Hamilton’s Pier 8: where the streets have no name yet
Despite the pandemic, the redevelopment of industrial Pier 8 into a harbourfront neighbourhood continues
The streets have no name — or buildings, or people.
But the outline of a new harbourfront neighbourhood is now etched in concrete along the soon-to-be streets of Pier 8.
City council approved a private redevelopment bid by Waterfront Shores in 2018 to add up to 1,500 apartments, townhouses and condo units to the former industrial pier that sits beside the recreational waterfront.
The city’s work to service the site continues despite COVID-19 restrictions that shut down “non-essential” projects in Hamilton.
Planning general manager Jason Thorne spurred project chatter recently when he posted a photo online of concrete curbs at the intersection of streets A and C on the pier. “We’ll come up with better names,” he promised.
Work on the city’s larger, $156-million harbour makeover has been delayed at times by high Lake Ontario levels and COVID -19, said project manager Chris Phillips.
Projects like a new waterfront park and shoreline improvements were deemed “non-essential” and can’t go ahead until pandemic precautions ease. But work on the future Pier 8 neighbourhood continues.
Here’s the latest:
What has the city done so far on Pier 8?
The eventual neighbourhood has a new shorewall designed to withstand Lake Ontario’s rising water levels, said Phillips. Most underground pipes and wires are also installed. A pumping station is under construction, curbs and sidewalks are being added and a reconfigured Discovery Drive is planned.
When does housing construction begin?
Not before next year. The city is in the “final throes” of contract details with its chosen development consortium, Waterfront Shores. It is also sorting through the implications of a recently settled tribunal appeal by North End residents that will influence the number of “family units” in the neighbourhood as well as traffic calming and parking.
What happened to the Pier 8 promenade park?
The pandemic delayed the tender call for work for the promenade, a 30-metre wide walking path and green space along the north and east sides of the pier. Phillips said he is hopeful work can still get underway this year.
What’s the plan for the rest of the waterfront?
The city also needs to repair the shoreline and walls along Piers 6 and 7 and demolish the former police marine unit building where a commercial hub is envisioned. The pandemic has also delayed that work, but planning continues.