The agreement isn’t finalized yet, but a “framework” is now established for funding between the City of Pickering, the federal government, and other parties involved, allowing the city to move forward with acquiring Frenchman’s Bay.
In collaboration with government bodies and conservation groups, the city has revealed that essential partners are aligned on a funding agreement and management plan to secure 34 precious acres at the end of Liverpool Road, as well as 133 acres within the bay itself, for public ownership.
While there’s still much work ahead, Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe stated that this marks “significant progress” towards securing Frenchman’s Bay.
“Frenchman’s Bay is the sparkling jewel of Pickering and a vital part of our identity. We’re excited about our progress and the collective commitment from everyone involved,” Ashe said. “There are still discussions to be had with Indigenous community partners, but we have a solid path toward bringing the bay into public ownership and ensuring it stays a valued part of our community.”
This joint initiative involves the City of Pickering, various federal entities (including Environment, Climate Change and Nature and Parks Canada), the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
Ashe emphasized that these organizations share a common vision aimed at protecting Frenchman’s Bay while preserving its natural beauty and recreational significance so it can be enjoyed by future generations.
The city has faced two rejections in its attempts to purchase the bay from Harold Hough and his East Shore Marina, who have owned its waters since he acquired them along with the Pickering Harbour Company-alongside a Queen’s Charter signed by Queen Victoria in 1853-over 60 years ago.
This January, KPMG was hired by the city for consulting services-costing $360,000-to help prepare for what they expect will be funding coming from both federal and provincial governments aimed at acquiring this land; an offer believed to be around $30 million.
Funding for this purchase will likely involve contributions from all three levels of government. However, even though it wasn’t mentioned in their press release, noted Pickering Regional Councillor Maurice Brenner-the only councillor guaranteed his seat in Durham Region’s upcoming election on Oct. 26-stated that efforts to buy this long-desired bay are nearing their “final stages.”
Last 30 Days: 57,484 Votes
All Time: 1,577,237 Votes
735 VOTES
Does the recent roller-coaster death make you nervous about riding one?
“Once this is finalized it will belong to public hands forever-and not for development,” he told INSAUGA Canada.
Brenner added that this anticipated deal should ease any public fears regarding potential ‘dockominium’ projects on the bay similar to those seen at Lake Simcoe’s Friday Harbour development.
“This is fantastic news for taxpayers. Our waterfront is one of our greatest assets; acquiring this bay is just an inkblot away.”
He referred to it as marking “the end of an era” concerning private ownership over water systems in Canada.
The properties were first listed for sale in 2023 with an asking price of $60 million for lands (and waters) zoned residential at 600 Liverpool Road alongside another $20 million for commercial property at 591 Liverpool Road which housed boat storage/maintenance services.
The city initially proposed offering $30 million to buy all land and water rights owned by Pickering Harbour Company; however that proposal was turned down. The next attempt was focused solely on purchasing just the waters of the bay along with part of eastern spit lands-but that too was rejected.
The details surrounding their new offer remain confidential but given there’s $10 million allocated in their budget for 2025 plus expected additional contributions from provincial and federal sources hinting at another $10 million each indicates they haven’t deviated much from earlier offers made.
The conversations will continue as all parties navigate through final agreements necessary to complete acquisition plans regarding both long-term management strategies while ensuring protection measures are put into place over time concerning bayside maintenance efforts moving forward according Brenner who also indicated there’ll be ample opportunities available later down line after everything gets formalized when public consultations occur surrounding finalization process.”
INSAUGA Canada’s Editorial Standards and Policies
Stay informed!
Subscribe now so you can receive our daily emails featuring today’s top stories from your area!
Source link
