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Current Projects
Regeneration In Action!
While the past decade saw hundreds of large and small transformations of the water's edge, the next will witness communities along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River taking bold steps to improve their waterfronts. Here are some of the current initiatives to improve Lake Ontario's waterfront.
Lake Ontario Waterfront Investment Program
52 Projects to Enhance and Expand the Lake Ontario Waterfront Greenway and Trail
Together with 27 community partners, the Trust successfully applied to the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program (COIP) for funding to expand and enhance the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail and Greenway.
- $9.2 million contribution by COIP
- $21 million investment by municipalities, conservation authorities
and community groups
- Total investment by all levels of government and community partners $30 million
The investment will result in 70 kilometers of new Waterfront Trail and trail connections; 10 major waterfront promenades; three bridges; improvements to 16 parks; 10 new regional and local trail connections; seven new cultural heritage facilities; interpretation of 15 waterfront habitats; three major brownfield rehabilitation projects; 15 habitat restoration projects and two major marina revitalization projects. The project also helped spark the expansion of the Waterfront Trail from Brockville to Quebec (160 kilometers).Projects are described below.
Project Components (listed geographically)
The Regional Municipality of Niagara will improve the roadways along the Lake Ontario Waterfront Greenway and Trail by resurfacing existing gravel shoulders with asphalt, painting roadway lines (ie. bicycle lanes), and installing directional signage. The five affected roadways include portions of:
- Regional Road 87 (Lakeshore Road) in Niagara-on-the-Lake
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Complete!
- Regional Road 39 (Jordan Rd to Seventh St.) in St. Catharines and
Lincoln Complete!
- Regional Road 26 (Jordan Road) in Lincoln Complete!
- Regional Road 39 (North Service Road) from Townline to Victoria Av.)
in Grimsby
Complete!
- Regional Road 39 (Hunter Rd to Kerman Dr.) in Grimsby Complete!
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority will:
- improve the Twenty Mile Creek Trail by installing signage throughout
the trail system, extending the trail north to link with the Lake Ontario
Waterfront Trail, creating a formal trail to replace existing informal
routes, constructing a lookout platform and developing two staging areas.
Complete!
- convert 12 kilometres of abandoned rail bed into a multi-use trail
with associated signage. The new trail links the Wainfleet Wetlands
via the Trans Canada Trail, the Welland Canals Parkway Trail and the
Greater Niagara Circle Route. As a multi-use trail for walkers, cyclists,
horseback riders and nature enthusiasts, the trail will provide diverse
recreation, social and health opportunities. Complete!
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore, in partnership
with the City of St. Catharines and the Port Weller Drydocks, will complete
Phase 3 of the Charles Ansell Gateway Park project. The project will include
an extension of a multi-use trail to a newly constructed parking lot,
the construction of an outdoor plaza area and an amphitheatre, landscaping,
the burying of electrical services, and the installation of heritage landing,
marine artifacts, and park amenities, such as benches, water fountains,
flagpoles, bike racks and interpretive signage. Complete!
The Town of Fort Erie will complete a one-kilometre section of the Friendship Trail along Lakeshore Road, and another one-kilometre section along Edgemere Road.
- The Friendship Trail project along Lakeshore Road will include the
construction of a multi-use concrete trail with a planted boulevard
separating the municipal road and trail, as well as the installation
of decorative street lighting and utility burial. Complete!
- The Friendship Trail project along Edgemere Road will involve the
conversion of Edgemere Road to a one-way street and the construction
of a multi-use concrete trail, with a planted boulevard separating the
municipal road and trail. Complete!
The City of Port Colborne will improve an extension of the West
Street Waterfront Promenade overlooking the Welland Canal. The Promenade
is a component of the Welland Canals Parkway Trail, which forms part of
the Greater Niagara Circle Route that connects to the Lake Ontario Waterfront
Trail. The West Street Waterfront Promenade project will extend the trail
from Charlotte Street to Clarence Street, and will include the replacement
of railings along the canal, the construction of walkways, upgrades to
an existing parking area, the installation of lighting and flagpoles,
replacement of some asphalt at road connection with paving stones, and
landscaping. Complete!
The Town of Lincoln will improve the following parks:
- the Victoria Shores Park: by installing a pathway and lookout Complete!
