| The vision for
Port Dalhousie was conceived in an architect’s office.
That was six years ago almost to the day. Now, a plan which
has undergone revision and microscopic scrutiny and passed
successfully through a lengthy and costly legal process, is
finally moving forward.
In late 2003, when Port Dalhousie Vitalization
Corporation (PDVC) announced that they had acquired the properties
needed for a major redevelopment of the Port Dalhousie commercial
core, they only had a vague idea of what they would build.
A condominium building, a small theatre, a small hotel and
retail space were components to be included; but, how to situate
this into an attractive and functional package required professional
help.
When world-renowned architect, Jack Diamond,
was hired to produce a vision for the historic commercial
core, situated on St. Catharines’ waterfront, he did
not limit himself to the properties owned by his client. Instead,
he took a global approach that included the public lands and
amenities adjacent to the development.
His vision incorporated integrating the already
proposed skating path and a new building for the carousel
as a focal point in the park. Where his train went off the
rails was in his design for a 27 storey tower that would maximize
public space on private land but would also dramatically alter
the skyline. Unsure that such a bold plan would be approved
by planners and councils or accepted by the general public,
Diamond’s scheme was pulled by the developers in October
of 2005.
A few months later, Architect, Michael Kirkland,
was retained to put forth a more acceptable vision, but one
that would also include the incorporation of enhanced public
lands and features. In his design, the tower was reduced to
17 stories in height without sacrificing any public space
or the number of condominium units. Ultimately, it was approved
and is now progressing with a fast approaching start date.
Kirkland’s vision included the same components
as Diamond’s but with major changes. The parking lot
would be reconfigured to be longer and narrower, and to line
up with the pedestrian access of the new development. The
carousel, to be enclosed in glass, would remain in relatively
the same location as it now stands, and the skating path would
be moved to a more sheltered location west of the carousel.
Kirkland’s intent was to design the skating path as
a year-round “water feature” to mimic or “ghost”
the route that ships took after exiting the first lock, through
a basin of water that has since been filled in.
Today, we have taken a giant step forward in
implementing the vision. The group, Niagara Citizens for Smart
Development (NCSD) who were formed in 2004 to support the
developer’s revitalization goals, meet regularly on
Monday mornings. It was in those meetings, following the final
approvals of the project proposal, that attention turned to
ensuring that the enhancement of public lands be undertaken
in coordination with the private development.
People outside the group, who were considered
stakeholders in the Port Dalhousie harbour area or who had
past involvements in its development, were contacted. Meetings
were held with key individuals to formulate a plan. Perhaps
the most significant meeting was held with the Federal Minister
of State, Gary Goodyear, where NCSD Chair, Dave Bedwell, presented
him with a wish list that would fulfill the vision conceived
by the architect and the developer.
The timing couldn’t have been better.
The Federal Government had just authorized another $127 million
worth of grants for Southern Ontario cities under 250,000
population. With the involvement of David Oakes, the city’s
Director of Economic Development, a staff report was produced,
which ultimately led to a presentation to city council on
January 11th. Following Goodyear’s advice, the report
split the funding request into three parts—rowing, skating
path and the parks.
Canadian Henley Rowing Corporation (CHRC) applied to purchase
a weed harvester to keep the rowing course free of underwater
vegetation, along with a new bridge for crossing onto Henley
Island.
The St. Catharines Rotary Club applied for funding
to build the skating path, a project on hold since 2005. Engineering
studies were paid for through fundraising and Council has
allocated money in its capital budget.
The third application was made by the city to include the
re-shingling of the inner range lighthouse as well as the
construction of a shoreline pedestrian link to Jaycee Park.
With the application deadline only a week away, council climbed
on board and voted on January 11th without debate to accept
staff’s recommendation to apply for the federal grant
money. Should the federal grants be forthcoming, the city’s
share for park improvements would be minimal.
Not identified in the city’s grant application
is the construction of a new building for the carousel. An
integral part of the overall vision, this does not mean that
our historic carousel will not be the recipient of a new glass-enclosed
building, just that it may require a different source of funding.
PDVC had proposed an offer to the city, in
2004 when first announcing their project. Their proposal would
have the developers themselves financing the costs of park
improvements and being repaid for such out of tax rebates
under a Community Improvement Program. Though the major component
included in their plan has been resolved—the reconfiguration
of the parking lot which PDVC is paying for out of their own
pockets—the developer is still willing to honour its
offer.
If council accepts PDVC’s offer for a
CIP program, the 60% share of taxes that would normally go
to the Region will stay in the city. It shouldn’t be
a tough decision to make, especially in an election year.
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