[SteelTown]

CHARTING A NEW COURSE

Nicole Macintyre
The Hamilton Spectator
(Dec 4, 2007)

A new vision of the city's waterfront is trying to calm a storm of controversy brewing over the future of west Hamilton Harbour.

The Hamilton Waterfront Trust has unveiled its proposed plan for the shoreline, offering a radically different take than a city consultant paid some $600,000.

"This really is a compromise between all users," said Werner Plessl, the trust's executive director.

At a high level, the trust's plan is cheaper -- about $70 million to implement versus $83 million for the city's preferred plan -- and offers more retail and commercial space to generate taxes and attract visitors to the harbour.

"We want this to be a year-round destination," said Councillor Chad Collins, chair of the trust's board.

The alternative proposal leaves all but one of the waterfront's boathouses in place, instead of combining them under one roof as the consultant recommended.

The consultant's preferred plan, which covers Bayfront Park to Pier 8, has been under fire since it was unveiled earlier this year. The city is still collecting public input on the proposal before bringing it to council in the new year for approval.

"There are certainly some challenges," said Christine Lee Morrison, the city's manager of strategic and environmental planning.

But while there has been negative feedback from waterfront users, Morrison said there has also been lots of positive reviews about the consultant's design.

She said city staff plan to meet with the trust to review its proposal before drafting the final recommended plan.

[SteelTown]

Taking a different tack
Add more waterfront restaurants, shops -- and people will flock to invest, Chamber of Commerce boss says

December 04, 2007
Nicole Macintyre
The Hamilton Spectator
(Dec 4, 2007)

Who should rule the waterfront and who should pay the way?

Those two critical questions are the focus of the debate over the future of west Hamilton Harbour.

A city consultant has recommended an overhaul of the shoreline from Bayfront Park to Pier 4. The proposal, which would uproot several boat clubs to be housed under one roof, has left some waterfront users with a sinking feeling.

Hamilton's Waterfront Trust, a nonprofit organization at arm's length from the city, has thrown out an alternative proposal that it hopes will be a lifesaver.

So far, many harbour users are buoyed by the new plan.

"It seems to be a much more balanced approach," said John Dolbec, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, which calls the waterfront home.

The trust's proposal offers nearly seven times more commercial space, from restaurants to shops, to encourage the private sector to invest in the waterfront, said Dolbec.

"People will flock to invest money down there."

The more private opportunities available, the less public money needed to transform the area, Dolbec said, noting the taxes from development will also help pay off the city's investment.

Councillor Chad Collins said the trust's plan offers more parking, overnight accommodation and additional public spaces -- albeit less boat storage -- at a cheaper price because it isn't paying for mass redevelopment on the boathouse sites.

The trust developed its proposal after reviewing the consultant's research, public feedback and its own field trips, said Collins.

"We've stolen the best concepts from waterfronts around North America."

The trust's alternative plan leaves all the boathouses in their existing locations, except for MacDonald Marine, which the consultant also recommended be moved.

Under the trust plan, the Leander Boat Club would undergo a facade renovation.

Instead of one massive boating facility described by the consultant, the trust plan envisions a civic waterfront facility at the bottom of Bay Street that would combine the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club, chamber and public amenities.

City staff plan to review the trust's proposal before bringing their final recommendation to council in the new year.

[SteelTown]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/Aallen396/waterfrontplans.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/Aallen396/waterfront1.jpg

[DC83]

What did the city have planned re: parking?
I kind of like this idea, and appreciate the fact that it's more commercial oriented... I just like the whole Piazza feel over the a-typical "nautical/cape cod" theme most waterfronts have.

[raisethehammer]

I love this!
Gee whiz...the local boaters and folks who live here were able to develop a plan that is better than what some overpriced consultant gave us. Who knew??

They should toss that other plan in the trash immediately and go with this. The only thing I'd like them to keep from the first plan is the winter skating rink at James and Guise area.

[markbarbera]

What did the city have planned re: parking?
I kind of like this idea, and appreciate the fact that it's more commercial oriented... I just like the whole Piazza feel over the a-typical "nautical/cape cod" theme most waterfronts have.

Also from today's Spec:

http://lh4.google.com/mark.barbera/R1V9b4Wn-oI/AAAAAAAACPs/_yyBeMesQc8/s800/waterfrontstats.JPG (http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/pdfs/20071204/A3.pdf)

[DC83]

Thanks, man.

So the city had actually planned for 400+ less parking spots? Was that b/c it was all surface and the Waterfront Trust's plans for Underground?

[SteelTown]

The only thing I'd like them to keep from the first plan is the winter skating rink at James and Guise area.

If you look hard enough you can see a blue pond at Pier 4. So the skating rink idea is still alive.

[raisethehammer]

I love the look of that rendering along Guise St. that would be great to tie it into the harbour.

[fastcarsfreedom]

I love it. I grew up dreaming/anticipating that day that Hamilton took advantage of it's priceless waterfront--finally glad to see things stepping in this direction--we got the parks--now we need the vibrancy of commercial development. I love it...bring it on, more more more.

[SteelTown]

Commercial square
http://www.thespec.com/images/assets/401568_3.JPG

Civic Waterfront Centre
http://www.thespec.com/images/assets/401569_3.JPG

Leander Boat Club
http://www.thespec.com/images/assets/401570_3.JPG

[raisethehammer]

let's hope this passes and starts getting built sometime in the next few decades.
It's a great sounding plan.

[raisethehammer]

oh please find a real CEO, AND FAST!!!

http://www.investinhamilton.ca/pdf/MR-PortCEO.pdf

[DC83]

oh please find a real CEO, AND FAST!!!

http://www.investinhamilton.ca/pdf/MR-PortCEO.pdf

OMG NO!!! That's what I get for saying his name the other day. He's like Candyman... just more Vampire-like. Don't same his name or he'll show up (in rediculous roles, apparently).

What's he going to do? Decide Fofty Point Marina needs more work than the Harbourfront?

[raisethehammer]

I think the Port will now open our new VIA station on a slag pile on Pier 24.

[DC83]

Waterfront redevelopment on the table

Dec, 11 2007 - 8:00 AM

HAMILTON (AM900 CHML) - The future of the Hamilton waterfront will be up for discussion when two key groups meet this week.
The Hamilton Waterfront Trust will meet with representatives from the city.

Both have come up with different ideas for the Harbour between Bayfront Park and Pier 8.

But both groups say they're willing to compromise and will meet Friday to discuss the issue.

http://900chml.com/news/news_local.cfm?cat=7428872912&rem=81350&red=80187223aPBIny&wids=410&gi=1&gm=news_local.cfm

[SteelTown]

Double vision
Waterfront trust, city differ on plans for harbour

Emma Reilly
Special to The Hamilton Spectator
(Dec 11, 2007)

City representatives and the Hamilton Waterfront Trust will meet on Friday to discuss the future of west Hamilton Harbour.

The two groups have proposed radically different visions for a stretch of land between Bayfront Park and Pier 8.

"We're going to differ, because they're fundamentally different plans," said Chris Firth-Eagland, consultant to the waterfront trust. "We think 'year-round, all Hamiltonians,' they think 'boating community.'"

The city's favoured plan features almost 1,000 mooring spaces, a large boathouse, and a non-motorized boating area. The waterfront trust's plan places more emphasis on preserving the natural shoreline and expanding commercial and retail space.

Both say they want to make the waterfront more accessible to the public.

The city requested proposals for developing the west harbour in 2005. The waterfront trust did not submit an entry, said Justin Readman, project manager of environmental planning.

"We're not in the business of submitting proposals," said waterfront trust executive director Werner Plessl. What they've submitted is a reaction to the city plan. "If they have a procedure that we don't fit into, that's fine."

Still, both groups say they're willing to compromise.

"We're willing to work with everyone who has an interest in the waterfront," said Gerry Davis, senior director of capital planning and implementation for the city.

The players
* Hamilton Waterfront Trust: A Hamilton-based charitable organization

Why you know them:
Pier 4 and Bayfront parks
Hamilton waterfront trolley

* City consultants: A Mississauga-based team of architects and engineers led by ENVision -- The Hough Group and including architects Montgomery Sisam

Why you know them:
Port Credit harbour (an ENVision -- The Hough Group project)
Humber River pedestrian bridge (a Montgomery Sisam project)

Proposed costs
* Hamilton Waterfront Trust: $70 million

* City: $83 million

Plan highlights
* Waterfront trust
540 metres of new boardwalk, 1,200 metres of new water's edge access
No harbour infilling
Underground parking

* City
Lots of boat storage
Bringing several boathouses together under one roof
Multi-use waterfront centre
Plan drawbacks

* Waterfront trust
Lack of boating storage space
Multi-storey buildings that could block views

* City
Filling in areas of the harbour; net loss of water space
Above-ground parking lots and boat storage on valuable harbour land

Both plans feature:
* A designated swimming area
* An artisan market
* More public washrooms and concession stands
* Kayak/small boat rental

Hamilton has raised water rates well above the pace of inflation for each of the past five years to catch up on overdue maintenance and reflect the actual cost of service.

