Waterfront plan presented to council

Grimsby’s west end waterfront master plan and trail study is complete, with plans for trails, a boardwalk, cleaned up beaches and a promenade.

The town’s consultant Ute Maya-Giambattista made her final presentation to council Monday evening.

“I leave you with a document that will serve as a guide to staff for future decisions regarding the waterfront land,” she said.

Features of the plan:

• A focus on conserving and protecting the existing natural features:

• Ensuring the waterfront area is accessible for future generations:

• The area will promote active living through a variety of walking and cycling alternatives which connect to the waterfront and surrounding neighbourhoods;

• The trail will deliver a range of recreational opportunities for all ages, year round.

There will be a variety of housing, open spaces and small-scale retail and office opportunities.

The west end waterfront area is located between the Fifty Point Conservation Area in the west and the Regional Pumping Station (east of Casablanca Boulevard) to the east.

The $50,000 waterfront study result is the result of many months of public meetings, discussions and preliminary reports.

“We really saw the public input in the plans,” said Councillor Nick DiFlavio, adding that he’s pleased to see the plans complete and is looking forward to the future waterfront development.

The next step for Grimsby council is to seek grant opportunities to start the process of moving ahead with components chosen by council.