Port Carling Pavilion and Docks ReconstructionPort Carling Pavilion and Docks Reconstruction

Project Description

The Port Carling Pavilion and Docks Reconstruction renewed a landmark public waterfront structure at the Port Carling Locks in Muskoka Lakes. The pavilion and docks serve as an important gathering place and public access point, supporting boating, community events, tourism, and everyday waterfront use.

The project was initiated to address long-term deterioration and damage sustained during a 2020 crane incident. Interim repairs kept the facility operational, but a full reconstruction was required to improve safety, accessibility, durability, and long-term performance. The approximately $3 million project was designed to extend the asset’s service life by more than 50 years while preserving the familiar character of the waterfront setting.

TULLOCH provided coordinated structural and civil engineering, environmental consulting and permitting, land surveying, constructability input, contract administration, and construction-phase support. The reconstruction improved structural supports, walking surfaces, railings, accessibility routes, lighting, and connections between the pavilion docks, roadway, and marina system.

A key design and environmental strategy was reusing the existing timber crib foundation, allowing the docks to be reconstructed above the existing system while reducing lakebed disturbance and limiting in-water work. When unexpected field conditions were encountered, including an inadequate retaining wall foundation and deteriorated marina connections, the project team developed revised structural solutions to maintain performance and accessibility.

The project received the OPWA Project of the Year Award for Structures in the $2M to $10M category, recognizing the collaborative delivery by the District Municipality of Muskoka, TULLOCH, and George Martin & Sons Construction.

Scope of Services

• Structural engineering for pavilion, dock, retaining wall, and waterfront infrastructure
• Civil engineering for grading, drainage, access, and site improvements
• Design of an accessibility-aligned connection between the pavilion docks, roadway, and marina
• Environmental consulting and permitting coordination
• Erosion and sediment control planning
• Fisheries protection measures and in-water work coordination
• Legal surveying and field verification
• Constructability review and technical coordination
• Tender and procurement support
• Contract administration and construction inspections
• Review of structural connections, dock framing, railings, walking surfaces, and accessibility components
• Quality control and construction documentation
• Coordination of lighting and electrical improvements