[raisethehammer]

I found this online today:

http://www.detroitriverfront.org/

I've long said that a few simple steps could bring a lot more activity and life to our waterfront.
1. A carousel. Kids love it and what better way to revitalize an area than to get kids loving it.
2. Bike rentals. Add boat/peddleboat rentals as well at our waterfront.
3. Interactive water fountains. Awesome in heat like this.
4. Cafes/eateries. More options. Hutch's and Williams are good, but it's time for more.

Also, all of these things could be done downtown too. My kids LOVE the small merry-go round in Gore Park each Christmas.

Hamilton needs to plan some small, but important steps like this instead of always focusing on massive projects.

[DC83]

^^ Everyone loved the historic corrousel (sp?) at Port Dalhousie before they tore it down. That thing was an attraction in itself!

[FairHamilton]

^^ Everyone loved the historic corrousel (sp?) at Port Dalhousie before they tore it down. That thing was an attraction in itself!

They tore it dwon!!!!! That is a true shame.

An old girlfriend took me there one cold rainy spring day and we rode that thing for at least 30 minutes at a nickel a ride. I'd always wanted to go back and ride it again one day.

That news is a real downer...........

[highwater]

I found this online today:

http://www.detroitriverfront.org/

I've long said that a few simple steps could bring a lot more activity and life to our waterfront.
1. A carousel. Kids love it and what better way to revitalize an area than to get kids loving it.
2. Bike rentals. Add boat/peddleboat rentals as well at our waterfront.
3. Interactive water fountains. Awesome in heat like this.
4. Cafes/eateries. More options. Hutch's and Williams are good, but it's time for more.

Also, all of these things could be done downtown too. My kids LOVE the small merry-go round in Gore Park each Christmas.

Hamilton needs to plan some small, but important steps like this instead of always focusing on massive projects.

Just got this email from McHattie's office. Just the sort of thing you're talking about:

Ainslie Wood Westdale,

A very interesting Bazaar featuring "Made in Hamilton" artwork starts tomorrow and continues every Saturday throughout the summer. See below for details and feel free to pass along to your email contacts.

Thanks!

Dale

****** please advise if you do not want to be on the Ainslie Wood Westdale email list ************

-----Original Message-----
From: Meaghan McGregor [mailto:meaghan.mcgregor@gmail.com]
Sent: June 6, 2008 9:28 AM
To: info@sabawoon.ca
Subject: It begins tomorrow in Hamilton


Hamiltonians

When tomorrow dawns, the Sabawoon (sab-a-woon) Bazaar will emerge on the Hamilton waterfront.

On the rolling green hills outside the Discovery Centre, under the shade of the carousel tents, artists & craftspeople from around the globe who now live (or were born) in Hamilton are selling their original artworks.There are weavers and textile artists; painters and print makers; potters and sculptors; jewelers and ceramic artists to hand-bound Venetian journal making; graffiti art and fresh flowers.

Enjoy the lively atmosphere of an ever-changing local Bazaar selling one-of-a-kind, high quality and affordable artwork that is "Made in Hamilton".

It begins tomorrow and continues every Saturday, 11am - 5pm, throughout the summer.

Visit http://www.sabawoon.ca/index.html for more details.

Please forward to friends and fellow Hamiltonians. This is about creating a new local economy that truly reflects and supports the artistic, social and cultural diversity on offer in our city.

With thanks and see you at the Sabawoon,

meaghan

[Gurnett71]

^^ Everyone loved the historic corrousel (sp?) at Port Dalhousie before they tore it down. That thing was an attraction in itself!

http://www.stcatharines.ca/recreation/rec_af_carousel.asp

Looks like it is still up and running, according to the above link. I certainly hope it was not torn down!!!:(

[DC83]

^^ Sweet! I hope it is, too. I haven't been to Port in probably like 3 years. I love the area tho... I wonder if they're still building that completely-out-of-place condo tower?

[Gurnett71]

I wonder if they're still building that completely-out-of-place condo tower?

From skyscrapercity.com contributor, xzmattzx:

http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/A...aspx?e=1053043

www.PortDalhousie.ca

[SteelTown]

Boating clubs await city's proposal

January 12, 2009
Dana Brown
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/494616

Today is D-day for Hamilton's waterfront boating community.

For the first time during the revitalization planning process, city councillors will decide whether to support the idea of encouraging boating clubs to share facilities.

It's a contentious issue that pits a city plan, which called for clubs to come together in a marina centre, against organizations along the waterfront who say they don't want to move.

The clubs own the buildings they occupy, but are on leased city land. City staff said a lot of the leases expire in 2016 and 2018.

That gives the city the opportunity to shuffle the businesses as it strives to revamp the waterfront.

The area in question stretches from Bayfront Park to Pier 8.

The initial city plan was so divisive that the Hamilton Waterfront Trust developed an alternative plan, which many organizations on the waterfront say they prefer. It proposed leaving all facilities but one in their current place.

Now, after months of looking for common ground, city staff are coming to council seeking a thumbs up on a set of guiding principles they will use to develop the final plan.

Jill Stephen, director of strategic and environmental planning with the city, said staff still think the idea of clubs sharing some facilities is a good one, but it's too soon to tell what that would look like.

"We can't get to that stage of the plan until we know that council is buying into this overreaching philosophy that we have for how we should approach the next stages of the plan," she said.

But Martin Lipp, past-president of the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club, who will represent the Waterfront Stakeholders' Group to councillors today, said the consolidation idea isn't sitting well on the waterfront.

"There's some really major cultural differences between the organizations," he said. "And although they get along really well, and they support each other, there really is an element of, if you like, 'Good fences make good neighbours.'"

In addition to encouraging shared facilities, city staff are also proposing other changes, including increasing the amount of commercial space on the waterfront and maintaining the existing shoreline as much as possible.

There also have been concerns raised over the $81.5-million price tag on the city plan.

Councillor Chad Collins, who chairs the waterfront trust, questions who would pay for the plan to build new facilities for private operations.

Collins said there's also still disagreement over the amount of commercial space that should be present. The trust has proposed 130,000 square feet and the city is proposing a revised 75,000 square feet.

"With that comes jobs and new tax dollars and that's something that this community really needs," he said.

But John Dolbec, CEO of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, said neither proposal goes far enough when it comes to private-sector opportunities.

Dolbec also cautioned about trying to entice private investors to the waterfront, while shuffling private organizations already there around.

Still, others aren't sure that anything needs to be done to improve the waterfront.

George Gage, president of the Leander Boat Club, said the waterfront is operating nicely the way it is.

Area resident Herman Turkstra agrees.

"I've come to understand how very skilled the people were who laid out what we have without a whole lot of fuss and muss and without big, grandiose plans," Turkstra said.

After council makes its decision, staff will develop a revised plan, which should be available to the public before summer.

[flar]

I've always wondered why they have to screw with the yacht club people. The waterfront is successful at the moment, I like seeing all the yachts. They've been there all along, before the bayfront was improved. Just leave them alone!

[bornagainbiking]

Yes, the marinas have rights and have been there awhile. However, Hamilton is growing and changing for the better and the waterfront is pivotal.
If the North end is to change we need more access, and a draw for tourists like canoe/kayak rentals, paddle boats, swimming and picnic areas. The Marinas are very spread out semi inclusive. We need public docking and destinations like restaurants and entertainment.
So the boat people may have to consolidate.
An example of a partial success plan or developing project is:
many waterfront dwellers on the Beach strip forgot that it was Ontario lakes and land and thought they owned or had exclusive rights from the street to the water. there were many upset to actually share their percieved "entitlement". The 5 km waterfront or beach trail was built or improved from Hutches" to the lift bridge and what a great paved trail we have. It must be preety good because I see the Roller Blades relay teams practice there. It may return to the 1920's as a local beach destination and with condo's and improved water quality a short daytrip for Hamilton families to go swimming instead of driving hours to Sauble or Wasaga.
We have to learn to share what our tax dollars are paying for.
It is an eye sore the leg of the Bayfront trail from Pier4 to Bayfront park. If there was a band shell at Bayfront imagine the opportunity to have festivals to celebrate our harbour heritage.
Don't forget at one time there was a shanty town there.
Hamilton has so much and must draw inwards the shuttle bus from down town to the harbour wants to highlight the waterfront not the sprawl of out dated boat clubs.
Give them some assistance to draw watercraft as a destination and other clubs will have exclusive docking, dining and maybe lodging. Just time to tighten up the stakeholders and share.
We need more ramps for boat launching and parking so more people will get involved in fishing and boating.
Celebrate OUR harbour.

[geoff's two cents]

:previous: Couldn't agree more. I have enjoyed many an afternoon at the Hamilton waterfront, but would likely have enjoyed more if I could have, for instance, actually had a view of the beautiful harbour for the entirety of the walk, or had access to more on-site amenities than a Williams Coffee Pub that is ridiculously over-crowded in decent weather, as well as rather mediocre (speaking as someone who loves downtown Hamiltonian cuisine) and over-priced.

