[SteelTown]

Taking a different tack
Add more waterfront restaurants, shops -- and people will flock to invest, Chamber of Commerce boss says

December 04, 2007
Nicole Macintyre
The Hamilton Spectator
(Dec 4, 2007)

Who should rule the waterfront and who should pay the way?

Those two critical questions are the focus of the debate over the future of west Hamilton Harbour.

A city consultant has recommended an overhaul of the shoreline from Bayfront Park to Pier 4. The proposal, which would uproot several boat clubs to be housed under one roof, has left some waterfront users with a sinking feeling.

Hamilton's Waterfront Trust, a nonprofit organization at arm's length from the city, has thrown out an alternative proposal that it hopes will be a lifesaver.

So far, many harbour users are buoyed by the new plan.

"It seems to be a much more balanced approach," said John Dolbec, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, which calls the waterfront home.

The trust's proposal offers nearly seven times more commercial space, from restaurants to shops, to encourage the private sector to invest in the waterfront, said Dolbec.

"People will flock to invest money down there."

The more private opportunities available, the less public money needed to transform the area, Dolbec said, noting the taxes from development will also help pay off the city's investment.

Councillor Chad Collins said the trust's plan offers more parking, overnight accommodation and additional public spaces -- albeit less boat storage -- at a cheaper price because it isn't paying for mass redevelopment on the boathouse sites.

The trust developed its proposal after reviewing the consultant's research, public feedback and its own field trips, said Collins.

"We've stolen the best concepts from waterfronts around North America."

The trust's alternative plan leaves all the boathouses in their existing locations, except for MacDonald Marine, which the consultant also recommended be moved.

Under the trust plan, the Leander Boat Club would undergo a facade renovation.

Instead of one massive boating facility described by the consultant, the trust plan envisions a civic waterfront facility at the bottom of Bay Street that would combine the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club, chamber and public amenities.

City staff plan to review the trust's proposal before bringing their final recommendation to council in the new year.