Bluewater Park Development Presentation

Bluewater Park Development
Wiarton

*Please note: relocation of the boat launch is currently being
investigated, but is not a part of this funded project.
Bluewater Park Development

Introductions
Council members present

John Stewart ­ Chair of EDC

Larry Porter ­ Landscape Architect

Danielle Mulasmajic ­ EDO

Brad McRoberts - MPW
Bluewater Park Development
Food for Thought

Town of South Bruce Peninsula is extremely
fortunate to have a highly valuable asset such
as Bluewater Park.

Many municipalities around the world expend
considerable dollars and effort to acquire and
redevelop waterfront areas for public parklands.

City of Owen Sound is going through significant
effort and cost to acquire and redevelop its
waterfront.
Bluewater Park Development
Background
In 1990 the Town of Wiarton realized that the waterfront had the potential
for economic prosperity and commissioned landscape architect Larry
Porter to prepare a `Wiarton Waterfront Study & Plan'.

The Plan was considered, endorsed but due to financial constraints it was
never implemented.

In 2008 the Economic Development Committee revived the Plan deciding
it was an integral part of downtown revitalization and other economic
development efforts.

The same consultant was asked to prepare an update to the 1990 Plan
with the addition of some visual concepts.

In February of 2009 Council approved the Revised Plan and visual
concepts and agreed to support the redevelopment of Bluewater Park.

In May the Bluewater Park Plan was submitted under the Infrastructure
Stimulus Funding Program and was successful in receiving $947,000
towards the project.
Bluewater Park Development
Objectives
To develop Bluewater Park as a vibrant, mixed-use waterfront destination for
residents and visitors alike.

To allow for new economic development opportunities and a diversity of new users.

To improve accessibility and multiuse.

To bring future sustainability of the downtown commercial sector.

To improve connectivity to the waterfront while enhancing downtown revitalization
efforts.

To promote healthy activity by providing ample and continuous space for a variety of
recreational activities.

To preserve existing heritage buildings on the waterfront.
Bluewater Park Development
Overview
Bluewater Park Development
Project Includes:
Creation of new access points with new parking areas
Creation of an oversized vehicle parking lot
Interpretive/visitor information centre with an outdoor
plaza
New playground
Renovation of the unused potion of historic coal shed
Creation of an outdoor plaza area around the historic coal
shed
Creation of approx. 1200 meters of 3m (10 feet) wide
asphalt surfaced interconnecting trails
Development of new park entrances, upgrading of
existing park entrances
Streetscaping adjacent to park entrances
Bluewater Park Development
Infrastructure Stimulus Funding
Funding provided by Federal and Provincial governments through the
Infrastructure Stimulus Fund

Funding provided on a 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 cost share arrangement

Total estimated project cost is $1,400,000

Town's share is $470,000

Conditions of ISF Program is that the work needs to be completed by
March 2011
Bluewater Park Development
Path Forward
Public Information Meeting ­ June 2009

Request for Proposals for detailed design work
­ July/August 2009

Detailed Design ­ September-October 2009

Tender January 2010

Construction March 2010 to November 2010

Project Completion December 2010
Bluewater Park Development
Benefits
Expansive network of park trails
Improved parking
Improved accessibility
Increased use and diversity of uses
Increased tourism & economic development
Improved connectivity to downtown core

Safer and greener environment to promote and encourage
physical activity and family outings
Increased community pride and local quality of life
Potential to attract larger scale festivals and events

Prolonged economic life of Town of South Bruce Peninsula's most
undervalued asset
Questions & Comments
Any Questions?

Comments to be provided in writing to:

Attention: Danielle Mulasmajic
Town Hall
315 George St
Wiarton N0H 2T0

Comment forms are provided