Strathcona Island Park stair construction underway Aug. 26 2020 (photo courtesy Bob Schneider)

By Chantal Wagner

more river access

Stair construction underway at Strathcona boat launch

Aug 26, 2020 | 1:00 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Access to the South Saskatchewan River will become a little easier when you want to enjoy a float or paddle down the waterway.

Construction began this week to add a set of concrete stairs at the Strathcona boat launch.

City Project Engineer Alex Ehmann says construction began at the end of August due to slower river flow rates this time of year.

The project also includes additional shoreline protection near the boat launch.

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Ehmann says the stairs will offer another option for outdoor water users to access the river with paddle boards and kayaks.

While also keeping the traffic flow of the boat launch going.

“On top of adding aesthetics to Strathcona Island Park, it defiantly helps alleviate some of the pressure on the boat launch when there are floaters coming down from Echo Dale, paddle boarders as well, even just people and their dogs and people coming down for a quick swim.”

The stairs will be complete at the end of this construction season.

And all Strathcona trails will be open during that time unless otherwise posted.