The Boathouse Retaining Wall Rehabilitation
Location: Guelph, ON
Client: The City of Guelph
Timeframe: 2024-2025
Key Personnel: Nick MacEachern, Todd Menzies, Vince Goreham
Project Description
The Boathouse is located on the west side of the Speed and Eramosa River fork and is an ice cream parlor and restaurant typically open between April and October, on 116 Gordon Street in Guelph, Ontario. Due to the deteriorating conditions of the existing retaining wall structure bordering the property and the adjacent Speed River, the City of Guelph proceeded to obtain quotes for detailed design services for the rehabilitation. Following the proposal stage, Harbourside was awarded the work, which later expanded to include additional design services to rejuvenate the surrounding area. The location is a popular location to visit for the citizens of Guelph and as a result, generated a large amount of public interest which needed to be considered in the design, and construction activities / planning.
In 2026, The Boathouse Retaining Wall Rehabilitation project received the Structures Award from the Ottawa Public Works Association for projects under $2 million.
Harbourside’s Role
To provide the City with a design that was most beneficial from a structural and cost-benefit perspective, field studies were carried out and a preliminary analysis was completed to present potential viable options and cost estimates. Harbourside also completed a geotechnical investigation, including three test pits, laboratory work, and summary report. This report provided a summary of the site subsurface conditions, and geotechnical recommendations for design including bearing resistance and characteristic parameters for design.
On account of shallow bedrock, and limited working space on both the land and river sides of the existing structure, it was determined that utilizing the existing retaining wall structure as a support for a new full depth reinforced concrete cope wall would be the most feasible solution to extend the life of the structure. At a later date, the design for a relocation of the existing river access stairs was also requested by the City, which was incorporated into the design.
The final design included installation of a new painted steel railing for increased safety, upgrades to the wall footing for increased stability and new drainage to mitigate ground water levels on the land side. Harbourside supplied construction engineering services during the project to aid with the numerous challenges presented throughout construction. Services included regular site visits, modification of design details to account for as-built conditions, technical assistance and shop drawing reviews.
Social Impact
The area provides an important connection to the waterfront for residents. The site is also the home of the Reflection Garden, a memorial dedicated to the victims of the 1989 École Polytechnique tragedy in Montréal. The summer sees frequent activity in the area, and accessibility had to be restored as soon as possible. Construction could not begin prior to Thanksgiving 2024 and had to be completed by Victoria Day 2025.
The updated Reflection Garden, Guelph, Ontario. The work here was completed as an additional component to the retaining wall rehabilitation. The Reflecting Garden was built as a memorial to the victims of the 1989 École Polytechnique shooting in Montréal in 1989. Work on the new garden was completed in 2025.
Unique Challenges
Harbourside, Beton, and the City of Guelph succeeded in meeting this ambitious timeline, despite challenging weather delays, unexpected material delays, and environmental concerns. It was also discovered that killdeer (an endangered bird species), had nested nearby, prompting close observation. Luckily, the nestlings fledged quickly, and time delays were avoided.