NPC issues RFP for marina development
A waterfront development appealing to vacationers and boaters looking to be in a historic setting and surrounded by nature could be one step closer to reality.
Niagara Parks Commission issued a formal request for proposals to the investment and development community, seeking interest in a “worldclass” development of its marina property at Miller’s Creek in Fort Erie.
The location, including the marina and adjacent 26-hectare property, is 22 kilometres south of the Horseshoe Falls along the Niagara Parkway.
The commission envisions a development that creates a signature waterfront destination, providing avid boaters an opportunity to access and navigate hundreds of kilometres of lakes, rivers and canals in Canada and the United States.
Niagara Parks is asking the investment and development community to submit proposals “to optimize the tremendous tourism, recreation and historical interpretation potential of this site, as well as the fulsome experiences to be offered to the seasonal visitor, travelling public and area residents.”
Said Niagara Parks chairwoman Janice Thomson, “Niagara Parks is seeking a developer of international acclaim to design, build, finance and operate a new premier waterfront marina development, which captures the very essence of the cultural heritage and values of natural preservation that define and make Niagara Parks unique.
“Our vision for the marina is to create an outstanding destination that is befitting of the Niagara Parkway, its historical river setting and the lands we are entrusted to protect. This vision is based on the establishment of an exceptional public marina facility that will be developed in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner.”
The commission would retain ownership of all the land.
Niagara Parks said the development will be advanced under a performance-based, long-term lease.
The successful bidder will have to demonstrate innovation, ecological sustainability, excellence in design, as well strong fiscal responsibility.
The commission began accepting submissions Monday and will continue to do so through to June 30.
Interested parties can find the RFP at niagaraparks.com/marinaRFP.
The commission said the RFP reflects input and feedback it received from stakeholders, investors and developers during the initial planning stages, including stakeholder consultations, public engagement meetings and a draft RFP process.
David Adames, chief operating officer for Niagara Parks, has described the marina as an important public amenity on the upper Niagara River.
The project has been identified by the Town of Fort Erie and Niagara Region as a key economic development opportunity.
The marina site has been occupied and used in a variety of ways during the past 113 years. From 1903 to 1930 it hosted shipbuilding and repair facilities, as well as a metal foundry and fabrication factory.
The marina lands were purchased by Niagara Parks in 1957 and a small boat launch was established in 1965. The current marina was developed in 1968 and allowed for 54 boat slips when it first opened. An additional 50 boat slips were added to the site in 1975. Today, 135 seasonal boat slips exist and are operational. rspiteri@postmedia.com