I'm also speaking as one who is temporarily living in Vancouver. I'm certainly prepared to give each city its due, but Vancouver has a much more organized, contiguous, integrated and democratic (significant for a city often rightfully criticized for being too expensive to live in) waterfront, and it pays huge dividends in promoting tourism, boosting property tax revenues, and getting people out of their cars and onto bikes, rollerblades, or their own two feet. Hamilton's waterfront is beautiful, but could be so much better.

[geoff's two cents]

I should add that a significant section of the harbour lacks a sidewalk (you now, that part where you have to walk beside a chain-link fence). I'm sure even flar would agree that that at least would have to change! Am I right?

Also, I'm sure that any future configuration would still preserve the current number of yachts for your viewing pleasure - and others, surely.

[omro]

Over time, as the industrial use along the bay decreases, will the area used for recreational use and residential use expand westwards?

[flar]

^^Westwards, probably. Eastwards, I don't know. Westwards is also a possible site for a new stadium.

I agree to some extent that there should be a continuous trail and more public access, I just don't see the need to alienate current users, and it also depends on what exactly they replace the marinas with.

[bornagainbiking]

To go west is easier and maybe use Princess Point to rent Bikes, blades and personal powered watercraft. The locals or Western residents could use princes point access (All free parking).
I didn't mean to close the marinas just tighten it up. Streamline it, build out and modernize. The Leander is a great size place and we need the RH sailing for the future. Just relocate the boat storage between Pier4 and Bayfront parks. And get rid of that huge warehouse across from Williams Coffee.
Williams is way overpriced and needs competition. Open a few hot dog carts or a classy chip wagon (is that possible) or at least something until permanent business is established.
When we have family from out of country a harbour ride and a ice cream is nice with a breeze off the water with a view of Burlington.
maybe set up a helicopter pad towards HMCS Star or Haida and offer harbour flights.
The boat people are very important, and i have heard of some people who buy a boat and use it like a cottage. Imagine $50,000 for a boat and a couple thou to dock it. plug it in and you have a home on the water.
No driving to speak of and all the advantages.
Sure beats a 2-3 hr drive to the cottage and pay taxes or a lease in Sauble.
We should have more house boats!

[SteelTown]

Boat clubs get a break: city won't force them to move

January 13, 2009
Nicole Macintyre
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/495198

Hamilton's boat clubs are staying put.

City council rejected yesterday a controversial proposal to encourage the waterfront groups to share a facility as part of the plan to revamp the west harbour.

Instead, the city will renegotiate long-term leases with the clubs, which will require more public access and upgrades to their facilities.

"They get to retain their identities and we get better access to public property," said Councillor Chad Collins, who pushed the compromise developed by the Hamilton Waterfront Trust.

A consultant's recommendation to combine the facilities had sparked outrage among members who feared their clubs' unique characters and histories would be lost.

Former Royal Hamilton Yacht Club president Martin Lipp, who represented the Waterfront Stakeholders' Group, told councillors the plan would be like having a Tim Hortons, Second Cup and Starbucks under one roof.

"Would you do that if it was your Starbucks?" he asked, noting the various clubs might survive but wouldn't thrive.

Collins said he's also worried the city would be on the hook for the clubs' relocation and new building. By allowing the clubs to stay put and mandating that they fix up their properties, the city will likely take millions off the plan's price tag, he said.

The original plan was priced at $81.5 million, but city staff plan to re-examine the cost based on the latest changes.

Council voted to toss out the consultant's plan completely, in favour of the alternative plan developed by the Waterfront Trust. Both plans covered the area from Bayfront Park to Pier 8.

Werner Plessl, the trust's executive director, suspects the process will move quickly now that the city has eliminated the major bone of contention for the boat clubs.

"It's going to give the community a better plan," he said. "I think there's an opportunity to move forward."

The city must still decide what to do with MacDonald Marine, which was not included in the trust plan.

[SteelTown]

Think Hamilton could ever afford to replace the waterfront trail with perhaps colour cement or bricks instead of black asphalt?

Something like this from our neighbour....
http://www.900chml.com/Pics/Burlington.jpg

[highwater]

Don't let's ask for the moon, We have the stars.

[urban_planner]

I hope not. The interlocking brick is terrible for roller blading on which is what alot of people use the waterfront trails for. They do have some brick over in peir 4 park.

[SteelTown]

NHL is nice, but Pier 8 is Hamilton's future

June 06, 2009
Terry Cooke
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/Opinions/article/578540

Call it the tale of two leases. Coincidentally, both involve regulation-size NHL ice surfaces in the City of Hamilton. That is where the similarity ends.

The higher-profile lease offer has received saturation level media coverage and will be decided by an Arizona Judge who likely couldn't find Hamilton on a map. Meanwhile, the Hamilton Waterfront Trust has quietly consummated a 45-year lease with the federal government enabling the redevelopment of a critical piece of the West Harbour.

It's entirely possible that the second of these two leases will prove to be more important to the future of Hamilton than the first.

Don't get me wrong, I would love to see Jim Balsillie bring hockey to Hamilton. But in reality the city has absolutely no ability to control the outcome of that process beyond agreeing to make Copps Coliseum available on reasonable terms and success remains at best a 50/50 proposition.

But thanks to the efforts of the Waterfront Trust and Parks Canada, the city now controls the fate of the public portion of Pier 8 and is committed to transforming the site by 2010 into a year-round destination for recreation, entertainment, art and eating.

In many ways, Pier 8 represents the bridge to Hamilton's future. The waterfront remains our most valuable and underutilized public asset and Pier 8 is strategically located in the middle of it.

Its transition to a year-round people place promises not only to reconnect Hamiltonians to their waterfront, but also provides momentum to pursue redevelopment of several other strategic public and private assets that will ultimately stretch all the way from the water's edge to downtown.

Pier 8 is already home to a wildly popular William's Coffee Pub, the successful Waterfront Trolley and the architecturally interesting but eerily quiet Parks Canada (formerly Marine) Discovery Centre.

The concept plans for Pier 8 strike exactly the right balance between public access and private amenities. The focal points include an ice rink, amphitheatre, art plaza and several new restaurants.

The NHL-size refrigerated ice pad with a Zamboni and a wind screen will provide recreational skating for fully 20 weeks a year. In the summertime the hard surface will accommodate a wide range of uses from an artisan's market to rollerblading.

The grassed amphitheatre will host smaller scale community/musical events while doubling as a passive play area for kids. The Sculpture Plaza will be located at the entrance to the Discovery Centre and will help to integrate the entire site with a piece of publically commissioned art.

The three new restaurants will be accommodated in a single building constructed to architecturally complement the Discovery Centre.

The restaurants will be privately operated in a revenue sharing deal with the Waterfront Trust and Parks Canada.

Councillor Chad Collins has been a consistent champion of waterfront renewal. "The Pier 8 lease agreement and redevelopment plan is a huge step forward in reshaping the image of Hamilton," he says. "Now we need to work with the Port Authority to free up adjacent, underused industrial properties to build on that momentum."

Collins sees a future for condos and commercial buildings on Port Authority land right next door to add density while taking advantage of the new waterfront amenities.

Who knows, maybe Balsillie will prevail in court and we will get an NHL team to fulfil that other lease. That would obviously be a big bonus.

But in the meantime, we should be thankful about the lease that has already been signed and is guaranteed to change our waterfront forever.

http://media.hamiltonspectator.topscms.com/images/e1/3a/81db7dea4569af4d381ce12bdd7f.jpeg

[SteelTown]

Really exciting and excellent news.

[omro]

Loving this. Hamilton's waterfront is awesome!

[realcity]

I love how there;s people skating and patio umbrellas out. That rendering cant be taken seriously

[adam]

Skating on roller blades with patio umbrellas out. Makes sense to me.

[realcity]

roller blading around in circles?

[Berklon]

It's obviously an ice-skating rink - hence the blade marks on the ice and what appears to be scarfs that the skaters are wearing.

I think the ice and the patio umbrellas are just to what it will look like in both scenarios all in one picture. Not really a big deal.

[realcity]

The best laid plans for the waterfront were the ones for the Music Hall of Fame. With outdoor ampitheatre.

This rendering to me looks like a bit theme parky. Ice skates, milkshakes, puppy dogs, tents, plastic furniture, and building facades meant to like --- gawd knows what --- a theme park?. It has no vision or imagination.

[realcity]

i totally have no reason to go to a place like this. ??? think Hamilton >>>??? there has to be a reason why people will want to go there and not Starbucks on Upper James or Second Cup in the Village. This is not the reason. sorry

this sucks.

I know... the view right? Ask yourself... why do people visit Paris' street cafes? Is it because of the stellar view of the Seiene? You can't see it. No it's because it's called "people". Mass convergence. People want to be where people are. It's so simple, it's stupid. Some of the shittiest places I've been, I';ve had to ask myself "wtf are so many people here... this sucks". Exactly.... it's only because people are there, that people are there.

