blue edge midland s Unimin Waterfront Master Plan Study Community Workshop January 24, 2013 presentation outline
Town of Midland The Planning Partnership TCI Management Consultants Plan B Natural Heritage Baird Associates the team
planning urban design consultation landscape architecture the planning partnership
November December January February March April May Steering Cmte/ Town of Midland Kick-off Meeting Nov 15 Community Workshop Stakeholder Meetings Steering Cmte Meeting Council Presentation of Concepts Town Staff Meeting Steering Cmte Meeting Public Info Session Steering Cmte Meeting Public Launch Social Media Engagement Program Small Group Table Exercises Present Final Draft Master Plan Consultant Team Refine Consultation Plan Review Background Information Review Existing Land Uses Review Market, Tourism & Economic Development Opportunities Conduct Site Analysis Develop Base Plan Materials Presentation Facilitate Exercises Prepare for Workshop Refine Concepts Refine Concepts Identify & Develop Optional Implementation Strategies Develop Final Waterfront Design & Land Use Option Develop Final Implementation Strategy Presentation Final Revisions to Master Plan Recommend Amendments to Planning Policy we are here work program
Mayor McKay Deputy Mayor Stephan Kramp Councilor Zena Pendlebury Councilor Mike Ross Burke Penny (Retired Heritage Planner) Drew Plaxton (Plaxton Appraisal Services) Carl Horvat (Unimin) Andrea Betty (Town of Midland) Wes Crown (Town of Midland) Bryan Peter (Town of Midland) Shawn Berriault (Town of Midland) steering committee
social media - what we ve heard
In response to precedent photos posted on the Facebook page, we have heard suggestions for: lots of trees public seating direct access to the water a pedestrian-friendly environment accessibility restaurants regular programming (ie markets, festivals) social media - what we ve heard
1. Summary of Existing Conditions 2. 10 Keys to Successful Waterfronts 3. 7 Conditions to Avoid 4. 10 Assets to Build On 5. Design Principles 6. Possibilities 7. Table Group Activities presentation outline
1. Enables Town to undertake a study to establish a new planning framework 2. 1 year timeframe 3. Owner still able to sell land 4. Used for lands that are deemed to be in the public interest 5. Interim Control By-law requires approval by Council interim control by-law
Bayshore Drive Gloucester Street Russell Street Queen Street Midland Ave King Street First Street study area
3300 feet of shoreline 40 acres Bayshore Drive Russell Street Gloucester Street Bay Street Queen Street study aerial
5th St Vindin St Bayshore Dr Bay St Dominion Ave Hugel Ave 4th St Yonge St William St King St site relative to downtown
3 Little Lake Park Trails 4 Tay Shore Trail, Tay Township Sunrise Park Town Limits Study Area Limits Trails Trails and Open Spaces Glenbrook Gardens 1 Mid/Pen Trail 2 Rotary Waterfront Trail 3 4 Little Lake Park Trails Tay Shore Trail, Tay Township Town Limits Study Area Limits Trails Fuller Ave McCullough Park Georgian Bay N Unimin Park 2 1 5th St Vindin St Pete Pettersen Park Bayshore Dr Huronia Park Veteran s Waterfront Park Bayview Park Town Dock William St Tiffin Park Mac McAllen Park Carpenter Park Bay St Dominion Ave Hugel Ave 4th St Yonge St King St Quota Park Penetanguishene Rd Little Lake Park 3 Balm Beach Rd Little Lake Heritage Dr 4 planning context
aces and Cultural Landmarks Scools Places and Cultural Landmarks Places of Worship Town Hall Schools Scools Huronia Museum Places of Worship Fire Station Town Hall Police StationHuronia Museum Library Fire Station Town Limits Police Station Study Area Limits Library N Midland Point Town Limits Study Area Limits Fuller Ave Sunnyside Georgian Bay N 5th St Vindin St Bayshore Dr Midland Harbour William St Bay St Dominion Ave Hugel Ave 4th St Downtown Yonge St King St Tiffin by the Bay Penetanguishene Rd Balm Beach Rd Little Lake Heritage Dr planning context
planning context
existing conditions Study area consists of: demolition site (former industrial use) area of successional woodland vegetation No remnant, natural plant communities in the study area. Study area exhibits a high level of disturbance related to previous land use activities. Informal trail system traverses the site. No significant natural heritage features or functions have been identified in the Midland Natural Heritage System Review. The natural features of the site represents one of the few accessible natural areas along the Midland Harbour shoreline. environmental context
opportunities and constraints Opportunities for integrating some of the cultural woodland feature within the larger land use master plan. Enhancements can include planting native species, removal of invasive species, and clean-up of debris. Removing some of the existing breakwall/dock and creating a natural shoreline experience. Soil conditions may limit the extent to which the area can be restored or may require special remediation measures. Development for residential and open space uses will require a Phase 1 and 2 Environmental Site Assessment, as per the Environmental Protection Act. Phase 1 is complete. environmental context
existing conditions The study area is largely lakefill. A steel sheet pile wall in a state of disrepair. The need to develop a stable shoreline, including shore protection will be an important consideration. A marina demand study and cost benefit analysis would be required to determine if marina facilities would be economically viable. water & boating context
Purpose of Market Overview provide some insight / guidelines for investors / developers that may generate ideas but, ensure that plan guidelines developed are grounded in market reality not encourage wild speculation or unrealistic expectations balance between: ensuring appropriate development that respects community wishes < > enabling private sector participation market context
Market Parameters - Residential stable population base in municipality / region however, within this some pockets of significant growth (e.g. over age 55) household undoubling from: separations, divorces preliminary conclusion: some moderate market demand for additional residential Market Possibilities Commercial stable population base in municipality / region however, within this some pockets of significant growth (over age 55) household undoubling from: separations, divorces market context
Market Possibilities Water-Based Tourism marina demand on Great Lakes overall: plateaued some niche opportunities in certain communities water levels may present opportunities for Midland marinas (greater depth) however, be mindful of competition for new operation to existing cannibalism conclusion: unlikely, but not impossible Market Possibilities Cruise Ship Terminal long discussion of this as Great Lakes industry still small scale, plateaued in current economy probably slow growth in longer term conclusion: possibly, in longer term; probably not immediate market context
