Losing access to waterfront

RE: NO MORE FISHING AT PORT DALHOUSIE MARINA, JULY 1

My concern is the shrinking access to the Port Dalhousie waterfront and what impact new developments will have.

For example on the east side, the Port Dalhousie Pier Marina used to be a public beach. Michigan Beach was smaller and less crowded than Lakeside Park but nonetheless it was a sandy beach great for recreational swimming, sunbathing and fishing. People would also fish off the east side of the east pier where the marina boat slips are now. This was many years ago, however, it is a good example of what has and continues to happen to the Port Dalhousie waterfront.

I realize the situation on the east side is over and done with but it raises concerns about what may happen on the west side with the Lincoln Fabrics and Port legion developments. Not to mention the Son of Port Tower. Access to the water behind Lincoln Fabrics is already prohibited (fenced) and on the opposite side in the main channel by the waterfront trail. The waterfront trail passes and abuts to the Pier 61 restaurant and continues to pass just behind the legion. I hope the Lincoln Fabrics parkette planned to replace the restaurant will have access to the waterfront trail.

I hope the City of St. Catharines will ensure the existing harbourfront, trail and access to it not be compromised. During the planning access to it should be improved.

At Lakeside Park, even though the beach front is the same, the park has become much smaller. Also, the stairs from Dalhousie Avenue accessing the west end of the park have been closed, shrinking access to the waterfront. When these developments near completion there will be more pressure to limit the public’s access. Think about it, if you owned an expensive condominium in the new legion building would you want fishermen in your back window during the early morning hours? Let’s hope there will not be any No Public Fishing signs posted.

Don Armstrong

St. Catharines