Waterfront.... make a reason... or forget about it.

[matt602]

... it's just a drawing. I think you're being pretty overcritical here, considering.

[adam]

I went up to the waterfront a couple weekends ago and saw a lot of people. There is a trolley tour. There were rowers practicing right by the dock on stationary rowing machines, I saw at enough cyclists to fill an LRT train. The rest was filled with pedestrians. The place was packed.

[SteelTown]

A public meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday June 23rd, 2009, 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm (Open House Format) at the Hamilton Convention Centre, 1 Summers Lane, Hamilton, Webster Rooms B&C regarding the West Harbour Waterfront Recreation Master Plan. The purpose of this fourth Public Information Centre is to present the Class Environmental Assessment preliminary findings, exhibit a strengthened Master Plan and indicate a design theme for the built form. Public input is encouraged on how to best implement the preferred solution in terms of achieving the long-term goals for the waterfront.

For additional details please see this link: http://www.myhamilton.ca/NR/rdonlyres/86F9DF88-C905-4C5A-91A2-E8E5AEE5DD8C/0/PICNoticejune23.pdf

[bornagainbiking]

Can we remember the Tara dump site and the after-effects like leakage. Ask Brad Clark or Ian Thomas.
Can we remember the Love Canal when a subdivision was built over a old waste site.
Well if we want waterfront properties (every baby boomers dream). Imagine why travel to a cottage if you have a condo or cottage/home overlooking the Bay.
So where are we?
Some people are moving in the right direction.

Collins wants bayfront recyclers reined in
TheSpec.com - Local - Collins wants bayfront recyclers reined in

The Hamilton Spectator

(Jun 12, 2009)
Councillor Chad Collins wants the city to investigate further restrictions for waste facilities in the bayfront area.

City planning staff are opposed to requiring minimum separation between facilities, but Collins is worried the industrial area is becoming over-saturated with waste and recycling companies.

"We have more than our fair share," he said.

Council has already endorsed a 300-metre buffer zone that will keep waste companies away from residential neighbourhoods and institutions, such as schools and hospitals.

Staff rejected a proposed 300-metre radial separation between facilities, arguing it is unnecessary and would block any more companies from locating in several industrial areas.

Collins asked staff to just investigate restrictions for the bayfront and look at a smaller buffer zone. He also wants the city to consider licensing waste facilities to track their number and locations.

:yes: :yes:

[SteelTown]

Waves of change
The waterfront has come a long way from its unfriendly industrial past -- but what of its future?

August 15, 2009
Jon Wells
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/618760

Water kisses the pier, a nautical scent in the air, sun glowing brilliantly in a pale blue sky. Just outside Williams Coffee Pub at Pier 8 on the west harbour, tourists pose for photos by a soaring steel sculpture, while at a table a young woman named Faye reads her Bible. She lives near Gage Park.

"I like the open space, being close to the water, feeling the breeze," Faye says. Wind ripples the book's thin pages; she's reading from Genesis.

In the beginning, or at least in the 1980s, you couldn't be down here on the water at the harbour at all.

Never mind drinks on the Williams patio, attractions and rides. Back then signs didn't push the grilled pesto panini; they just pushed: Keep Out; No Admittance To These Premises Unless Authorized in Writing; Trespassers Will Be Prosecuted.

These bad old days of the west harbour are fresh in the minds of those with longer memories, but for most that history is fading fast.

Questions loom over where it all goes from here, but the city's waterfront parks have become hot spots where each year one million people -- that's million -- buy mochaccinos and ice cream and tickets for boat rides and trolleys, and honey garlic at Wingfest.

That's just the annual tally from "points of sale," not counting those who flock to the harbour and don't crack their wallets.

Look at the kids playing in Pier 4 Park atop a grounded tugboat, called the Bayport, that in its youth in the 1940s towed warships around Halifax Harbour.

Hear laughter as they dance in the water of the splash pad beside it. Those kids were not present at the creation, not yet born, when it all turned around, 16 years ago.

It all could have gone very much the other way. Hamilton's west harbour could have become the opposite of the now daily carnival on the shore.

And, in fact, that was the way it was heading back in the day, the 1970s and into the early '80s. The word "reclaimed" is often used when it comes to the harbour, as in the people reclaimed the waterfront.

But 30 years ago, the meaning was something entirely different. Back then it meant seizing the natural charms of the waterfront to accommodate industry, control and develop what were called "water lots" -- as though God's aquatic gifts were merely pieces of real estate to buy and sell.

Back then a consulting firm urged the city to "reclaim" a 100-acre site "now under water" along the west harbour all the way up to Desjardins Canal, and landfill it for industry and port development.

It didn't happen, but people were still not welcome at the water for many years; in 1984, just 2 per cent of Hamilton's 45 kilometres of shoreline was open to public access. Today that number has risen to 28 per cent.

Back in the early '80s, a boy visited the harbour with his mother, anxious to see the tall ships that had arrived in the harbour on tour. Temporary fencing went up for the event, spectators were ushered into a small viewing area since most of the waterfront was an industrial wasteland. Spectators loved the ships, but couldn't even get a cup of coffee or soft drink down there.

Still, thousands came, eyes were opening to the possibilities, especially in the wake of urban waterfront refurbishing sprouting in cities around the world.

Some eyes had already been wide open for years, longtime North Ender and waterfront advocate Gil Simmons' among them. The day you could simply enjoy a beer on the waterfront, she once said to applause at a public meeting, will be the day we can declare the harbour is a people place. One day the mayor would call Simmons the "beacon, the beginning" for the waterfront's rebirth.

"I think it's just about people seeing something, and being optimistic," Simmons said in her English lilt, looking back on it all. "And getting a bit aggressive, I suppose."

In 1984 the city bought what was known as the Lax lands, on the west harbour by the railway tracks, for $2.8 million. It was 40 acres of scrubland that jutted into the lake, created as a landfill by a scrap dealer who had once scrapped the famed Avro Arrow jet fighter project. That land was destined to become Bayfront Park, but first came the massive undertaking to clean it up; the fill had largely come from construction of the Claremont Access, and other waste accumulated over 18 years. It took eight years to excavate and ship out the filth.

It was the summer of 1993, 16 years ago, that Bayfront and Pier 4 parks finally opened in July and August. Bayfront was originally christened Harbourfront but there was a backlash against the name. Sounded much too Toronto. The west harbour beaches opened for swimming, too, the first time since 1939 that it was legal for people to take a dip in the harbour.

And in 1995, the boy who had once watched the tall ships arrive in the unfriendly old harbour was elected to city council -- at 24, the youngest ever. Chad Collins took up the waterfront as his priority.

"We built this city on industry, and used and abused waterlands to do that," Collins said. "But people recognized the potential, that they could be people places again."

Today, the west harbour still has its boating clubs, but also the waterfront trail, trolley ride, cruises, wide open grassy fields, ice cream parlour, Discovery Centre and HMCS Haida.

The tours, ice cream and bustling Williams Coffee Pub franchise are owned and operated by the Hamilton Waterfront Trust, a registered public charity, and all local profits go back into the trust for waterfront projects. (The Waterfront Trust was formed out of a settlement between the city and the former Hamilton Harbour Commission, which was a federal government agency. The feds provided funding in the form of a trust, with its mandate to protect the waterfront and find ways to connect people with it. The trust has 13 full-time paid staffers (four in administration, most of the rest work at Williams) plus 71 part-time seasonal to work various attractions, and five appointed trustees, one of whom is Collins.)

On any given day, Williams is packed, other attractions bustling. On a random sunny Wednesday, there is not a seat to spare on the spacious coffee pub patio. It's not only Hamiltonians coming to the harbour, either.

"A lot come from the Toronto area," Collins said, "because of the length of the waterfront trail, and how long and wide it is, you can't find public access like that to the lake anywhere in Ontario ... There are very few areas in Hamilton where there is this kind of buzz. The waterfront areas are the most valuable ones we have."

It's all good, unless, perhaps, you are an old captain of industry type who once controlled the place with fences and barbed wire, who believed the waterfront was for business, not people. You imagine him as a white-bearded curmudgeon, visiting the harbour today. (Affect gruff baritone:

"This is a PORT, damn it, not a playground. What about shipping!? Great Caesar's Ghost, now they have a tugboat at Pier 4 and she doesn't even FLOAT! And what in blazes is a latte anyway?)

* * *

For those who long dreamed of the waterfront as an attractive public space, in a sense it is already mission accomplished, the Miracle on the Macassa complete.

There is still the matter of envisioning ways to link the west harbour with the heavily industrialized east harbour. That might seem a project for well down the road, but Collins said he recently took a tour of Burlington Street with Jim Howlett of the Hamilton Beach Community Council, to explore the untapped potential there for public trail links and increased waterfront access for recreation such as "urban angling."

As for the west harbour, there is still plenty of open acreage to consider, at Pier 8 behind Williams, and directly to the east of it. And so the debate continues, if in a different vein than back in the '70s -- what should the future look like?