- the Charles Daley Park: by creating waterfront trails and installing
interpretive signage Complete!
The Town of Grimsby will complete landscaping improvements throughout
the Forty Mile Creek Park including upgrades to the recreation area's
pumphouse and parking lot. Complete!
The Hamilton Region Conservation Authority will redevelop the
Confederation Park West by:
- widening and paving a two-kilometre stretch of existing trail Complete!
- constructing an outdoor leisure pool to replace the Lakeland Community
Pool Complete!
- building a community centre with parking facilities and related landscaping
Complete!
The City of Hamilton's projects are:
- The Hamilton Beach Trail project includes the construction of 4.2
kilometres of recreational trail connecting an existing trail through
Confederation Park to the City of Burlington's waterfront trail. Other
project features include the construction of lookouts, and two sun shelters
with washrooms, and the installation of lighting, benches and interpretive
panels. Complete!
- The Dieppe Memorial Park will provide a tribute to Hamilton residents
who perished in the World War II raid on Dieppe in France. The new park
will include a plaza area and monument, a memorial wall, open green
space and a paved parking lot. Complete!
- The Waterfront Trail Extension - Pier 4 to Pier 8 involves a 675-metre
extension to the Hamilton Harbour Waterfront Trail, and the installation
of interpretive signs. Complete!
- The Windemere Basin will be restored as the green gateway to the City
of Hamilton, and will include the construction of trails and lookouts
and the creation of a habitat for migrating birds. Complete!
The Town of Oakville projects are:
- Widening and paving portions of the Waterfront Trail between Winston
Churchill Boulevard and Third Line. Complete!
- Constructing a one-kilometre trail along the top bank of Joshua's
Creek, installing a stairway to the valley floor and signage. Complete!
- Enhancing the Bronte Creek Trail by constructing a formal trail from
Rebecca Street to the Petro Canada Park parking lot. Other upgrades
include the installation of directional signage, trail widening, and
surfacing with limestone screenings. Complete!
The Credit Valley Conservation Authority is undertaking three separate projects within the Rattray Marsh Conservation Area, including:
- Reconstruction of the Silver Birch entrance to the Rattray Marsh Conservation
Area including drainage improvements, new asphalt paving of entrance,
new plantings, installation of access barrier gates, and armourstone
seating features. Complete!
- Improvements to Middle Sheridan Creek Bridge include stabilizing the
creek's banks with amourstone and plantings and constructing a 53 m
boardwalk to further protect the creek. Complete!
- Installation of interpretive display boards on short steel posts in
various locations throughout the conservation area. Complete!
The City of Mississauga will redevelop Memorial Park East by reconstructing
the Credit River's shoreline protection through the addition of a water's
edge walkway, naturalized planting buffers and viewing platforms, garden,
pavilion, terrace and parking area and adding landscaping. Complete!
The City of Pickering will design and construct a barrier-free
pedestrian bridge and a multi-use asphalt pathway in the Petticoat Creek
Conservation Area, enhancing the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail across
the Petticoat Creek and Valley. The construction of the Petticoat Creek
Bridge is part of the City of Pickering’s ongoing efforts to build
a seamless connection to the Waterfront Trail across Pickering’s
waterfront, providing an elevated walkway through beautiful conservation
lands and offering spectacular views of Lake Ontario. With a total span
of 170 m and a height of 8 – 10 m above the valley floor, the bridge
will provide an environmentally sensitive multi-use, barrier free, accessible
crossing of the Petticoat Creek Valley. The bridge will also be an important
asset to the community as it will connect the Petticoat Creek Conservation
Area and Park Crescent in the West Shore neighbourhood of Pickering. Complete!
The Town of Ajax will complete the missing links of waterfront trail in their municipality, providing a continuous, multi-use connection between the City of Pickering and the Town of Whitby. The project involves the construction of a 3-metre wide asphalt path and the installation of interpretive and directional signage at 4 main locations across Ajax’s waterfront:
- Lakeview Boulevard from Pickering Beach Road east to Shoal Point Road.
Complete!
- Shoal Point Road north from Lakeshore Boulevard to the "Lakeside"
residential development. Complete!
- Lakeside Community (from Shoal Point Road to new Audley Road) north
side of Carruther's Creek Marsh. Complete!
