Science North decommissions floating dock, cites safety risk

SUDBURY – Science North has decommissioned its decades-old floating dock to make way for a new structure, and in the interim, they are asking the public to refrain from using it due to its unstable condition. 

Science North has been the steward of the floating dock linking visitors to the Jim Gordon Boardwalk for more than three decades. 

In 2019, Science North addressed flotation issues in the dock's east section with significant repairs, reads their press release. However, “subsequent concerns led to a thorough engineering assessment in 2023, revealing that the dock had reached the end of its serviceable life.”

As such, Science North has temporarily closed off access to the floating dock and disconnected its power source and they are in the process of finalizing detailed plans to replace the dock. Once these plans are finalized, the existing dock will be decommissioned and removed to make way for a new structure. The current goal is to complete the installation for Spring 2025.

An alternate walking route connecting visitors to the main boardwalk will be indicated.

Regrettably, said the Science North release,  this circumstance also means that at this time the William Ramsey Boat Cruise will not be able to dock at this location, however Science North continues to explore potential solutions and will provide updates as they are available.

“It is imperative that the public refrains from using the decommissioned dock due to its unstable condition, which presents a significant safety risk,” continues the release. 

Science North will share updates about the timing of the removal of the current dock and project details on their social media channels and they thank the community for their patience and understanding during the transition.