The City of Pickering’s ongoing effort to bring Frenchman’s Bay into public ownership is set to increase by over $360,000 on Monday, with no guarantee that a deal for the lands around – and beneath – the bay will actually happen.
City officials are advising council to approve hiring KPMG for consulting services to prepare in case funding from federal and provincial governments becomes available. This funding would be aimed at acquiring 34 valuable acres at the foot of Liverpool Road, along with 133 acres within the bay itself.
The city has faced rejection twice from Harold Hough and his East Shore Marina regarding the purchase of the bay, which he has owned since acquiring the Pickering Harbour Company-along with a Queen’s Charter signed by Queen Victoria in 1853-over 60 years ago.
Pickering Councillor Maurice Brenner mentioned that an agreement is already in place 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.”
Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe shares that optimism.
“I ask your government to work with the city of Pickering and provincial counterparts to establish a tri-party funding agreement for the acquisition of Frenchman’s Bay in Pickering,” Ashe wrote in his letter to newly-elected Prime Minister Mark Carney last fall. “Securing this vital natural asset will ensure it is returned to the public domain and permanently safeguarded from unwanted development.”
Frenchman’s Bay
The properties were listed for sale in 2023 with an initial asking price of $60 million for residential-zoned land at 600 Liverpool Road and $20 million for a commercial site at 591 Liverpool Road that previously housed boat storage, maintenance, and marine services.
Pickering made an offer of $30 million for all lands and water rights held by Pickering Harbour Company, but that proposal was turned down. The city then suggested buying only the waters of the bay along with part of the eastern spit lands; this offer was also rejected.
The city’s goal is to transfer these lands out of developers’ hands-who might propose projects like floating home developments similar to Friday Harbour on Lake Simcoe-and into public ownership so residents can enjoy them.
The specifics of their new offer remain confidential, but with $10 million allocated in the 2025 budget plus anticipated contributions of $10 million each from provincial and federal sources, it seems their proposal hasn’t shifted much from earlier offers.
Brenner indicated that KPMG will conduct due diligence on both land and water concerns related to environmental issues as a priority.
“They’ll do some drilling to look for contamination. We need to see if there any issues in the bay.”
KPMG is also expected to perform a financial analysis given several marine-related businesses operating on or near the bay while offering guidance on potential future uses should a deal go through-including possibly establishing a marina.
The total cost of KPMG’s services amounts to $361,756.80 (net HST rebate), funded through Rate Stabilization Reserve.
Brenner added that they will also review what implications may arise concerning Queen’s Charter signed by Queen Victoria back in 1853 since it isn’t transferrable under current circumstances.
Ultimately securing Frenchman’s Bay as public property remains their primary objective. “This could be a real game changer.”
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Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe shares that optimism.
“I ask your government to work with the city of Pickering and provincial counterparts to establish a tri-party funding agreement for the acquisition of Frenchman’s Bay in Pickering,” Ashe wrote in his letter to newly-elected Prime Minister Mark Carney last fall. “Securing this vital natural asset will ensure it is returned to the public domain and permanently safeguarded from unwanted development.”
Frenchman’s Bay
The properties were listed for sale in 2023 with an initial asking price of $60 million for residential-zoned land at 600 Liverpool Road and $20 million for a commercial site at 591 Liverpool Road that previously housed boat storage, maintenance, and marine services.
Pickering made an offer of $30 million for all lands and water rights held by Pickering Harbour Company, but that proposal was turned down. The city then suggested buying only the waters of the bay along with part of the eastern spit lands; this offer was also rejected.
The city’s goal is to transfer these lands out of developers’ hands-who might propose projects like floating home developments similar to Friday Harbour on Lake Simcoe-and into public ownership so residents can enjoy them.
The specifics of their new offer remain confidential, but with $10 million allocated in the 2025 budget plus anticipated contributions of $10 million each from provincial and federal sources, it seems their proposal hasn’t shifted much from earlier offers.
Brenner indicated that KPMG will conduct due diligence on both land and water concerns related to environmental issues as a priority.
“They’ll do some drilling to look for contamination. We need to see if there any issues in the bay.”
KPMG is also expected to perform a financial analysis given several marine-related businesses operating on or near the bay while offering guidance on potential future uses should a deal go through-including possibly establishing a marina.
The total cost of KPMG’s services amounts to $361,756.80 (net HST rebate), funded through Rate Stabilization Reserve.
Brenner added that they will also review what implications may arise concerning Queen’s Charter signed by Queen Victoria back in 1853 since it isn’t transferrable under current circumstances.
Ultimately securing Frenchman’s Bay as public property remains their primary objective. “This could be a real game changer.”
Last 30 Days: 78,410 Votes
All Time: 1,174,799 Votes
63 VOTES
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