- New Audley Road to Whitby boarder. Complete!
The Whitby Heritage Community Association will construct an addition to the historical home of Captain James Rowe, the first Mayor of Whitby. The expansion will provide barrier-free access and barrier-free public washrooms to the facility, which will serve as a resting place along the Waterfront Trail.
In addition, the project includes improvements to the patio, fencing,
heritage gardens and pathways.
Complete!
The Friends of the Second Marsh will develop the Great Lakes Wetland
Centre by constructing a facility that will provide space for wetland
and environmental education programs. The current phase relates to the
design of indoor and out door exhibits and associated landscaping, and
the architectural and engineering design for the project. The present
concept is for a three-storey, 18,000 square foot building which will
include two classrooms, 4000 square feet of exhibition space, a large
viewing deck and a restaurant.
Complete!
The Municipality of Clarington will improve the Samuel Wilmot Nature Area and the Bowmanville Boat Launch Recreation Area.
- Improvements at the Samuel Wilmot Nature Area include the construction
of a secondary trail connecting the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail to
the bluffs overlooking Lake Ontario, the establishment of a barrier-free
wooden viewing platform with built-in seating and the installation of
interpretive and directional signs. Samuel Wilmot Nature Area protects
77 hectares of stream valley lands and a Class 2 Provincially Significant
wetland. Complete!
- Improvements to the Waterfront Trail through Bowmanville Harbour Conservation
Area include moving the Waterfront Trail off-road and constructing a
pedestrian bridge over Bowmanville Creek. The bridge will connect the
existing boat launch site to the Conservation Authority land on the
west side of the creek and provide a pedestrian link between the East
and West Beach portions of the waterfront park. As a result the Waterfront
Trail will become entirely off-road between West Beach Road and Port
Darlington Road Complete!
The Municipality of Port Hope will construct a 33-metre pedestrian
footbridge across the Ganaraska River, connecting the Mill Street Marina
area with the Centre Pier. The project will also include upgrades to the
adjacent fish cleaning station and public washroom building. The installation
of the bridge will create a high quality handicap accessible connection
across the river to achieve a safe, continuous and connected Waterfront
Trail across Port Hope. Complete!
The Town of Cobourg will revitalize its waterfront along the West and Central harbours.
Central Harbour Development Complete!
- Demolition of an abandoned industrial building
- Site remediation measures
- Conversion of site to open park space (landscaping, walkways, benches, linkage of waterfront to downtown)
West Harbour Waterfront Development: construction of 1⁄4 km of
new boardwalk on the West Beach.
Complete!
The Lower Trent Conservation Authority will upgrade the existing
parking facilities and install interpretive signage in the Haldimand Conservation
Area along the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail. The new facility will provide
safe access to Lake Ontario and the Waterfront Trail and improve the quality
and safety of waterfront infrastructure. Complete!
The Township of Cramahe will widen and improve 1.4 kilometres
of trail along Union Road. The improvements to the surface of Union Road
will result in 1.5 km of a wider road with asphalt surface that will provide
a smoother and safer route for Waterfront Trail users. The new trail will
improve the condition and quality of existing infrastructure to provide
a safe platform for cyclists and pedestrians using the Trail. Complete!
The Municipality of Brighton will improve the Brighton Marina and create the Butler Creek Trail.
- Improvements at the Brighton Marina include the construction of a
barrier-free washroom building, the paving of an existing parking lot,
the installation of fencing and lighting, and landscaping. Complete!
- The creation of the Butler Creek Trail entails the construction of
a 0.8 km walking trail along the Butler Creek watershed, with interpretive
signage and benches. Complete!
The County of Northumberland will improve 1.4 kilometres of Waterfront
Trail by creating firmer shoulders on both sides of County Road 31, using
tar and pea gravel along the shoulders of both sides of the road, and
upgrading the level railway crossing on County Road 31, south of the Village
of Colborne. This will add a safe on-road, hard surfaced facility for
pedestrian and cyclists on both side of Count Rd. 31. Complete!
The City of Quinte West will construct 2.5 kilometres of multi-purpose
trails along the Centennial Park waterfront. The project includes the
installation of lookout areas along the trail, as well as landscaping.
