LaSalle’s winter loop delayed until fall

The winter loop at LaSalle Landing is seen in this image from November 2024. (Source: Town of LaSalle)

Those hoping to lace up their skates for the winter loop in LaSalle this season will need to pump the breaks until fall.

The opening of the $9-million project has been delayed.

In a video posted to social media, Mayor Crystal Meloche said while the project was nearly complete, including the concrete loop, underground servicing and ice plant, there’s still more left to be done.

“Unfortunately the brick paver plaza and the concrete walkways to get to and from the LaSalle loop ice pad are not finished,” she said. “This means that we’re not able to walk safely on the site, and since it’s still a construction site we can’t open it this winter season.”

According to Meloche, the cold winter weather is not the right time to finish construction.

“The general contractor and their crews will be back on site in full force this spring to finish the project,” Meloche said. “At this time, the project remains within budget and continues to be projected to finish within budget. We are working with the contractor to ensure that any town costs for missing the initial original competition date of December 21, 2024 are covered, as per the contract requirements.”

The project includes an outdoor skating trail along with a water feature, and is located near the Event Centre on Front Road.

Meloche says in the coming weeks the town may plan to test the refrigeration systems by making temporary ice, but it still won’t be open for public use.

The entire LaSalle Landing waterfront project is roughly $50 million and brings together the current Gil Maure Park, Front Road Park and Riverdance Park into one 60-acre site along the Detroit River at Front Road.

— Dustin Coffman/AM800 News