A Waterfront Trust plan will advocate adding new restaurants and other commercial development, plus low-rise residential buildings. This, backers like Chad Collins believe, would not only enrich the harbour as a place to visit but also one to live even for people from outside Hamilton.

The vision, he said, is unique to Hamilton Harbour, but the closest comparison is Halifax's waterfront, offering attractions and residential space, but with a small-scale architectural flavour -- the anti-Toronto of waterfronts.

Some new construction has started already. An outdoor NHL-sized skating rink has broken ground behind Williams that will open this winter, and two new restaurants will open their doors on that location, likely by the fall of 2010.

Even conservationists agree that the waterfront can use more amenities. Jim Hudson, executive director of the Bay Area Restoration Council, says he'd like to see more restaurants so long as litter is minimized, and also residential units that turn the west harbour into a vibrant spot 12 months of the year -- so long as the "view shed" isn't compromised by tall buildings that damage the waterfront's sightlines.

"Let's avoid Toronto's mistakes, where they walled off the harbour with high-rise condos."

Hudson added that a prime focus must remain turning the harbour beaches into ones where people are free to swim more often. Currently Bayfront beach is among the most often posted -- closed due to unclean water -- beaches in Ontario. He says the most effective way to create a pristine swimming environment is convincing people not to feed the geese.

He pointed to the city of Racine, Wisc., that was once a rust belt casualty town, but whose beach is now hugely popular, hosting international beach volleyball tournaments that were once held in California.

"Bayfront can become that, too, it is a great beach with fabulous views."

Collins said that while the Waterfront Trust plan will call for new commercial and residential development, it seeks to balance different interests as well. He said the plan will hopefully be finished come the fall, and then presented by city staff to council for their consideration. In the end it will be up to the politicians to decide whether to adopt the vision.

Not everyone supports the Waterfront Trust's approach. There is the view that development has largely gone far enough already, and the city should preserve the rustic and spacious air the waterfront still offers.

Those who have lived and played by the water long before it became fashionable, lobby to have their voices heard. Boaters want their long-held place on the water preserved, and North End residents want development commotion kept to a dull roar. Ever since the parks opened, in fact, those who live nearby expressed concern about noise levels from concerts and traffic.

Given where the west harbour has come from, it's striking that the debate now centres around just how many people should be encouraged to come to the water, not whether they would want to come at all.

A woman from Grimsby named Karen Lemieux parked her car in the lot on Pier 8 near Williams, after a long search -- 170 of the 180 parking spots were taken.

"I didn't think it would be this busy," she said.

She comes down with her family all the time.

"It's a real hidden treasure. Except I guess it's not hidden anymore."

[SteelTown]

http://media.hamiltonspectator.topscms.com/images/8a/b8/2fd3106546aba587f938add6bef7.jpeg

[SteelTown]

Wave of opportunity on waterfront
City to create development corporation

September 17, 2009
Eric McGuinness
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/634453

Hamilton is planning to create a waterfront development corporation like those in Toronto, Halifax and Pittsburgh.

It could help redevelop land around Rheem Canada's former water-heater plant overlooking the bay on Barton Street West, whether or not the city wins the 2015 Pan Am Games and puts a new stadium there.

Condominium housing east of Williams Coffee Pub on Pier 8 is another possibility.

It might even get involved in the Confederation Park area on the shore of Lake Ontario.

Officials say other North American cities have concluded that government "can act as a catalyst for the redevelopment of underutilized waterfront communities or neighbourhoods in transition."

They say a city-owned corporation could help lure private investors who fear "the inherent complexity and financial risk involved" in waterfront projects.

Chris Phillips, an advisor to city manager Chris Murray and to Tim McCabe, general manager of planning and economic development, told councillors this week the proposed corporation would not engage in visioning, but would instead implement existing council-approved plans such as Setting Sail for the west harbour and the Hamilton Beach neighbourhood plan.

Councillor Chad Collins, chairperson of the Hamilton Waterfront Trust, said it could co-exist happily with the waterfront corporation because "most people would find it odd to see the trust, for example, building a residential project, which is not within its mandate. The trust has park planners and landscape architects on staff, so we would still focus on the water's edge and design of new projects."

After hearing from Phillips this week, council directed staff to come up with a detailed proposal with a specific mandate, governance structure and staffing plan as well as potential start-up and operating costs.

No deadline for the proposal was imposed.

Ward 1 Councillor Brian McHattie didn't win support for his suggestion that the corporation also take responsibility for downtown redevelopment because Hamilton doesn't have as much waterfront land as Toronto and Halifax.

McHattie noted that the public-private Hamilton Realty Capital Corp., established two years ago with $2.25 million from city coffers, has made "no obvious progress."

[SteelTown]

Completely forgot I had this, sorry!

Coming Soon!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/Aallen396/skatingrink.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/Aallen396/skatingrink1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/Aallen396/skatingrink2.jpg

[SteelTown]

The skating rink is suppose to open next month, they want it done before Christmas. It'll tie in with the waterfront Festival of Lights.

The restaurant is suppose to open I believe next fall.

[FRM]

The skating rink is suppose to open next month, they want it done before Christmas. It'll tie in with the waterfront Festival of Lights.

The restaurant is suppose to open I believe next fall.

any word on what the restaurant will be?? who is in charge of the Rendering, looks like they handed over the job to a middle school student :shrug:

[SteelTown]

Suppose to be a steakhouse. The Waterfront trust will seek for a franchise much like how they did with Williams.

[highwater]

any word on what the restaurant will be?? who is in charge of the Rendering, looks like they handed over the job to a middle school student :shrug:

I know! WTF? Someone should tell them about this little thing called a computer.

[Gurnett71]

who is in charge of the Rendering, looks like they handed over the job to a middle school student :shrug:

I was down at the Discovery Centre a few weeks ago and they have these renderings posted around the construction site. Thought the same thing you said above! Not very professional looking...

[SteelTown]

Rather have a crappy rendering and a great looking design/building than having a great professional looking rendering and a crappy looking design/building.

[markbarbera]

Rather have a crappy rendering and a great looking design/building than having a great professional looking rendering and a crappy looking design/building.

...or a professional rendering of something that never gets built

[FRM]

Rather have a crappy rendering and a great looking design/building than having a great professional looking rendering and a crappy looking design/building.

i feel the same way, but i also like to see a nice rendering that let's me imagine what it'll be like when i go there, instead of waiting for it to be built haha :)

[Gurnett71]

i feel the same way, but i also like to see a nice rendering that let's me imagine what it'll be like when i go there, instead of waiting for it to be built haha :)

Yeah, it just seemed that the rendering was a design very much in flux and who knows what it will really look like once final approval has been given. Steakhouse, eh? A welcome addition to the waterfront!:tup:

[SteelTown]

Critics say plan won't hold water

November 30, 2009
Eric McGuinness
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/681727

It has taken four years and a budget of $730,000 to come up with plans for a major makeover of Hamilton's west harbour shoreline, but some boaters and North End residents are still making waves.

Lawyer Herman Turkstra, whose home overlooks Pier 4 Park, says the whole exercise is a waste of money "because the west harbour works very well today."

He's especially upset by the idea of removing MacDonald Marine Services from Macassa Bay, between Pier 4 and Bayfront parks, when its lease ends in eight or nine years.

"Macassa Bay has been a place for boats for 200 years. It's probably the best place to park a boat, shielded from strong east winds and partly from west winds."

Scott MacDonald, son of former Mayor Jack MacDonald, doesn't know why his business is singled out for removal when all the private boating clubs remain in place.

"I'm open to the public, with no dues and no monthly accounts. City consultants said in the 1980s that Macassa Bay should be a commercial marina and I've done what the city wanted."

Others ask why the police marine unit dock is to move to Macassa Bay from the foot of James Street North.

Laurel Thompson and Martin Lipp, both past commodores of the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club (RHYC), question whether the financially strapped city can afford features like a lift bridge required to extend the Waterfront Trail across a basin beside the clubhouse. Lipp calls the bridge idea impractical and outrageously expensive.

Thompson also wonders about the wisdom of ideas such as placing public art beside hoists used to lift club boats out of the water and onto trailers.

Work on the master plan began in 2005 as a followup to the Setting Sail land use plan for west harbour neighbourhoods, aspects of which are being appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board. Members of a waterfront advisory group mutinied last year when consultants proposed putting the RHYC, Leander Boat Club, Macassa Bay Yacht Club and other boating organizations in one, central building.

The Hamilton Waterfront Trust, meanwhile, was working on its own plan, which city council endorsed last January, telling staff to come up with a new scheme based on the trust's proposals.

Jill Stephen, acting director of strategic planning and rapid transit, is now in charge of the project, intended as a vision to be implemented over 20 to 30 years at an undetermined price.

If city council accepts the revised plan, being presented early in the new year, it will be put forward as an Official Plan amendment, with a formal meeting at which the public will have a chance to comment. Elements of the plan, such as construction of floating breakwaters, would be subject to further environmental assessment, with opportunities for more consultation.