A waterfront staging post will be constructed at the Northeast corner
of Robert Patrick Marina. The new trail will give the public the opportunity
to pursue many activities such as walking, inline skating, cycling and
enjoying the waterfront. It will also be an important step in linking
the cities of Quinte West and Belleville. Complete!
The City of Belleville will improve East and West Zwick's Park,
the Parrott Riverfront Trail and the Whitney Place Trail through the installation
of asphalt-paved trails, lighting, landscaping, historical plaques, and
an entrance node for the Parrott Riverfront Trail.
East and West Zwick's Park Complete!
- Construction of a four-metre-wide, asphalt-paved pedestrian trail
- Installation of lighting
- Landscaping
Parrot Riverfront Trail Complete!
- Complete the recently constructed trail with the installation of historical plaques, additional lighting and landscaping
- Construction of an entrance node
Whitney Place Trail Entrance Complete!
- Completion of survey and engineering drawings for a future asphalt-paved trail from Highway 2 (Dundas Street) to link with the Waterfront Trail system
The City of Kingston will construct 720 metres of trail to link
Lake Ontario Park, south of King Street West, to the waterfront trail
behind the Kingston Psychiatric Hospital. The new asphalt trail will feature
benches at viewing locations. Complete!
Community Waterfront Projects
With support from the Trillium Foundation, the Trust worked with Kingston, Belleville, and Ajax to involve the public in developing waterfront regeneration action plans.
City of Kingston
In spring 2002, the Waterfront Regeneration Trust partnered with the City
of Kingston on a process to develop a vision for the spectacular 150km
waterfront of the amalgamated City. The results of the workshop are available
in an Update Report on the City of Kingston's website at http://www.city.kingston.on.ca/residents/waterfront.
On October 1 2002, Kingston City Council endorsed the staff report on
the visioning process and agreed to proceed to develop a waterfront strategy.
Complete!
City of Belleville
The Waterfront Regeneration Trust is working with the City of Belleville,
Environment Canada, Quinte Conservation and stakeholders on a concept
plan for Belleville's East Bayshore. A consultation guide, including initial
concepts and a survey, was distributed to Belleville residents in October
2002. An open house and workshop to discuss the future of the East Bayshore
were held on October 29th 2002. A report will be provided to City Council
in February 2003. For more information, visit the City of Belleville website
at http://www.city.belleville.on.ca/news44.htm.
Complete!
Town of Ajax
The Trust has been working with the Town of Ajax on an update of its 1995
Waterfront Management Plan. A public consultation guide has been distributed
to 26,000 households in the Town of Ajax and is also available on the
Town's website at http://www.townofajax.com/news/releases/waterfront.asp.
A public workshop was held on May 18th, 2004 to provide an opportunity
for community input into the update of the Waterfront Management Plan.
Stayed tunned on the Town’s website for the posting of the workshop
report.
Local Initiatives
Local communities (regions, municipalities, conservation authorities, service clubs and community groups) are engaged in ambitious and exciting projects that are making a major contribution to the vision of a regenerated waterfront.
Trail Improvements in Grimsby
The Town of Grimsby has begun implementing a Traffic Calming Plan along
Lake Street from Ontario Street to the easterly Town Limits. A Traffic
Calming Study was initiated in 2006 to determine the best way to improve
safety, reduce vehicle speeds provide cycling facilities and improve the
liveability of the neighbourhood. Key features of the Plan include use
of raised crosswalks at key intersections, provision of on-road cycling
facilities within the existing roadway right-of-way, and use of passive
traffic calming measures including gateway treatments and increased signage.
Rattray Marsh Living Discovery Centre Project
Rattray Marsh in Mississauga is about to undergo a series of enhancements and infrastructure improvements designed to turn it into a “Living Discovery Centre.” Using donations secured by the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation and an anonymous donor. Credit Valley Conservation will implement a series of restoration efforts aimed at “improving and enhancing the environmental health of the Marsh and creating educational opportunities for visitors to this wonderful natural and cultural resource in Mississauga.”
As the main Trail facility through the marsh, the Waterfront Trail will be a primary focus of the improvement efforts, which will include:
- surface upgrades
- railing needs along boardwalks
- boardwalk improvements or construction
- signage
Hamilton Develops Trails Master Plan
The Open Space Development and Park Planning division of the City of
Hamilton, working with various planners, partners and consultant groups,
has just released the final draft of the Hamilton Trails Master Plan.
