The nascent accidental beach that has developed in the south bank of the North Saskatchewan River has enthralled Edmontonians since it began receiving widespread media attention in August. The unplanned attraction has become the talk of the town, opening up ideas and imaginations that position the river's edge as a tranquil bridge between the city and nature. Though it's not quite clear what the fate of the beach will be, and it could vanish as quickly as it appeared, its emergence has unleashed a palpable sense that the space holds enormous potential. 

The old Cloverdale Footbridge in April 2016, image by Flickr user Mack Male via Creative Commons

The accidental beach is an unintended consequence of the new Tawatina LRT bridge that is being constructed for the Valley Line at the former location of the Cloverdale Footbridge. The two piers for the bridge are being supported by huge rock berms that have been assembled on both sides of the river. The berms had the effect of slowing water flow in the river, which deposited large volumes of sand and silt on the river bed. A sandbar that existed at the site — pictured in the photo above — has grown considerably in size and became a one-kilometre-long beach. 

The pre-existing sandbar captured in mid-August 2017, image by Forum contributor Daveography

Part of the dune's appeal is its striking view of the downtown skyline, which has notably changed its look in recent years. Even comparing a recent image of the cityscape to one captured just a year ago, some immediate differences come into focus. The cranes of the remaining ICE District towers have popped up into view following the completion of the Edmonton Tower, while the gold-coloured skin of Scotia Place has been swapped with a more modern blue tinge.

A rendered representation of the new Tawatina LRT bridge shows the small sandbar that became the beach, image via TransEd

The ephemeral prominence of the sandbar will take a big hit once the berms are removed following completion of the bridge, though it's possible to shift the berms to a new location nearby that will maintain the integrity of the beach. As a navigable waterway under federal jurisdiction, the City would need to take part in some inter-governmental wrangling to ensure its longevity.

The Cloverdale Footbridge, with the sandbar to the left, in August 2011, image by Flickr user Mack Male via Creative Commons

But in the meantime, the City is coping with the influx of crowds by placing extra garbage cans and porta-potties on the trails that lead to the beach. One resident has even taken it upon themselves to carve out a set of stairs on one of the hilly entrances, a passion project that perfectly encapsulates Edmontonians' love affair with the newfound summer landmark.

The new accidental beach, image by Flickr user Mack Male via Creative Commons

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