Members of the public were invited to speak their minds on the town dock rejuvenation project at this week's Penetanguishene special council meeting.
Recently, the projected 15-year,multi-million dollar plan came under fire by concerned members of council and the public with some controversial suggestions for far-planned additions, such as an urban beach area, an obstruction of the waterfront to adjacent condo tenants, and the relocation of the Dock Lunch among other proposals.
Don Cooper was the first resident to speak up. Cooper, who lives in a condominium overlooking where the phase 3 dock extension was suggested could be built, was “bamboozled” regarding the inclusion of stage 3 into the master plan and opposed it. He advised that the study has to look at the impact on the future for those people currently using the area.
“There are a number of trucks who come down every morning to have a look over the harbour and assess things; there’s an old boys’ group that gather at the Dock Lunch for coffee," Cooper said. "And these people will have to adjust to whatever is new. But the main point from the condo owners is we really, really object to the extension that would come right in front of where we are, and impose on us an urban beach which we don’t begin to understand.”
Resident Claudia Cochrane raised concerns about massive cruise liners using the proposed dock, such as the ones seen visiting Midland’s harbour each summer, but was quelled as planning and community development director Andrea Betty informed Cochrane that the shallows leading into Penetanguishene’s waterfront wouldn’t allow the depth requirement for such large vessels to enter port.
Lois Lipton called in to praise the undertaking, but noted that some proposed changes to the area would require greater consideration.
“For example, it’s one thing to suggest relocation of the launch ramp, but until you actually have secured an alternate location and know the viability cost and effects, it’s unwise to propose that as an option," Lipton said.
"If the purpose is to minimize the vast parking area that currently exist, it could be accomplished in a different way. For example, you could have the trailers located off-site and the vehicles located on-site. That would for sure reduce the usable area by 50% and save thousands of dollars in building a launch ramp.”
Representing the Dock Lunch, Meaghan Sykes asked council to read a letter from owner Nick Boudouris into the record, to which Betty complied.
“The particular plans that are being brought forward in tonight's meeting do not seem to value a few of our greatest strengths, such as our parking at the town dock although it can be improved upon, and a location of our boat launch which people all over use -- the best in the area, even the marinas use it,” stated Boudouris’ written correspondence.
Another resident put forth written questions through the chat function of the virtual Zoom platform the meeting was held within. Questions ranged from whether there's an option to improve the current area and how do people with slips get items to their boat to how to whether the town dock requires additional green space since Rotary Park has "unutilized" green space.
These rapid fire questions were left unanswered, but clerk Stacey Cooper impressed upon the public her assurance that all questions and communications sent for council and the planners (Sajecki Planning) would be entered into record for the study.
Resident Ross Stone wanted to know what the town’s obligations were to the Dock Lunch, and was responded to by Betty who stated that there is a development agreement between the town and Boudouris that was looked at as part of the plan, citing right-of-way accesses and public frontage recognition as well as clauses involving potential hotel construction.
“Overall,” said Betty, “there is that agreement and we are aware of it, and we recognize that moving forward there may need to be some changes to that agreement. And that would be a conversation with the owner of the property.”
Stone took his opportunity to speak by starting off with words that threw scowls on some faces, but which evolved into high praise that brought smiles from many who attended.
“I moved here in 2012, and I’ve long considered the town dock area to be somewhat of a blight on the community because it hasn’t changed for 40-plus years," Stone said.
"Of course, the most vocal people who would speak up are the opponents to any change, but I applaud the vision, the intent going forward. I think that the area could really enhance the town itself by creating a draw for people to come to the community."
An overview of the draft secondary plan, including mock designs and prospective images, can be found on the main page for the project.
