first phase.
Phase 2 will begin in the spring of 2026, with slope reconstruction, final rock protection, pedestrian pathway construction, and full site restoration. The full project is expected to be completed by July 2026.
As part of preparations for the project, individuals sheltering at the 12 Thames St. homeless encampment were asked to vacate the area on Monday for safety reasons. The relocation effort was supported by ROCK Missions outreach workers, municipal housing staff, and CK police.
