City launches new boardwalk in the first phase of its waterfront revitalization
First phase of city’s waterfront redevelopment plan expected to take 10 years
Hamilton has launched its new boardwalk at Pier 7, Phase 1 of a massive redevelopment of the West Harbour.
Hamilton-born residents Catherine Hammond and Donna Stewart both live at the Guise Street Co-op which overlooks the waterfront. Both were pleased with they what they saw.
“It’s wonderful to see what’s happening; a rejuvenation of the North End,” said Hammond who also said the waterfront looked much different when she was growing up.
“We never came down here. It was a part of the city nobody wanted to visit or have a part of. It was known as the North End is a bad area. Now, people are fighting to get here and I’m glad to be part of it.”
“I was born in the North End,” Stewart told the Spectator at Monday’s press event. “I’m enjoying this beautiful structure they’ve done.”
The $3.8-million, 150-metre long, shoreline boardwalk features 12 docks for boaters, 14 new benches and six new lounge chairs for the public. Both the boardwalk and docking areas will be lit.
Visiting boaters can park for three hours from dawn to dusk, however, overnight docking is not allowed.
The project also includes new lighting, electrical and irrigation systems designed to support eight flower and tree beds.
“We’re just getting started,” said Ward 2 Councillor Jason Farr as he addressed the crowd which flocked to the area to explore the new space.
Mayor Fred Eisenberger agreed and called the project an “add on” to the development that will continue over the next decade.
“It gives residents another opportunity to enjoy the space as well as the boaters that come from far away places to visit … more business for Williams and more activity at the waterfront,” he said. The mayor also said he hopes to live in the North End once the project is completed.
Eisenberger said the city has put aside about $40 million to help support additional servicing and upgrades in the future.
Redevelopment of Pier 7 and Pier 8 will continue over the next 10 years, with much of the public spaces and infrastructure to be completed by 2018.
The area will morph into a mixed-use space including new trails and parks, a residential and commercial village, a long linear 30-metre wide promenade, all with access to the waterfront.
“From the city standpoint, it’s like the front porch or the gateway to the City of Hamilton and downtown and we certainly can’t be prouder,” said Chris Phillips, senior adviser on the project.
Phase 1 of the project also included a new multi-million dollar floating breakwater structure. The all-steel construction is meant to protect the shoreline and a planned expansion of the marina docks for additional boats. Made off-site it was trucked in, assembled on-land and floated into place.
As part of the announcement the media was given a boat tour of the bay area. Phillips spoke about “enhancements” to Pier’s 4 and 5 as part of the redevelopment project which will happen in multiple phases.
The entire project is expected to be completed by 2026. The total price tag will be about $140 million.