Wharf Plans Take Centre Stage at Saint Andrews Council Meeting

At the July 21, 2025, council meeting for the Town of Saint Andrews, engineers presented preliminary findings from a coastal impact study related to the proposed infill extension at Market Wharf and Market Square. Commissioned by council in June, the study is part of the town’s review of a project that has sparked both support and concern from local residents.

Garth Holder, an engineer with GEMTEC, presented on behalf of the consulting firm. He explained that the study focused on how the proposed infill could influence water movement, sediment flow, and shoreline stability in the harbour.

Holder noted that the shape of Saint Andrews harbour—along with offshore sandbars and Navy Island—already reduces the impact of offshore waves. “The waves that form are localized,” he told council, emphasizing that the current design would not significantly disrupt natural flow patterns. A slight decrease in water exchange was observed but deemed non-disruptive.

Some sediment movement is anticipated along the outer edges of the infill, though the seabed—composed largely of gravel and seaweed—suggests shoreline stability will be maintained. The report included two site visits, conducted at both high and low tide.

During the meeting’s public comment period, several residents voiced concerns about the study’s scope and the overall goals of the project.

Urban planner Michel Caron questioned the rationale for the extension’s size and purpose. “Why was it built out so far?” he asked, seeking a clearer explanation of how the added space would be used.

Mechanical engineer Steve Saunders raised technical issues, asking whether the wave modelling had been properly calibrated and if sediment samples were collected. Pendlebury Lightkeeper and recreational sailor Alastair Fox expressed concern about ecological disruption, particularly how changes in sand distribution might affect the mudflats.

The proposed infill is intended to reinforce the lower section of Market Wharf—currently under a weight restriction—and to raise Market Square as a proactive measure against long-term sea level rise. Council must move forward with the tendering process before a federal funding deadline in March 2026.

Further discussion on the infill project is scheduled for the next council meeting on July 29, 2025.