The Township of Brock yesterday announced that the municipal council has endorsed the Beaverton Waterfront Plan.
“On February 26, 2024, council endorsed the Waterfront Plan that provides a long-term vision for Beaverton’s waterfront and the open space lands that connect downtown Beaverton to the harbour,” said a township statement.
Objectives of the Waterfront Plan are to strengthen the role of the waterfront as a community and recreation hub; stimulate tourism and economic development; increase connections to Downtown Beaverton; and ensure its continued vitality for future generations, said a plan description.
It said the township retained The Planning Partnership to lead the planning process. The study area included all public lands between the Beaverton Harbour and Mill Gateway Park adjacent to downtown Beaverton, including the Beaverton fairgrounds.
A comprehensive public consultation program was undertaken as part of the Waterfront Plan process, with a series of workshops, open houses and meetings to obtain input throughout the 14+ month long process. Based on feedback, the township released three concept options in June 2023 and an interactive online survey to gather public input on the various elements proposed in each of the options. An emerging preferred plan was released in the fall of 2023 for further public consultation.
Budget Process
The Waterfront Area and Open Space Plan will be used as input into the township’s annual budget and business plan to help guide projects within the waterfront and open space areas.
The Waterfront Plan brings together the components and features from the concepts options developed throughout the process and presents a framework for guiding the detailed design of over 40 components projects. The Waterfront Plan is described according to the five areas of focus: the Beaverton Harbour, fairgrounds, railway parcels, Mill Gateway Park and downtown Beaverton. The plan includes some high level costs and proposed phasing, recognizing that this is a long term plan that will evolve over time.
Some projects will depend on further discussions with Federal Small Craft Harbours with respect to ownership and improvements to the piers at the harbour. Other components will depend on discussions with user groups, external agencies and community organizations, including, but not limited to, the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, the Beaverton Lions Club, the Beaverton Agricultural Society and Beaverton and District Conservation Club.
Related Stories
You May Also Want To Read
Metrolinx allays safety fears over curvy track to Bowmanville
Wapusk Trail premiere to raise funds for indigenous communities