PICKERING -- Plans to transform Pickering's
Frenchman's Bay into a tourist destination has attracted attention at
Queen's Park.
Proposals for improvements to the Frenchman's Bay
Harbour entrance have been in the works since 2005, when the area was
first identified as a priority for the city. Improvements would include
constructing a new breakwater and implementing a dredging program to
reduce navigational difficulties caused by heavy siltation. The project
would also develop the area as a tourist destination by improving public
amenities, waterfront access and trails.
"It's a long-standing desire of the City to complete this project," said Pickering Mayor Dave Ryan.
"It's essentially shovel-ready and there's been a lot of work already. A
breakwater would make this a destination, it would be fully accessible
for people who want to go out and enjoy it as a viewpoint or for
fishing. This project would increase accessibility of the waterfront and
its desirability as a destination."
A suggestion that the
Ministry of Infrastructure look at financially supporting the
long-gestating project was brought up by Pickering-Scarborough East MPP
Tracy MacCharles in the legislature on Dec. 8.
While the motion
does not equal a promise for funding, it invites the ministry to review
the project. Mayor Ryan said it is welcome because it will help to raise
awareness of the plan for the bay.
"We're well aware this does
not translate directly to funding but we think it's a good first step,"
he explained. "It's certainly raised the profile of the project and the
fact that it obtained unanimous support is significant."
The
motion was passed unanimously, with MPPs from across Durham, and from
differing parties, voicing support. Among those voices stating support
were Liberal MPP Joe Dickson and Conservative MPP Christine Elliot, both
of Durham Region. Ms. MacCharles, who tabled the private member's
motion stating that the Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure should
explore the feasibility of supporting the project, called it a win for
the area.
"This project is appealing because, one, it's ready to
go, but there's also so many potential benefits not just for Pickering
but for all of the region and even the province," Ms. MacCharles said.
"I call it a win-win-win because it addresses safety, there are
economic benefits through job creation and it will also increase tourism
and boost commercial interests. There's so many benefits."
The
planned harbour entrance improvements are part of a larger waterfront
plan. An environmental assessment was completed in 2007 and in 2008
Pickering partnered with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
to undertake the work. The City is currently seeking a funding
commitment from upper-tier levels of government in order to proceed with
the project, which would head directly into the construction stage once
funding is secured.