In recent years our beach has lost a lot of large shade trees due to age and disease. The Mississippi Mills Beautification Committee has planted new willow trees over the last couple of years, and this year the Conservation Authority planted a number of new shoreline trees. But these won’t provide much shade for a few more years.
Last summer I saw similar shade structures to these in a park near Combermere and took some photos. I approached Ron Ferguson at ADHS about a joint project. He directed me to Joseph Irvin, the teacher of the Construction Technology Specialist High Skills Major program. He also thought it sounded like a great partnership. We then consulted with the Building department, and approached the Fair Board which owns the land and the Conservation Authority for permission.
Once everyone was on board I requested funds for supplies be included in the 2016 budget. Once the funds were approved the school began planning the structures.
Installation began in early June. Ottawa River Power Corporation stepped up to help drill the holes. Unfortunately they ran into problems because their auger couldn’t get through the rocks. Next the Public Works department were involved they dug large holes to secure the posts. The structures needed to the installed in this manner to satisfy Conservation Authority regulations.
The students and their teacher spent many hours installing, filling holes, etc. We greatly appreciate the efforts of these skilled and hard-working folks to make the Almonte beach an even better place to visit in the warmer months.
Tiffany MacLaren
Community Economic & Cultural Coordinator
