Erieau Beach Swim-Only Area
Consultation has concluded
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is inviting public comment on the potential implementation of a designated swim-only area at Erieau Beach. The purpose of a swim area is to separate swimmers from watercraft.
This public beach, located off Mariner's Road in Erieau, is a popular summer destination for Chatham-Kent residents and visitors.
Public comments are accepted until 4:30pm on Thursday, July 20, 2023.
What is a swim-only area?
It is a clearly marked area using buoys, with or without a connecting rope. Watercraft, including windsurfing equipment and paddle boards, are not permitted in this area.
Will this limit where I can swim?
Designating a swim-only area is not intended to limit swimming in other areas of the public beach. The swim-only area will be an option for swimmers who would like better protection from nearby watercraft.
Will this limit where I can use my watercraft?
Watercraft will not be permitted in the swim area.
Why is the public being consulted?
Municipal Council is requesting public comment to determine the recommended scope of a potential deployment. Submissions may inform project decisions expected to be made in the Fall of 2023.
Comments can include potential impacts on your use of Erieau Beach, the size of the swim area and location, the type of infrastructure used, overall support or opposition, or other factors that should be considered by the Municipality.
Where will the swim area be?
This consultation will inform final decisions. Other factors include Federal regulations, available budget, and impact on the beach. Current options being considered include a 70-metre deployment, roughly between Nichols Ave and Galbraith Ave, or a 130-metre deployment, roughly between Nichols Ave and Trojek Ave.
Click on the pictures below or view the conceptual drawings in the Documents section. Other deployment options will be considered.
When will a swim-only area be implemented?
This project is expected to be included for consideration during the 2024-2027 budget deliberations, in the Fall of 2023. If all approvals are in place a swim area may be deployed as early as Summer 2024. The swim area will be deployed seasonally.