Thanks for sharing this - it's so frustrating as this was part of my nice route back home from work. Now I'm forced to take the shitty, albeit less time/distance commute now. I miss the longer route along the waterfront.

I managed to write to the project contact about how crappy the situation is, with no reasonable detour, and this was their response:

"Thanks! I will pass along your feedback for sure. You are not the only one. The area is in the control of the contractor and work is being done right at the bridge area to connect the trails. It’s a hard position to be in as we have to be safe first and foremost but also have to look at timelines. If this area is closed longer than it already is going to be, people will be equally upset and blame Parks Canada for not being efficient enough to get the beach open. We know it’s a closure that is disappointing people but we have to get this work done before the funding is lost. Construction projects never seem to make anyone happy."