WATERFRONT PLAN

Hamilton’s waterfront is the focus of a $143-million revitalization over the next decade or more to turn the city’s west harbour into a more accessible, community-oriented space that will be home to thousands of new residents. The original development plan, which was approved seven years ago, includes Piers 6-8, Bayfront Beach and other stretches along Hamilton’s shoreline. Some of the components include:

Piers 6-7 — which stretches from the edge of the yacht club and includes the marine unit, the public docks and former boat storage snuggled up against Pier 8 — is supposed to host stores, an artisanal village and possibly a pub or a hotel one day.

Pier 8 is expected to be redeveloped into a residential neighbourhood. The city has a shortlist of would-be redevelopers, including five consortiums of architects and builders who will be asked to submit detailed proposals for the 5.24-hectare area the city hopes to morph into a new 1,600-unit community with new and commercial institutional space. The city says it wants the land to be “shovel-ready” by 2018.

Proposals for Bayfront Park beyond 2019 include bike, kayak and canoe rentals as well as showering facilities, a concession stand and a play structure.

Long-term plans include a suggested façade upgrade for Leander Boat Club to coincide with the harbour facelift.

At Bayview Park, the biggest proposed change would be a 400-spot underground parking garage meant to help deal with an expected increase in harbour visitors. This proposal is costly and won’t happen before 2021, if at all.

Macassa Bay is expected to see $930,000 in shoreline repair and “naturalization” efforts to protect fish habitat over the next two years.