Market Possibilities Other Tourism consider as focal point for tourism activities hotel / conference centre / spa/wellness: some market potential, but be aware of some cannibalization effect casino? other tourism amenities: trails, boardwalks, playground areas, boat rentals, fishing charters, amphitheatre location for festivals, events plan should accommodate possibilities Market Possibilities Other Opportunities educational possibilities: partnership with university of community college entertainment complex: theatre, restaurants, commercial cultural activities: museum, art gallery, archives, library, performing arts quasi-public sector operations: YMCA conclusion: waterfront ideal location for such uses, year-round, but probably longer term market context
Preliminary Conclusions Residential Potential Retail Use Potential Marina Possibility Cruise Ship Possibility Tourism Uses (e.g. hotel) Potential Educational / Institutional Potential market context
Project for Public Spaces (PPS) Non-profit planning, design and educational organization Helping people create and sustain public spaces that build stronger communities Placemaking approach helps citizens transform their public spaces Learning from hundreds of waterfront cities and places from around the world over 32 years, Project for Public Spaces (PPS) identified a number of common characteristics that inform helpful guiding principles for creating great waterfront developments, as well as mistakes that should be avoided. 10 keys to successful waterfronts
1. create a shared community vision 10 keys to successful waterfronts
2. make sure public goals are the primary objective 10 keys to successful waterfronts
3. build on existing assets and context san antonio river walk riverside granville park, island nyc 10 keys to successful waterfronts
4. use the water and look first at public space granville island 10 keys to successful waterfronts
5. use parks to connect destinations, not as destinations unto themselves granville vancouver island 10 keys to successful waterfronts
6. create multiple destinations - the power of 10 oslo s granville aker brygge island 10 keys to successful waterfronts
7. maximize opportunities for public access - to touch the water oslo s malmo, aker sweden brygge 10 keys to successful waterfronts
8. support cycling and walking - limit cars oslo s malmo, new aker york sweden brygge city 10 keys to successful waterfronts
9. integrate seasonal & night activities & design for flexibility & adaptability providence, oslo s malmo, rhode aker sweden helsinki brygge island 10 keys to successful waterfronts
10. design buildings and encourage uses to activate public space providence, aukland, oslo s malmo, new rhode aker sweden zealand helsinki brygge island 10 keys to successful waterfronts
Where Waterfront Developments Go Wrong 1. Single-use developments, rather than multi-purpose destinations 2. Domination by autos 3. Too much passive space or too much recreation 4. Private control, not public access 5. Lack of destinations 6. A process driven by development, not by community 7. Design statements 7 conditions to avoid
1. Protecting & reinforcing views of the water 2. Access to & along the waterfront (pedestrian, cyclist and vehicular) 10 assets to build on
3. Bayshore Drive as a connector not a barrier 4. Strengthen links between Downtown & the waterfront 10 assets to build on
5. Create a mixed-use waterfront district: work/live/learn/play 6. Provide a continuous public frontage - Midland s front porch 10 assets to build on
7. Provide all-season activities & programming 8. Enhancing the local ecology community farmers market 10 assets to build on
9. Create a draw for the community & tourism 10. Ensure a critical mass of people & activity 10 assets to build on orillia
Principles as set out in the Town of Midland s Terms of Reference for the Unimin Waterfront Master Plan 1. Economic Viability The site will generate economic benefits on two levels: first, it will offer investment opportunities to the private sector for a variety of sustainable commercial and/ or residential uses. Second, it will generate economic benefit to the community overall by attracting visitors who will spend time and money in the community, which helps support existing businesses. 2. Clean All activities and future development should work with natural processes to contribute to environmental health. 3. Green Natural features and topography should form a green infrastructure for the region. 4. Connected Connections with the area s natural and cultural heritage should be restored and maintained. 5. Open Existing features and views should be maintained. Density and design should not be allowed to create a visual barrier to the water. principles for the study
6. Accessible Waterfront activity should be serviced by public transit and roadways. The waterfront should be safe and accessible to all members of society. Where feasible, the water s edge should be open to public access. 7. Usable The waterfront should support a mix of public and private uses. 8. Diverse The waterfront should provide diverse landscapes, places, wildlife habitats, uses, programs and experiences. 9. Affordable Waterfront development and management should provide opportunities for economic renewal and for efficient use of resources. When possible, social, environmental and economic objectives should be integrated with each other. 10. Attractive Design and landscaping should protect, enhance and create distinctive and memorable places along the waterfront. principles for the study
waterfront neighbourhoods possibilities...a place to live gravenhurst
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culture entertainment markets seasonal play attractions & destinations possibilities - a vibrant place
museums and galleries play architecture retail attractions & destinations possibilities - a vibrant place
boardwalk promenade informal path combined trails & paths possibilities - a place to walk and cycle
beach play spaces plazas formal open spaces possibilities - a place to gather & play
Group Activity Discussion of possible components of development concepts. Using copies of the design concepts, discuss: - What you like best - What needs to change - What needs to be added Using the photographs provided, collage the ones your group feels are most representative of the character of Midland s new waterfront. table exercises
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