The City of Pickering’s ongoing effort to bring Frenchman’s Bay into public ownership is likely to cost an additional $360,000 on Monday, but there’s no certainty that a deal for the surrounding lands will actually happen.
City staff are suggesting that the council approve hiring KPMG for consulting and professional services. This would help prepare the city in case expected funding from both federal and provincial governments comes through to acquire 34 valuable acres at the foot of Liverpool Road, along with 133 acres within the bay itself.
Pickering has faced two setbacks in its attempts to buy the bay from Harold Hough and his East Shore Marina, which have controlled the waters since he purchased the Pickering Harbour Company – complete with a Queen’s Charter signed by Queen Victoria back in 1853 – over sixty years ago.
Councillor Maurice Brenner mentioned there’s an agreement ready for acquiring the bay and that they’re just waiting on responses from Ottawa and Queen’s Park.
“We have a warm and fuzzy feeling from the province, and we’re continuing our discussions with the federal government, who have been quite supportive,” Brenner said. “We’re still hopeful.”
Mayor Kevin Ashe shares that optimism as well.
“I ask your government to work with the city of Pickering and provincial counterparts to establish a tri-party funding agreement for acquiring Frenchman’s Bay in Pickering,” Ashe stated in his letter to newly-elected Prime Minister Mark Carney last fall. “Securing this vital natural asset will ensure it is returned to public ownership and permanently protected from unwanted development.”
Frenchman’s Bay
The properties were listed for sale in 2023 with an initial asking price of $60 million for residentially zoned lands at 600 Liverpool, alongside $20 million for a commercial property at 591 Liverpool Road that used to host a boat storage/maintenance business.
Pickering made an offer of $30 million to purchase all lands and water rights held by Pickering Harbour Company, but it was turned down. The city then proposed buying just the waters of the bay plus part of the eastern spit lands; that proposal was also rejected.
The city’s goal is to transfer these lands away from developers-who could potentially propose floating home developments similar to Friday Harbour on Lake Simcoe-and into public hands so everyone can enjoy them.
The new offer’s price remains confidential, but with $10 million set aside in the 2025 budget plus anticipated contributions of $10 million each from provincial and federal sources, it seems like their proposal hasn’t strayed far from what was initially offered.
Brenner explained that KPMG will conduct due diligence on both land and water areas around the bay, prioritizing environmental concerns.
“They’ll do some drilling to check for contamination. We need to see if there are any issues in the bay.”
KPMG is also expected to carry out financial analysis related to several marine businesses operating on or near the bay and give advice about potential plans if a deal goes through-including possibly developing a marina.
The contract worth $361,756.80 (after HST rebate) for KPMG’s services will be funded through Rate Stabilization Reserve funds.
Brenner added they’ll also examine what implications may arise from the Queen’s Charter signed by Queen Victoria back in 1853 regarding any potential sale since it’s not transferable.
The main goal remains getting Frenchman’s Bay into public ownership. “This could be a real game changer.”
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Mayor Kevin Ashe shares that optimism as well.
“I ask your government to work with the city of Pickering and provincial counterparts to establish a tri-party funding agreement for acquiring Frenchman’s Bay in Pickering,” Ashe stated in his letter to newly-elected Prime Minister Mark Carney last fall. “Securing this vital natural asset will ensure it is returned to public ownership and permanently protected from unwanted development.”
Frenchman’s Bay
The properties were listed for sale in 2023 with an initial asking price of $60 million for residentially zoned lands at 600 Liverpool, alongside $20 million for a commercial property at 591 Liverpool Road that used to host a boat storage/maintenance business.
Pickering made an offer of $30 million to purchase all lands and water rights held by Pickering Harbour Company, but it was turned down. The city then proposed buying just the waters of the bay plus part of the eastern spit lands; that proposal was also rejected.
The city’s goal is to transfer these lands away from developers-who could potentially propose floating home developments similar to Friday Harbour on Lake Simcoe-and into public hands so everyone can enjoy them.
The new offer’s price remains confidential, but with $10 million set aside in the 2025 budget plus anticipated contributions of $10 million each from provincial and federal sources, it seems like their proposal hasn’t strayed far from what was initially offered.
Brenner explained that KPMG will conduct due diligence on both land and water areas around the bay, prioritizing environmental concerns.
“They’ll do some drilling to check for contamination. We need to see if there are any issues in the bay.”
KPMG is also expected to carry out financial analysis related to several marine businesses operating on or near the bay and give advice about potential plans if a deal goes through-including possibly developing a marina.
The contract worth $361,756.80 (after HST rebate) for KPMG’s services will be funded through Rate Stabilization Reserve funds.
Brenner added they’ll also examine what implications may arise from the Queen’s Charter signed by Queen Victoria back in 1853 regarding any potential sale since it’s not transferable.
The main goal remains getting Frenchman’s Bay into public ownership. “This could be a real game changer.”
INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies
Last 30 Days: 32,738 Votes
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