Stephen defends putting more of the trail right on the shore, in front of the Macassa Bay and Royal Hamilton yacht clubs, saying, "We still want to get people to the water's edge."

RHYC would have assigned slips in a new 750-to-900-slip marina that the Hamilton Port Authority has expressed interest in operating. Most winter boat storage would be moved.

"We've worked to listen to everybody who's provided comments," says Stephen. "Our goal is to find the best plan for Hamilton. It may not be ideal for every boater, angler or cyclist. It has to take into account all perspectives."

Turkstra argues more attention should be paid to the Lake Ontario shoreline, "our true waterfront."

SHAPE OF TOMORROW: THE WEST HARBOUR PROJECT

Proposed vision includes:

* Multi-storey parking garage under Bayview Park at Bay and MacNab streets.

* Concession stand with bistro, plus canoe, kayak and bike rental in Bayfront Park.

* Royal Hamilton and Macassa Bay yacht clubs, Leander Boat and Hamilton Bay Sailing clubs remain in place.

* Wooden boardwalk along the shore past Macassa Bay and Royal Hamilton yacht clubs.

* Police dock in Macassa Bay between Bayfront and Pier 4 parks.

* Wooden pedestrian bridges across basin beside Royal Hamilton Yacht Club and across a slip at the foot of James Street.

* Urban fishing enhancements along the Bayfront Park shore facing the rail yard.

* Amphitheatre, stage and public art at the foot of James.

For more information, go to hamilton.ca, click on Projects And Initiatives and then scroll down to West Harbour Waterfront Recreational Master Plan.

[SteelTown]

Harbour plan won't float, so talks begin
Seek wide agreement

December 05, 2009
Eric McGuinness
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/685216

Presentation of a west harbour redevelopment plan to city council is being delayed while the Chamber of Commerce, Waterfront Trust and senior city staff try to broker changes that make it acceptable to as many waterfront interests as possible.

The plan was scheduled to go to committee of the whole Monday, but Jill Stephen, acting director of strategic planning and rapid transit, now says that won't happen until January or February.

It's a significant issue because the aim is to create new retail and entertainment opportunities at the foot of James Street, replace all existing docks, move winter boat storage and encourage new waterfront investment.

Whatever council eventually adopts will become part of the city's official plan, a legal blueprint for the future.

But the latest proposals to come out of four years work and spending of more than $700,000 were criticized for threatening two existing businesses, MacDonald Marine Services and Brewers' Marine Supply, while disrupting the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club (RHYC), Leander Boat Club and other operations renting space from the city. Some North End residents continue to question the need for any major changes.

Chamber of commerce chief executive officer John Dolbec said his organization, which moved to the RHYC building years ago, wants to help achieve as much consensus as possible, to come up with a plan "all stakeholders can more or less agree to," before it goes to council.

While area residents might not be fully satisfied about traffic concerns and the boat clubs might still object to specific features, "we want something with which the broader group is reasonably content."

To that end, Dolbec said, the chamber asked city manager Chris Murray to arrange a day-long workshop run by the Hamilton Waterfront Trust.

After listening to all parties, Stephen's staff is now considering what changes can be brought to a second, yet-unscheduled, stakeholders meeting.

Stephen said, "If we can get them to agree to 95 per cent and that overall it's a good plan, that's a success."

City staff first engaged consultants whose proposals met with widespread objection.

The Waterfront Trust, meanwhile, produced its own scheme, and council directed staff to use it as the basis for their work. But that also ran into trouble in recent months, prompting the 11th-hour bid to find agreement.

Dolbec says, "There's no compelling reason to displace MacDonald Marine," and that mistreating private business now will discourage future investment.

Laurel Thompson, past commodore of the RHYC, says she is very optimistic that differences can be resolved "and that all partners can come together, as much as possible, on one plan."

[realcity]

I'm skeptical about retail. Go ahead and try it. but I don't think it will work. No one is down there Jan, Feb and Mar. Plus it doesn't have the pedestrian traffic, strollers and dog walkers.

If retail struggles in the heart of this city what makes people think it will do well down there. It might if you add 10,000 condo units first.

[SteelTown]

The City would like to get the foot of James Street redeveloped by 2015.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/Aallen396/JamesStcentre.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/Aallen396/waterretrail.jpg

[Blurr]

Thanks for posting that Steeltown. Now that would be something to be proud of. Looks very nice.

Reminds me of Seattle down by the markets.

[realcity]

Who is going to build this? Private companies, or is all this public owned? The second picture. That looks like a victorian streetwall. You can't just contrive that.

Those planned, condo, retail, office buildings... we've had about 6 condos built in the last 10 years (3 with public money), we're struggling to keep office vacancies from the being worst in the country. So we're just expecting developers to build this because we drew a concept.

Or is the City going to build all these buildings and be landlords..... we don't live in SimCity.

[SteelTown]

Waterfront Trust will build it, the retail/restaurants. They make money off Williams, trolley train, Harbour Queen, from the City, soon money from the skating rink and the restaurants. It's up to the City to build the infrastructure, West Harbour Waterfront Recreation Master Plan.

[realcity]

Good for them... I'll hold my breath.

I didn't know the City built buildings for private companies. Infrastructure is roads, sewers and hydro lines.

[SteelTown]

The City won't build the buildings, just the infrastructure.

The Waterfront Trust will build the buildings and make money off the rent or they could seek for a franchise and make money. The Waterfront Trust has the franchise for Williams and soon the restaurants.

[realcity]

What is the Waterfront Trust? A public or private enterprise? Where does their money come from? A bank? Who owns the land this is to be built on? If the city owns it? Who pays the property tax? We want to increase tax assessment right?

These are legit questions. I don't know?

I'll trust the Waterfront Trust and hope this happens.

[11thIndian]

Just because the core isn't ready for a retail resurgence doesn't mean the waterfront won't fly. It hasn't stopped Locke Street from becoming a destination for shops and restaurants.

As was mentioned in another thread, people try to draw build a barrier between waterfront and parks, and ANY retail development. You only have to go to larger US cities or Europe to realize that when put together properly, they enhance and build awareness and use. I think there's a sizable population in hamilton that are looking for an alternative to the malls, and Locke Street, Dundas, and this development will reap the benefits until downtown Hamilton can get it's act together.

I REALLY hope this happens.

[Blurr]

What is the Waterfront Trust? A public or private enterprise? Where does their money come from? A bank? Who owns the land this is to be built on? If the city owns it? Who pays the property tax? We want to increase tax assessment right?

These are legit questions. I don't know?

I'll trust the Waterfront Trust and hope this happens.

Some of your questions are answered at their site.

http://www.hamiltonwaterfront.com/hwtaboutus.php
http://www.hamiltonwaterfront.com/hwtboard.
http://www.hamiltonwaterfront.com/hwtfundingdonations.php


I went by this morning and they have begun putting up a block structure beside Williams.

I am optimistic about this group, they seem to have a good track record, and have had many creative ideas that have been successful.

I hope they can get all the approvals they need to start. The geography is beautiful there, and it would be the talk of the town in no time.

[SteelTown]

What is the Waterfront Trust? A public or private enterprise? Where does their money come from? A bank? Who owns the land this is to be built on? If the city owns it? Who pays the property tax? We want to increase tax assessment right?

These are legit questions. I don't know?

I'll trust the Waterfront Trust and hope this happens.

http://www.hamiltonwaterfront.com

Hamilton Waterfront Trust is a non-profit organization.

The Waterfront Trust pays for property tax, etc. The land is owned by the City and the Trust pays lease for the land.

http://www.hamilton.ca/Hamilton.Portal/Inc/PortalPDFs/ClerkPDFs/Public-Works/2004/Dec06/PW04134-PD04322.pdf

[FairHamilton]

http://www.hamiltonwaterfront.com

Hamilton Waterfront Trust is a non-profit organization.

The Waterfront Trust pays for property tax, etc. The land is owned by the City and the Trust pays lease for the land.

http://www.hamilton.ca/Hamilton.Portal/Inc/PortalPDFs/ClerkPDFs/Public-Works/2004/Dec06/PW04134-PD04322.pdf

I highly doubt there is any property taxes paid on the property. The City owns the land, so that goes to no property taxes on land.

[SteelTown]

"The Lessee (Trustees of the Hamilton Waterfront Trust) will be responsible for all operating costs including the public washrooms associated with the maintenance to the building and land, including all capital costs. In addition to the rent payable under this lease, the Lessee must pay all applicable realty taxes associated with this lease."

[SteelTown]

The Waterfront Trust is building the restaurant building now. In December they submitted a building permit worth $800,000.

[SteelTown]

Waterfront rink on ice until November

February 05, 2010
Rachel De Lazzer
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/717495

An NHL-sized outdoor ice rink that was originally due to be ready this winter has hit some delays -- and will now be ready for a first ice by November.

