| Message to GYC Membership on Current and Upcoming Activities from the GYC Board ShorePlan Report – Executive Summary As approved by the Membership at the 2025 AGM, the GYC Board engaged the Marine Engineering firm, ShorePlan, to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Club property. The purpose was to thoroughly evaluate the dock layout, basin depths, and wall infrastructure to identify potential future vulnerabilities. The firm completed the following activities during 2025: • Inspected the dock walls and docks, documenting their condition to estimate remaining service life and identify necessary repairs. They also reviewed the status of the dock and anchoring systems.• Performed bathymetric (water) and topographic (land) surveys to inform recommendations regarding dredging requirements and basin planning.• Assessed shore structures and docks, presenting options for maintenance and repair over various timeframes (short-term, 3–5 years, and 10 years).• Reviewed the existing dock layout and proposed improvements to address both current and anticipated needs of club members. On December 1, 2025, ShorePlan presented a summary of their findings and recommendations to the GYC Board of Directors. The assessment determined that while there are no immediate safety concerns, issues exist with the depths of the basins as well as several underwater sections of the wall infrastructure, which are in poor condition. These areas are characterized by cracks in linked concrete panels and the use of lighter-gauge King Pile (H beam), which does not provide sufficient design margin for the next 50 years. First Priority The GYC Planning Committee is prioritizing dredging at the entrance to increase navigational margin, particularly given current low water levels on the Great Lakes. The bathymetric survey has precisely identified locations requiring dredging, and preparations are underway for permit applications and cost estimates. As the permitted window for such work spans July 15 to September 30, it is unlikely that all approvals will be secured for dredging before 2027; however, some applications may be expedited once sediment removal and transport methods are finalized which may give us a small window in 2026. Recommendations Adopted 1. The first recommendation adopted is to regularly monitor the basin wall infrastructure, focusing on measuring “lean” or deflection angles—particularly in the west basin, where walls are visibly tilting toward the water. Ongoing monitoring using survey equipment will track deflection and any deterioration, informing timely interventions to prevent failure. Additional preventative measures include restricting large loads over soil and gravel during the boating season and minimizing off-season storage in these areas. 2. The second recommendation is to initiate planning for wall repairs and replacement within a 5- to 10-year horizon. Proactive action will reduce the risk of infrastructure failure, which could result in environmental and safety hazards, reduced dock capacity, and restricted dock access—posing a significant operational and corporate risk to the club. Priority areas are located in the west basin, the west wall of the south basin, and portions along the west wall of the north basin. 3. The third recommendation is to complete borehole soil sampling beneath roadways to better understand subsurface conditions, ensuring the accuracy of assumptions and design parameters used in the report. This data will support decisions regarding the timing of further repairs or replacements. Mitigation Strategies The report also recommends and outlines several mitigation strategies to extend the lifespan of the wall infrastructure, which will be incorporated into the GYC’s 10–15 year Asset Management Plan. The GYC Board of Directors is actively seeking to strengthen funding sources for property improvements and repairs, as well as financing options for future wall infrastructure projects. The Board remains committed to transparency and open communication regarding any impacts to the membership. Information Sessions To facilitate member engagement, information sessions will be scheduled over the next 2 months to review the assessment findings, address questions, and respond to concerns. The report is thus being distributed to members prior to these sessions (see below) and will be further discussed at the AGM. For the complete ShorePlan Report, click on the link below. It is a 25meg file , so it may take a second to download. GYC ShorePlan report If you have any questions, or have any difficulty with this link, simply reply to this email. GYC Board of Directors |
Link to ShorePlan Report (in case the one in the article causes issues). 😉
