The safety of the Alexander Docks is being examined.
A city spokesperson said the dock appears to have sustained damage in recent months. It is perhaps ice damage with abnormally high water levels on the Red River this spring.
City engineers are assessing the dock to determine any concerns with large vessels docking and loading passengers.
A vigil was held at the docks Tuesdays to honour the lives of Tina Fontaine and Faron Hall, whose bodies were pulled from the Red River on Sunday. The city worked with organizers to keep people safe, by using barricades and pylons at the edge of the structure.
The M.S. River Rouge docks there and her owner Kyriakos Vogiatzakis is concerned about business. "Three weeks ago they called me verbally over the phone and gave me this information, and since then, I haven't heard back from anyone," said Vogiatzakis.
The city said, until its assessment is complete, boats are directed not to dock there. It's working to place signage and fencing, indicating no docking will be permitted there.
The news doesn’t sit well with Vogiatzakis.
"No one has brought any paperwork to my attention. They're being quick to announce and make the statement, but they haven't followed it through with any reports,” he said.
Concerns around the Alexander Docks first arose in July when waters receded enough to reveal the dock surface. The city says it's premature to say what kind of repairs or replacements may be needed.
It adds that an arrangement for a private dock for the M.S. River Rouge may be an option.
- with a report from Cheryl Holmes
