Set among the lush forests of the Kawarthas, near the township of Minden, Ontario, the Minden Wild Water Preserve is an engineered slalom course on the Gull River. Dating back to 1972, the course was designed within a Class 4 rapid, and is now considered one of the top natural slalom courses in the world. For the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games, the existing course was upgraded to host canoe and kayak slalom Pan Am competitions as well as the Olympic qualifiers. This was the first time in multi-sport Games history that the canoe/kayak slalom competitions were held in a natural whitewater course.
In this post of “The Architects behind the Games”, Intern Architect and Toronto 2015 Overlay Site Manager
Alexis Schneider tells us the story behind this one of a kind venue and the unique challenges of designing sports infrastructure on rapids.Alexis worked on the venue as part of the Toronto 2015 Organizing Committee and contributed to three key pieces: athlete crossing, athlete entry dock, and the tiered spectator platform for 300 standing spectators.
Photo Credit: Alexis Schneider
Spectator Platform The lush forest and rocky shoreline on this venue posed a challenge for accommodating spectators. The solution was a tiered, 300 person spectator platform constructed in the water within a protected rock formation near the course finish. Approval from property owners, Environment Canada, and geotechnical testing were all necessary to commence construction of the spectator platform. The construction team worked in several feet of water wearing hip waders and life jackets. They carried heavy equipment across boulders and through water. Materials were brought in piecemeal down the steep embankment using an all-terrain forklift. This was a minimal structure consisting of small bays ranging 1m to 3m in width and depth. The scaffold system consisted of steel standards and ledgers anchored to wood blocking.
Photo Credit: Alexis Schneider
Athlete Crossing The athlete crossing was constructed atop an existing retaining wall completed in 2013 as a capital project for the Pan Am and Para Pan Am Games. Pressure treated wood planks are fastened to ledgers on solid concrete blocks. This installation allowed athletes to cross safely to the island where the start line was located. Although it was a concept as early as 2014 it was not fully designed until May 2015 when athletes were no longer allowed to enter the course from Horseshoe Lake above the Bethel Rd Dam. This piece will remain in place for future paddlers and patrons of the park to enjoy.
Photo Credit: Alexis Schneider
Entry Dock Each of the projects was conducted in close proximity to class 4 rapids. The entry dock is situated above the course start line between Bethel Rd Dam and the athlete crossing. TO2015 worked closely with representatives from Canoe Kayak Canada to design this piece. It was a challenge to build and design under the dam output due to constantly fluctuating water levels and eddies. We landmarked the water levels during competition using surrounding boulders to find a deck height amenable to athletes. We installed fascia boards to a depth well below water level to prevent athletes from being pulled under the dock by strong currents. It was constructed using pressure treated lumber anchored into existing boulders. This piece will remain in place.
Sketch of Athlete Entry Dock by Alexis Schneider
This was a unique venue for athletes and spectators not only because it is in the stunning landscape of Northern Ontario but because athletes typically race in urban concrete fabricated race courses. Many challenges were overcome at this beloved site including building in water, challenging slopes, fluctuating water heights, and exposure to the elements.
A key challenge of the Minden Wild Water Preserve is the substantial fluctuation of water levels. From year to year the water levels vary significantly on the Gull River. In the spring of 2013 there was flooding that put the pre-existing course at risk. Until the spring of 2015 it was difficult to predict what we would have to work with on-site when the snow melted. This required a very flexible design process up until months before the competition.
We approached stakeholders with an open design strategy. With the help of the contractors and engineers involved, TO2015 achieved a successful event. Mott MacDonald Engineering and Consulting, Pinpoint Engineering, Peri Scaffolding, Beacon Construction and Pride Docking Systems all contributed to the design and execution of this work.