Canandaigua city officials reviewed several major projects and policy items this week during a meeting of the Environmental and Ordinance Committees, including progress on an ADA-accessible kayak launch at Lagoon Park, a review of the Salvation Army’s Phoenix Summer Camp partnership, and upcoming capital and budget actions tied to the city’s water treatment plant and fire department.
The meeting, held Oct. 20 at the Hurley Building, covered five main topics ranging from recreation access and youth programming to infrastructure upgrades and code compliance.
ADA kayak launch moves toward construction
City Department of Public Works staff and engineers from Aubertine and Currier presented the final conceptual design for an ADA-compliant kayak launch at Lagoon Park. The project, funded through a New York State Department of State grant, includes a concrete walkway with a 5% slope leading to a floating dock designed for wheelchair accessibility.
The city plans to pour the concrete walkway in-house next spring, with installation of the floating dock expected before summer 2026. The structure will be removed seasonally to prevent ice damage, while the park’s existing natural launch area will remain open to the public.
Councilors and committee members discussed several accessibility and design details, including the need for rest areas along the walkway, the proximity of accessible parking, and the potential effects of water flow and ice on the dock’s stability. Officials said the design meets ADA standards and could be widened in the future if demand warrants.
Council members also urged the city to consult with disability advocacy groups such as Wheels on the World and review best practices from other municipalities, including Fairport, which recently won a statewide award for its accessible docks.
The city will issue a request for proposals to purchase the dock system before the end of the year. Final engineering and environmental permits will follow, with construction expected to begin in early 2026.
Phoenix Summer Camp partnership reviewed
The committees also heard a detailed report from the Salvation Army on its 2025 Phoenix Summer Camp, the first year of a new partnership with the city. The six-week program served 90 children ages 6 to 12, offering field trips to Cumming Nature Center, Kershaw Park, the Red Wings baseball game, and other local attractions.
Director Elizabeth Malanga and Lt. Alyxandra Allen presented a slideshow of the program’s activities and said feedback from families has been largely positive. Parents praised the program’s affordability — $100 per week — but requested clearer communication about field trip details, spending opportunities, and daily schedules.
Several council members raised broader questions about the city’s role in youth programming, noting that the previous city-run camp included younger children who no longer have access to a summer program. City Manager John Goodwin said restoring that “kiddie camp” option would require hiring additional staff or expanding facilities.
Officials also discussed safety improvements, including a possible switch from paper sign-in sheets to a digital attendance and check-in system. The Salvation Army said it would review those options before next summer.
Water tank replacement bids reviewed
Public Works Director John Goodwin reported that bids have been opened for the replacement of Water Storage Tank No. 1 at the city’s water treatment plant. The project will demolish an aging steel tank and construct a new 3-million-gallon concrete structure.
Two general construction bids were received, the lowest at $5.97 million, along with a single electrical bid at $971,935. The engineering firm GHD is reviewing the submissions and will make a recommendation before the City Council’s Oct. 30 meeting, when the contract award is expected.
Stormwater law update proposed
The Ordinance Committee introduced draft revisions to the city’s Stormwater Management and Erosion Control law to align local code with the state’s model regulations. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation identified inconsistencies in the city’s existing law, prompting the revision.
The updated language would mirror the state’s framework while maintaining local oversight of construction-related runoff and erosion control. A public hearing and final council vote will be scheduled later this year.
Fire department budget amendment
Committee members also reviewed a proposed $70,000 budget transfer from the city’s contingency fund to cover increased overtime, holiday pay, and equipment repairs in the Fire Department. Officials cited staffing vacancies, sick leave, and ongoing apparatus maintenance as reasons for the amendment.
If approved by City Council on Oct. 30, the funding will restore full operational capacity through the end of the fiscal year.
What happens next?
The committees took no formal votes but advanced all items for council consideration. The ADA kayak launch, water tank contract, stormwater law revision, and fire budget amendment are expected to appear on the City Council’s late-October agenda.
City officials also said they will continue discussions with the Salvation Army on expanding youth programming ahead of the 2026 summer season.
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