The Pier 8 development by the Hamilton Waterfront Trust ran into unexpected slowdowns with environmental approvals for the site.

"There were some contaminated soil issues we had to deal with," said Werner Plessl, executive director of the trust.

Meeting new environmental standards on the property, which was originally remediated in the early 1990s, took some time, he said.

Site servicing, such as hydro and sanitation, is complete. Plessl says first ice can be laid in around Nov. 1.

But the rest of the site will be ready for summer use by late July. There will be an amphitheatre, and grass will surround the concrete surface to be used for winter ice.

The project will cost $4.2 million, up from the original $3.8 million, due to soil contamination that required investigation and further remediation, such as laying down a 45-centimetre surface in areas to prevent human and animal contact with contaminated soil.

The city funded $3 million of the initial cost and planned to supply the rest of the cost out of future budgets, said Plessl.

He said the trust plans to nail down tenants by early summer for the 12,000- to 15,000-square-foot, two-storey commercial building that is part of the development.

Final designs will begin after that.

"We will work with the tenants to do the detailed design of the building," he says.

The commercial building could house restaurants or other businesses. The development is located between the Williams Coffee Pub and the Parks Canada Discovery Centre.

[bornagainbiking]

I have had the pleasure in the last couple of months visit two waterfront cities. Victoria and Sault Ste Marie.
I see one major factor that Hamilton has to tackle and it is a major one. Hamilton's waterfront on the South side of the Bay was almost all claimed by industry and is just that. Well with new technology the plants are or can be smaller.
Hamilton and the people have to push to get this back and have industry move together or consolidate to give the land back to the people.
There are people willing to pay lots of money for a lake or water view, yeah in Toronto or Burlington.
And they do. We may be on track with the West harbour and plans for the Discovery centre. I would like to see it in my life time (50ish),
If we could only get a boardwalk around the bay for cycling or roller blading. We have that now at Bayfront and Van Wagners but you have to drive there.
We need a migration to the water not away from it. I know people who drive 3 hrs to a trailer thru Toronto. or sauble.
Maybe a few hotels directely on the waterfront near the proposed stadium and new railhead.

[SteelTown]

Waterfront corporation in the works

May 20, 2010
Meredith Macleod
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/772188

Now that the city has laid out a broad vision for a bustling west harbour, the next step will be finding the money to make it happen.

It's expected to come from the public and private sectors, and partnerships between the two.

The city is working toward setting up an arm's length but municipally owned waterfront development corporation that would either develop land itself or facilitate deals.

A proposed mandate, governance structure and financing options will be presented to city councillors sometime this summer.

City councillors were presented with a master plan earlier this month. That has set in motion the process to include the vision in the city's official plan.

The project, estimated to cost about $143 million in public and private money, will cover the entire stretch of city-owned land from Bayfront Park to Pier 8. The plan calls for restaurants, cafes, shops, boat rentals, waterfront trails and many other amenities.

Chris Phillips, senior adviser in the planning and economic development department, has studied a range of waterfront development corporations in order to bring a report to council.

He said it would be an agency of the city with an independent board, much like HECFI or Horizon Utilities.

It would work in conjunction with the Hamilton Waterfront Trust, says Phillips, which focuses on recreational uses and public access.

Councillor Chad Collins, chairperson of the HWT, says the development corporation should focus on leveraging action at the waterfront deeper into the neighbourhoods surrounding it.

He says the city and the trust regularly get inquiries from private investors willing to sink money into the waterfront.

"Those lands at the water's edge will go no problem. They'll be automatic. It's the properties a block from the waterfront or with contamination that are not such an easy sell."

A development corporation is strongly endorsed by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, says CEO John Dolbec.

"It's a fabulous way to move this issue forward and hopefully depoliticize some of this," he said.

Dolbec says there are tremendous opportunities for low-density, low-rise development such as small stores, restaurants and recreational services along the waterfront.

"The more opportunities you make for private-sector investment, the less comes out of the public purse," he said.

While there has been some suggestion the development corporation could include the downtown, Phillips says he thinks it best it concentrate on the waterfront.

"There is a long stretch of waterfront to look after. We could work with the (Hamilton) Port Authority on its lands, the Lake Ontario shoreline, Confederation Park and all the way down to Fifty Point," he said.

[bornagainbiking]

I was up and out early, I grabbed a coffee and sat at a picnic table along the waterfront near the Discovery Centre.
A bit breezy but very nice view and tranquil. Nice reminder to what we have availble.
I strongly suggest some stain for the tables if you want to get some life out of them. Weather damage and sun. Wood is warping.
Lots of picnic tables grab a pizza and treat the kids, some evening.
I picked up some garbage and it looks like people having a drink after dark while gazing into the harbour. They could use some recycling bins.:banana: :banana: :banana:

[thistleclub]

A waterfront entertainment zone (http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/799028)

Jeremy Grimaldi
The Hamilton Spectator
(Jun 30, 2010)

Casinos, hotels, restaurants, student residences and office blocks are just some of the venues that Hamiltonians might expect in a potential entertainment district.

A report commissioned by Katz Entertainment Holdings Corporation, which is being advised by AEG -- the world's largest owner of sports teams and events -- and presented to Hamilton council yesterday, outlined its view of a west harbourfront sports and entertainment district.

Daryl Katz, the owner of the Edmonton Oilers, is proposing to take control of Copps and the Pan Am stadium. Part of that proposal involves the creation of an entertainment precinct around the Pan Am stadium.

According to the document, the waterfront land would not only be an ideal location for the new Pan Am stadium, but it could also support hundreds of thousands of square feet worth of development worth billions.

Currently the Katz Group and AEG have a proposal in front of the city of Edmonton for a $1.5-billion entertainment district centred around an 18,000-seat rink.

In that city, where councillors have just put the plans on ice until the fall, the group has also drawn up controversial plans to build a sprawling, above ground bubble dubbed "the winter garden" which would link to surrounding amenities.

In Edmonton, the Katz Group wants the city to pay for and own the $400-million arena. At last word, the Katz Group proposed it would kick in $100 million toward Edmonton's proposed entertainment district.

Although AEG has seen successes in London, England and Los Angeles, a Kansas City mayor's office spokesperson said an eight-block district in the city's downtown is losing money every year.

Joe Miller warned any city interested in a new entertainment district to beware "because there are hundreds of ways to get zapped" on similar deals.

[thistleclub]

Related Video (http://thespec.com/videogallery/798857)

[SteelTown]

West harbour development isn't dead: Eisenberger

July 08, 2010
John Kernaghan
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/803764

Mayor Fred Eisenberger isn't abandoning his city-building strategy around a west harbour stadium.

But he's ready to revamp a plan for the North End precinct if the Pan Am Games facility goes to the east Mountain.

"I'm not ready to throw it out of the boat," he said yesterday as the east Mountain location was approved by council as a viable alternative.

There was a clear shift in interest to the new site after Tiger-Cats owner Bob Young promised $15 million toward the stadium and to cover operating costs in a 10-year contract to run the facility.

Eisenberger said the city could scale back funding at an east Mountain stadium and redirect some of the funds to the west harbour and waterfront.

"City building is critical to our future," he said, adding later that some "way out thinking" could imagine a new hockey facility to spur development of the west harbour area if the stadium goes to the east Mountain.

"I think our potential for investment in the waterfront and our city and in hockey in the future is better than ever."

That's a reference to talks between the city and the Katz Group, which is looking at the possibilities of bringing a National Hockey League team to Hamilton.

The Edmonton-based company also expressed interest in the stadium at the west harbour as a possible venue for soccer and concerts. The Katz Group has a strong relationship with entertainment giant AEG.

"They are respectful of the discussions that are going on between the city and the Ticats," said city manager Chris Murray, who has met with Katz representative Patrick Laforge.

"They have an interest in the stadium, but don't want to interfere with our discussions."

Murray said it was an exciting time for Hamilton and that the timing of the stadium decision, Aug. 12, leaves room for more intense talks with the Katz group leading to an Aug. 31 deadline for a memorandum of agreement.

That would cover potential sports and facility development, possibly with an entertainment component.

Meantime, the city is forging ahead with land assembly in the west harbour, some by expropriation.

It started buying property, principally the former Rheem land for $5 million, before the location became the city's preferred stadium site.

The site, northwest of Bay and Barton streets, is part of the Setting Sails plan which calls for residential and commercial development.

It is the subject of several appeals, one by CN Rail, at the Ontario Municipal Board.

The industrial zoning is still in effect, though, allowing stadium construction.

[SteelTown]

Discovery Centre in new hands
Waterfront Trust may convert building into hotel and banquet hall

August 12, 2010
Danielle Wong
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/824554

Ottawa is turning over the six-year-old Discovery Centre at Pier 8 to the Hamilton Waterfront Trust under a 43-year lease.

The agreement to transfer management of the Parks Canada museum to the city's arm's-length waterfront development organization was signed Tuesday. Museum operations will cease in the fall.

Councillor Chad Collins, chairperson of the Waterfront Trust, said possible conversions of the building, which features soaring wooden beams and walls of windows, include a hotel, banquet hall or restaurants.

