A major revamp of the Lion’s Head waterfront could be in the works.
A report was brought forward by CAO Peggy Van Mierlo-West at Northern Bruce Peninsula council’s Sept. 12 meeting.
Its goal was to inform council and assist in decision-making on existing facilities at the waterfront, while also considering new facilities.
Mayor Milt McIver says while council is receiving the report, they are leaving any decisions to the next council following municipal elections.
“The timing of this report was in the month of an election, so obviously we are not in a position to do much. And of course if the approvals are not in our budget, then we are not in a position to do anything,” says McIver.
The report says a Lion’s Head Waterfront Revitalization Study was conducted to identify the area’s current use, and propose strategies for re-investing the space to better accommodate community uses and needs.
Consultations were conducted with stakeholders and residents to identify priorities for future investment for the waterfront area. This included concept plans and determining the extent of the proposed changes and improvements reflect the needs of the community.
The future of the Lion’s Head campground was touched on in both rounds of surveys. In the first round, most said they would like to see the campground removed as part of the waterfront revitalization. The second round saw most preferring to have a portion of the existing campground remain open, while also expressing concerns surrounding illegal camping.
The study additionally reviewed and evaluated the existing conditions and facilities at the waterfront to consider opportunities for improvement.
The recommended concept put together was an amalgamation of elements from both rounds. The proposed design would include:
-waterfront trail with seating and enhanced pedestrian connections to waterfront
-water’s edge restoration
-outdoor event space with stage
-playground with natural play elements and structures
-revitalization of the beach area
-opened views of the beachfront with seating areas and an accessible beach access point
-revitalized memorial garden
-lookout pier
-gateway entrances with seating and signage
-signage throughout waterfront to show important aspects
-non-motorized boat launch
-transient camping to be maintained with the relocation of the seasonal campers
-revitalization of existing parking with some expanded parking areas
-new washroom facility
-expanded beach pavilion
The consultations revealed a strong desire to maintain and enhance the natural features of the area, especially the natural shade and shore grasses. Additionally, responses showed the Lion’s Head farmer’s market, located at the beach during the summer, is an important amenity and should continue to operate. People also suggested the integration of Indigenous history, land acknowledgement, and settlement history be displayed through signage at the waterfront area.
The survey also revealed concerns surrounding the maintenance of some of the proposed improvements, particularly with the feasibility of a walking trail along the water and its susceptibility to flooding, storm damage and winter weather.
“It is pretty divided on some of these larger issues, so there is no clear definitive action that the majority of people are in favour of,” says McIver.