The comprehensive document, the result of years of work and public consultations,
puts forth a plan for a city-wide, integrated network of off-road recreational
trails linking natural areas, cultural features and major land use destinations
in the City of Hamilton. The proposed network builds on existing trails,
recommending upgrades and additions to enhance the system. It is meant
to act as a framework to guide future trail planning and construction
projects.
Burlington's New Waterfront Plan
With 23 kms of new waterfront trail, several mixed-use developments,
and heritage and environmental restoration projects, Burlington's waterfront
is a vital part of that city's quality-of-life, attracting corporate and
individual investors and generating tangible local economic returns. The
Downtown Waterfront Implementation Plan, approved by City Council in August
2003, will realize the community's vision for their waterfront.
Burlington opens Discovery Landing and Rotary Central Pond
June 24, 2006 marked the opening celebrations for two new family destinations:
Discovery Landing and the Rotary Centennial Pond. Discovery Landing is
a glass-enclosed observatory that faces the lake, providing a remarkable
view of water and great opportunities for weather watching. The observatory
is open to the public year round and offers exhibits, interactive displays
and programs on weather, the environment and the history of the waterfront
in Burlington. The new facility also houses Spencer’s on the Waterfront,
a family restaurant, and the Bite Café.
Rotary Centennial Pond is a new attraction that will provide year round
recreation on the waterfront, operating as a skating rink in the winter
and a 14-inch deep reflective pond (perfect for model boating clubs) in
the summer.
Port Union Waterfront Park Opening
On September 24, 2006, the TWRC in partnership with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority celebrated the completion of Phase 1 of the Port Union Waterfront Improvement Project. This project involves the revitalization of the stretch of waterfront from Highland Creek to the Rouge River in Scarborough. Phase 1 includes the construction of the Pedestrian Node at the foot of Port Union Road, more than half of the proposed 3.6 km Waterfront Trail system, five cobble beaches and a bridge at the mouth of Highland Creek.
Phase II will involve the completion of the headland beach system and
Waterfront Trail. This phase will begin construction in 2007 and will
be open to the public in 2008.
Construction Begins on Mimico Waterfront Linear Park
On July 24th, 2006, the TWRC, in partnership with the TRCA, celebrated the start of construction on Mimico Waterfront Linear Park in Toronto’s west end. The project is designed to give residents safe and easy access to this section of the Lake Ontario shoreline, which is currently unavailable to them. It will include the creation of a number of amenities, among them a pedestrian boardwalk and a brand new section of the Waterfront Trail. The creation of a new section of Trail in this area is great news for Trail users, especially as it will open part of the stretch of waterfront west of Mimico Creek that is currently one of the gaps in the Waterfront Trail.
Phase 1 of the Mimico Project is scheduled to be completed and opened
to the public in 2008.
Pickering Takes Measures to Improve Water Quality
In response to a comprehensive environmental report created by the University of Toronto at Scarborough Environmental Science Department, the City of Pickering has undertaken steps to improve the quality of water in all creeks and streams that lead into Frenchman’s Bay.
A contract has been issued to Marshall Macklin Monaghan, who will be
working with the University of Toronto at Scarborough and the TRCA to
find methods to deal with sediment run-off from the transportation corridor
and hard service areas in Pickering, which have had a damaging effect
on local water quality. They will also be looking into sediment removal
in Frenchman’s Bay and how to improve the wetlands with members
of McMaster University.
Thickson's Woods Pays off Meadow Mortgage
In May, 2006, the Thickson's Woods Land Trust payed off the mortgage
on 8.5 acres of newly acquired meadow, which was otherwise slated for
industrial use. The securing of this land for the Thickson's Woods Nature
Reserve, located on Whitby's waterfront, means continued protection for
the Reserve from car fumes and noise and ensures the preservation of a
natural habitat and an important migration rest stop for birds. It also
means that Waterfront Trail users will continue to be treated to natural
beauty on both sides of the Trail, which runs through the Reserve, separating
the stunning 16+ acre woods on the south, dominated by massive white pines
reaching heights of more that one hundred feet, from the newly acquired
meadow on the north.
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