The intention would be to bring more people to Hamilton Harbour.

"From the (Pan Am) stadium debate, we've seen there's tremendous affection in this community ... (for) the waterfront," Collins said yesterday.

"The Discovery Centre is sort of the poster-child for what the waterfront is to become in the next five to 10 years."

Former heritage minister and local Liberal MP Sheila Copps, who established the Discovery Centre during her time in office, said she was "disappointed" the building would no longer be in federal hands.

"I think the government of Canada should have a major presence in every city and the Discovery Centre was a wonderful hallmark of environment for the Great Lakes."

But she has "great confidence" the Waterfront Trust would hold to its mandate to attract more people to the area.

"In the long run, access to the harbour will manage this blow."

The Waterfront Trust entered into a leasing agreement with Parks Canada in 2008 for the property around the museum and is working alongside the federal government to make the area more vibrant.

Collins said this new step with the Discovery Centre would build on that.

"It provides such a great opportunity for the city to improve its image," he said, adding there have been many inquiries from local businesses about investing in the area.

Parks Canada will still operate the HMCS Haida National Historic Site on Pier 9 and use administrative space in the centre. Next year, field unit offices are expected to be housed in a new adjacent building.

The museum, which was originally a marine heritage discovery centre, features exhibits about Canada's national parks system.

The trust hopes to start working on the building and possible surrounding facilities in early 2011, Collins said.

Councillor Bob Bratina said he would like to see a children's attraction built at the location, adding it's too soon for a hotel because there are no nearby attractions or restaurants yet.

While he understood Copps' disappointment, Bratina said there wasn't enough advertising or follow through to make the Discovery Centre successful.

"It wasn't successful and it wasn't drawing people for what-ever reason ... It seemed to be left to sink or swim on its own," he said.

In early May, city council was presented with a master plan developed by the Waterfront Trust that called for a $143-million private and public investment in restaurants, cafes, shops, boat rentals and waterfront trails along the waterfront from Bayfront Park to Pier 8. That plan will be subject to future public meetings.

[northender98]

I live near the discovery centre and when it was being built I predicted it would end up being either a banquet hall or a yacht club type use. The arched facade with all the glass to me always lended itslef well to some kind of large gathering spot where people could enjoy a meal overlooking the water and I always felt the museum was ineffective, once you went once which took less than an hour, there was little reason to take the kids again. I often wonder if the intent to change it was there from the beginning, get the public funds to build it and then change its use. I'm a conspiracy theorist that way. When I read the news this morning I laughed because that was what I always told my friends when we walked by it, "A few years from now it will be a banquet hall or Yacht club!"

[SteelTown]

Would be a great place for a banquet hall. I'm sure the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club hates the idea.

[markbarbera]

I'd rather see it as the site for the new Creative Catalyst centre.

[SteelTown]

Completely forgot I had this, sorry!

Coming Soon!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/Aallen396/skatingrink.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/Aallen396/skatingrink1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/Aallen396/skatingrink2.jpg

Now open.....
http://media.mmgdailies.topscms.com/images/da/df/d990fb094531af79d92b03f22088.jpeg
Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/299071--skating-by-the-bay

[markbarbera]

Did a grammar school hold a contest to draw up those concept renderings?

[bornagainbiking]

We have so much waterfront and ?????????
Toronto vs Hamilton

http://www.thestar.com/news/article/909533--toronto-s-future-unfolding-on-the-waterfront?bn=1

[SteelTown]

Looks like demolition will begin this summer for the West Harbour, $775,000.

http://www.hamilton.ca/NR/rdonlyres/DF0E0072-7BC7-4598-851B-44D60E0F5BA3/0/May16PW11039.pdf

The current layout of the West Harbour Precinct stretches across four City blocks, comprising approximately 10.58 acres. The following structures are being proposed to be demolished:

• 4 properties - (3) auto garages and a small industrial warehouse; and (1) the auto garage at the south-west corner of Barton and Caroline which has a lease until the end of May 2011;

• 1 property as a former gas station and a variety store;

• 1 large industrial type use (B & M Metals);

• 1 office building and a gate/security house (B & M Metal’s ancillary buildings);

• 13 residential properties.

Rheem isn't on the list because...

Of note however, is that the Rheem property, known as 128 Barton Street West, is excluded from this specific recommendation. Staff is already in the process of issuing an additional tender that combines the demolition of 128 Barton Street West with the abandoned portion of the former Firestone building at 1579 Burlington Street East. Staff intends to issue the tender for Rheem and Firestone buildings in mid-May 2011. Based on the large amount of steel contained on these two sites, it is seen as being attractive to bidders for the City to bundle these specific facilities together. This bundling could have the effect of a “zero-cost” for the City and even possibly stand a chance of collecting shared revenue with the bidder, assuming that the scrap steel market trends continue to be relatively high during the demolition of the sites. These results will be known upon completion of the tender.

[SteelTown]

Discovery debuts next summer
Discovery Centre The Hamilton Waterfront Trust hopes to revamp and reopen the Discovery Centre by May 2012

http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/569663--discovery-debuts-next-summer

The Hamilton Waterfront Trust is on track to revamp and reopen the Discovery Centre by next summer.

The centre — a former high-tech museum that was called “Canada’s first virtual urban national park” when it opened in 2004 — will be transformed primarily into commercial space, said executive director Werner Plessl. He’s aiming to open the facility to the public by May 2012.

“What our board prefers is restaurants in there. And there could be a banquet or meeting space associated with it,” he said.

Plessl said the Waterfront Trust is still negotiating with potential tenants who could bring more variety to the facility on the west end of Pier 8, near the foot of James Street North. A Williams Coffee Pub opened near the site about five years ago.

“We’d like to see a range of restaurants, not just one or two,” Plessl said. “We’d like to see people have choices down here.”

The Waterfront Trust, an arm’s-length development organization, took over the building and grounds under a 43-year-lease with the federal government last October. Parks Canada closed the six-year-old facility last fall after attendance started dwindling.

[LikeHamilton]

Bayfront out in front of Canada’s public spaces

Teri Pecoskie
July 26, 2011
Bayfront Park was named one of the country’s top public spaces by Spacing magazine.

The waterfront park, near the foot of Bay Street North, was ranked third on a list of the top five public spaces in the Greater Toronto Area. Discovery Landing in Burlington also made the cut, ranking second in the GTA.

“They’re both really good public spaces,” said magazine publisher and co-founder Matthew Blackett. “They’re a nice escape from the bustle of the city, yet they’re close to the city. They also really function well in the colder months of the year.”

Spacing — a Canadian urban landscape and lifestyle magazine — assembled a panel of 135 urban design and architecture experts to compile the list of Canada’s top 100 spaces from more than a dozen urban regions across the country. The two local parks were selected because they evoke their respective cities and are accessible year-round — two important criteria for making the cut, Blackett said.

For Blackett, it was important for the magazine to focus on the country’s best public spaces in the launch of its first national issue this summer, since they’re places where people come together collectively and build a city’s identity.

The rest....

http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/569683--bayfront-out-in-front-of-canada-s-public-spaces

[Hamiltowner]

Post has been deleted as the previous poster has already cited the same article.

[thistleclub]

The rest....

http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/569683--bayfront-out-in-front-of-canada-s-public-spaces

Strange that the Spec took so long to hop on that. The issue, which is the first edition of the magazine to be national in scope, came out a month ago, and is not even the one currently on newsstands. (http://spacing.ca/magazine/issue-18/)

[markbarbera]

Discovery debuts next summer
Discovery Centre The Hamilton Waterfront Trust hopes to revamp and reopen the Discovery Centre by May 2012

http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/569663--discovery-debuts-next-summer

The Hamilton Waterfront Trust is on track to revamp and reopen the Discovery Centre by next summer.

The centre — a former high-tech museum that was called “Canada’s first virtual urban national park” when it opened in 2004 — will be transformed primarily into commercial space, said executive director Werner Plessl. He’s aiming to open the facility to the public by May 2012.

“What our board prefers is restaurants in there. And there could be a banquet or meeting space associated with it,” he said.

Plessl said the Waterfront Trust is still negotiating with potential tenants who could bring more variety to the facility on the west end of Pier 8, near the foot of James Street North. A Williams Coffee Pub opened near the site about five years ago.

“We’d like to see a range of restaurants, not just one or two,” Plessl said. “We’d like to see people have choices down here.”

The Waterfront Trust, an arm’s-length development organization, took over the building and grounds under a 43-year-lease with the federal government last October. Parks Canada closed the six-year-old facility last fall after attendance started dwindling.

Oh please, no more chain restaurants in the harbourfront. Feature local restauranteurs with fresh, independantly thought-up concepts. We certainly don't need a Cara-style heat-and-serve outlet serving up sodium overdoses to unsuspecting diners.

[SteelTown]

Suppose to have new updates about the Discovery Centre on Monday.

[mattgrande]

Did anyone hear any new updates?