In July 2017, a stretch of sand emerged along the southern bank of the river immediately downstream of a berm constructed for the new bridge. The spot became known as the “Accidental Beach” and drew hundreds of people to an area of the river valley that was previously sparsely utilized.
In April 2018, observations were made along of bank of the North Saskatchewan River that indicated there was increased evidence of soil erosion in the area of the "Accidental Beach" compared to upstream and downstream locations.