The City of Pickering has appealed to the federal government in Ottawa for funding to help the city purchase Frenchman’s Bay.
“Using a tri-party funding model, the city has committed $10 million toward acquiring Frenchman’s
Bay and its associated land parcels. We are in the final stages of confirming support from the
province and are now focused on securing a $10 million contribution from the federal government to
complete the $30 million purchase and bring this vision to life,” said Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe in an open letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Ashe pointed out that the Prime Minister may be aware that the city has submitted an offer to purchase Frenchman’s Bay, and the 160-day due diligence period is imminent. “With that in mind, there is a growing urgency to secure funding from the senior levels of government,” he said.
The mayor said Pickering is especially grateful for the strong advocacy of Juanita Nathan, Member of Parliament for Pickering–Brooklin, who voiced her support for the acquisition of Frenchman’s Bay during her maiden speech in the House of Commons.
“We would appreciate the opportunity to engage with your team on potential funding streams that could help move this project forward,” Ashe said.
“Frenchman’s Bay is a shimmering jewel – a beloved natural treasure that deserves to be strengthened and protected for the enjoyment of all. Transitioning it into public stewardship will ensure its long-term preservation and safeguard it from unwanted development and the uncertainties of private ownership. This is a unique opportunity for all levels of government to demonstrate leadership in environmental protection, conservation, and public access, the mayor added.
The Background
Pickering Harbour Company, the owner of the bay, listed its property for sale in October 2023.
- The first listing, at a cost of $60 million (600 Liverpool Road), consisted of 34 acres in Lake Ontario and 133 acres in Frenchman’s Bay — zoned as residential.
- The second listing, at a cost of $20 million (591 Liverpool Road), consisted of a boat storage/maintenance and marine services business on just less than six acres of commercial property overlooking the lake.
Pickering’s bid to buy the Bay
The city undertook a competitive market analysis, led by KPMG. Upon completion of this analysis, the City of Pickering made two informal proposals to purchase Frenchman’s Bay and related land holdings.
The city first proposed to buy the Bay and all lands owned by Pickering Harbour Company for $30 million.
When that proposal was rejected, the city then proposed to buy only the Bay and a portion of the eastern spit lands. Pickering Harbour Company rejected that proposal as well.