Waterfront Plans
The Implementation Plan
The Downtown Waterfront Implementation Plan is a comprehensive plan, approved by city council in December 2003 to guide all aspects of the downtown waterfront development through to completion. Downtown Waterfront Implementation Plan (PDF, 2.9 MB)
The implementation plan was created through extensive consultation with key stakeholders and members of the community playing an active role. The final product represents their comments and feedback.
- Downtown Waterfront Implementation Plan Staff Overview Report (COMSERV 11-03)
- Downtown Waterfront Revised Capital Plan Staff Overview Report (COMSERV 14-03)
Following the approval of the implementation pan, work began immediately to develop detailed plans.
Baird Sampson Neuert Architects were contracted to complete the design and construction of the waterfront centre and the all season water feature (Conceptual drawings). Glenn O’Connor and Associates were contracted to do the design and construction of the Maple - Lakeshore Gateway entrance, the outdoor amphitheatre and surrounding areas and Totten Sims Hubicki began were contracted for the east end pier and pier district design.
Two Unique Destinations in the Park
The Implementation Plan created two distinct areas of destination in the park. The east end features a pier, performance area, an active vibrant spine from Brant Street through to the pier.
The west end includes a new gateway entrance, changes to Lakeshore Road, a waterfront centre and a year round water feature, water jet plaza and renewed playground.
West end features
- Discovery Landing – Upper level
- The observatory; exhibits and public programming
- Park and visitor information
- A 145-seat restaurant with an outdoor patio for summer dining.
- Discovery Landing Park Level
- Café with light refreshments
- The prow: a public program and seating area and skate change facility during the winter
- Deck seating on the pond
- Public Washrooms
- Zamboni room, mechanical and storage space.
- Park activity area
- Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond
- A 10,000 square foot artificial surface ice rink for winter skating and a summertime “pond” with water garden and model sail boats
- Gateway Entrance at Maple and Lakeshore
- Dofasco Water jet Plaza
- A new waterjet plaza will provide fun for all ages and feature intermittent waterjets, lighting for evening enjoyment and casual seating for adults to enjoy the view
- Renewed Playground
- The new playground will feature all the old favourites of swings, slides and climbing equipment as well as some new attractions such as a toddler area and climbing wall for older children
East End Features
Pier
- Totten Sims Hubicki Associates (TSH) were engaged in September 2003 to complete the design and implementation of the Pier project. Since then, the development of the pier, boating experience and the entire pier district has proceeded through a number of key milestones:
- July of 2004 -A charette, which included community and stakeholder involvement, was held to review the program and design and to refine the plans for the pier and pier district.
- April 2004 - Based on the results of the marina feasibility study and review of coastal conditions, council directed staff to pursue a fair weather boating experience
- Fall 2004 -The Class Environmental Assessment for the Pier was completed, with a public review period ending in early December 2004.
- Summer 2005 pier tender issued and terminated as bids were beyond approved project budget
- Feb 2006, city council approves revised concept and moving forward with detail design for pier including all key elements
- August 8, 2006 - City Council approved the tender for the Brant Street Pier at a tendered price of $8.1 million
Pier and Pier District
The basic components are the pier, fair weather boating opportunities, and a connecting link to Lakeshore Road and the promenade and an outdoor performance area
Pier features
For pictures and information on the pier, please see the TSH Pier Presentation.
- a length of 132 m for the pier is targeted, the final length may have to be reduced.
- Pier width of 7.5m - slightly wider then Spencer Smith Park promenade
- Unique "S" shape design will provide a wide variety of views along the deck and from the elevated lookout
- A distinctive light beacon and lookout with a wind turbine located atop the beacon
- Floating dock system at the end of the pier
Performance Plaza
- An outdoor Performance Area is being constructed as part of the east end program. This area will act as a gathering place for community groups, provide an open-air venue for mid-size events and accommodate larger festival and events.
Link to Lakeshore Road and promenade
- The link will be designed to accommodate pedestrians and activities. It will connect to the existing waterfront promenade. This work will include improvements to the east lawn area and the creation of a performance area.
Next steps
- Detailed design work will take place during March and April
- Tender process in May and June.
- Construction would begin in July following a successful tender bid and council’s approval
- Construction is estimated at 14 months and will be confirmed as part of tender