Smart Beach Project Update, 2022 Apr 27

Once again the University of Windsor will be placing a buoy for monitoring waves as part of the Smart Beach project. It will be located slightly south and west of the south pier in the vicinity of the start marks for the KYC race course. The plan is to put this buoy in on Thurs. Apr. 27. Please steer clear. Thanks.

About the Smart Beach project:

Smart Beach project set to kick off 2022 May 25 at Station Beach, Kincardine

May 18, 2022

The Municipal Innovation Council will launch the first-of-its-kind Smart Beach pilot project at Station Beach, Kincardine, 2022 May 25.

The collaborative project will deploy an integrated sensor network that includes water level and wave sensors, as well as traffic and pedestrian sensors. Researchers will use the data collected to provide residents and visitors with highly-accurate, real-time local beach forecasts on rip current locations, rough surf, and dangerous areas to avoid.

“Our research team is excited to get to work,” said Houser, Dean of Science and a professor in the School of Environment at the University of Windsor. “Over the next couple of months, we’ll be busy monitoring and modelling the waves and currents at Station Beach and the potential hazards to beach-users.”

“This project has been a great opportunity to engage the grassroots community and tailor this initiative to the local area, developing thoughtful communications and outreach activities to complement the Smart Beach technology,” said Becky Smith, director of the Centre for Municipal Innovation at the Nuclear Innovation Institute. “I’m excited to see where we can expand this project over the three-year pilot and beyond.”

“The Smart Beach project is a prime example of the Municipal Innovation Council at work on an innovative solution that can be adapted to, and applied across, our member municipalities on the Great Lakes,” said Kara Van Myall, chief administrative officer of the Town of Saugeen Shores and chairperson of the Municipal Innovation Council. “Together with community partners, we are building smarter, safer amenities for everyone to enjoy.”

“We look forward to the data that Dr. Houser’s team will compile and analyze,” said Kincardine fire chief Brad Lemaich. “Being able to have predictive tools will allow Kincardine to provide beach-users the knowledge to enjoy a safer experience at Station Beach. The information will also help to minimize first-responder risk levels if we are called to the scene.”

Learn more about the Smart Beach project at smartbeach.ca.