The City of Pickering is still working to acquire 34 acres at the foot of Liverpool Road, as well as 133 acres within Frenchman’s Bay itself. The council received a private update on this progress during a special meeting on Monday.
Earlier this year, the city enlisted KPMG’s help in preparing for potential funding from federal and provincial governments to purchase the lands, which has been a goal for Pickering for many years.
“We’re staying the course and continuing our due diligence,” said Councillor Maurice Brenner after hearing the in-camera update on progress from Shawn Oakley, a real estate specialist with KPMG. “The offer is still on the table.”
The city has faced rejection twice in its attempts to buy the bay from Harold Hough and his East Shore Marina, who have owned Frenchman’s Bay since acquiring the Pickering Harbour Company – along with a Queen’s Charter signed by Queen Victoria in 1853 – over 60 years ago.
Councillor Brenner mentioned that there’s a tentative agreement to buy the bay and they are just waiting for 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 but they’ve been very supportive,” Brenner said. “We’re still optimistic.”
The properties were listed for sale in 2023, initially priced at $60 million for residentially zoned lands (and waters) at 600 Liverpool and $20 million for commercial property at 591 Liverpool Road that once hosted boat storage and marine services.
Pickering had offered $30 million to buy all land and water rights held by Pickering Harbour Company. That proposal was turned down. The city then suggested purchasing only the waters of the bay along with part of the eastern spit lands. That offer was also rejected.
The city’s aim is to prevent developers from taking control of these lands – who might propose developments like floating homes similar to those at Friday Harbour on Lake Simcoe – so that it can be transformed into public space enjoyed by all residents.
The specifics of their new offer remain confidential, but with $10 million allocated in their 2025 budget and an expected additional $10 million each from provincial and federal sources, it suggests that their proposal hasn’t shifted much since initial offers were made.
Brenner emphasized that getting Frenchman’s Bay into public ownership is crucial. “This could be a real game changer.”
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