Winter construction pause

Looking south on the north side of Silver Lake, down the new concrete walkway to the under construction fountain feature that looks like a concrete basin. Benches, seating wall and lighting visible in foreground, blue umbrellas on the sand beach line the lake in the background.

The Waterloo Park Silver Lake Improvements project is one step closer to completion, and construction is now on pause for winter. The perimeter construction fencing has been removed! There is still work to finish in the spring, but it should be short term and can be done without completely closing the area.

Although we know everyone will be excited to see the newly constructed space, there will be limited winter maintenance in the area, to prolong the life of the new structures and to reduce the amount of salt runoff to Silver Lake. Certain areas will remain closed for the winter, including all concrete stairs, the beach area, the lake lookouts, south shore boardwalks, and the Grist Mill deck, ramp and bridge. You’ll still be able to see the completed works for the fountain feature and tree sculpture.

We’ve installed concrete stairs, concrete and asphalt pathways, and related features such as seat walls, benches, garbage receptacles and pedestrian light fixtures. In the beach area, the accessible access ramps, stairs, sand and umbrellas have all been installed, and around the north shore 80 per cent of the landscaping is complete (the remaining beds around the fountain and parking lot will be finished in the spring when weather permits). The Park Inn also has new interlock paving, stairs, planters, pergola and seating!

Newly open again for the winter are the north shore parking lot, the accessible pathway from the parking lot down to the lake, and the new concrete/asphalt pathway around the lake (connecting via sidewalk for now around the Grist Mill while that area is closed for the winter).

In the spring, we’ll get to work as soon as we can on stair railings, fountain start up and commissioning, and the fountain building. Landscaping will be completed along the fountain and parking lot, as well as along the south shore pathway, and we’ll also finish up lighting for the Grist Mill deck and boardwalks in the spring. Stay tuned!

North shore of Silver Lake with blue umbrellas on the sand beach, concrete walkway and ramps, and workers installing the tree sculpture features on the fountain.

Closer view of north shore of Silver Lake with blue umbrellas on the sand beach, concrete walkway, pedestrian lighting and workers installing the tree sculpture features on the fountain.