3.0 PUBLIC ACCESS AND OPEN SPACE

Land uses, including parks, leaseholder uses, storage areas and parking areas within the study area are illustrated on Figure 3.1: Study Area Uses & Functions.

Parks and open space, trails and pathways, key views, trailheads and other public access features are illustrated on Figure 3.2: Public Realm.

3.1 SHORELINE ACCESS

The following Table 3.1 highlights the balance of shoreline accessibility within the study area.

Table 3.1 Shoreline Access in the Study Area Accessibility Length (km) % of Total Publicly Accessible 3.26 67.0% Access Controlled by Leaseholder / Not Understood 0.38 7.8% Access Limited by Leaseholder 1.23 25.2% Total Shoreline 4.87 100.0%

A graphic illustration of shoreline accessibility can be found in Figure 3.3 Shoreline Access. Referring to overall percentages, a significant portion of shoreline is accessible to members of the public (67%). These areas include the full extent of shoreline at Bayfront Park; the hand launch at the east end of Macassa Bay; the shoreline of ; and the eastern portion of the study area beyond Pier 7. In terms of inaccessible areas of shoreline, there is 25.2% that is fully limited by the leaseholder. Shoreline access is limited by private leaseholders at Macassa Bay, with Macassa Bay Yacht Club and MacDonald Marine Services making use of the space for marine and boating operations. Access is also limited at the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club (RHYC) in select areas, and at the Hamilton Port Authority. There are also a number of shoreline stretches where public access is not fully limited, but instead controlled at specific times for managed leaseholder use. These areas can be found from the shoreline at Leander east toward RHYC. There is also a portion of the shoreline around RHYC where access is not fully understood, and where the shoreline is technically public, but not fully accessible.

3.2 TRAILS

Waterfront Trail

The Hamilton Waterfront Trail follows the harbour and connects to Bayfront and Pier 4 parks, through the boat clubs and marinas to Pier 8 and on to Pier 9, connecting to the Canada Marine Discovery Centre, Williams Coffee Pub, Cruises and HMCS Haida. The total trail length is 8 kilometres. Approximately 2.3 kilometres of the trail is within the study area.

The Hamilton Waterfront Trail Extension is a 'continuation' of the Hamilton Waterfront Trail (located between Princess Point and Pier 4). The 1.9 km trail extension starts at Pier 4 and proceeds eastward, just past Pier 8, to Eastwood Park. The trail runs at or

Hamilton West Harbour Waterfront Recreational Master Plan 3 - 1 Phase 1 Summary near the waterfront, parallel to Guise Street and Dock Service Road, and along the perimeter of Pier 8.

Within and adjacent to the West Hamilton Harbour study area, the main access points to the Waterfront Trail (with parking and bicycle access) are:

• Dundurn Park-York Blvd (access to Trail along Strachan Channel via staircase with bike trough). • Bayfront Park-Harbourfront Dr and Bay St. • Pier 4 Park - Leander Dr. and Guise St. • Pier 8 - Canada Marine Discover Centre • HMCS Haida at Catherine St.

From Pier 4 Park to the Harbour West Marina (Hamilton Port Authority) there are two trail routes for the Waterfront Trail:

• the street level trail that runs parallel to Leander Drive and Guise Street, and offers a direct connection for those passing through; and, • the water’s edge trail that runs in proximity to the shoreline, wherever possible, bypassing the private operational areas of the clubs and the marina.

This segment of the Waterfront Trail, although properly constructed, is considered interim and subject to the findings and recommendations of the Waterfront Recreation Master Plan.

In addition to the Waterfront Trail, there are trails that encircle the headlands of Bayfront Park and Pier 4 Park, allowing closer access to the water’s edge and unimpeded views over the harbour. The total length of trails in the study area (including the Waterfront Trail) is 5.69 kilometres.

Waterfront Trolley

In early summer of 2006, a trolley service on the Waterfront Trail was initiated to attract visitors to the area by providing an interesting and accessible means of travel along the waterfront. The service is currently running on a trial basis, with potential for renewal after its first year. Initiated and operated by the Waterfront Trust, the trolley will eventually seat up to 50 passengers, making use of 2 to 3 trailers, the first of which is diesel powered. It travels a looped route along the Trail from the Williams Coffee Pub at Pier 8 to Princess Point at a cost of $2 for adults. It operates 7 trips per day from 10:30am until dusk, and moves at a speed of approximately 13 km per hour. It takes approximately 55 minutes to complete a full run and makes a number of stops along the way, picking up and dropping off passengers.

Public consultations during Phase 1 of the study did not reveal significant public opinion towards the trolley, which is likely a result of the initiative’s infancy. Comments in the local newspaper and ongoing discussions with staff indicate the trolley as increasing in popularity, as it provides riders with an easy way to see the Harbour’s full length. The team also expects to get more feedback on the Trolley as public consultations continue into the second and third phases of the project.

Hamilton West Harbour Waterfront Recreational Master Plan 3 - 2 Phase 1 Summary There have been a number of safety precautions taken to minimize conflict along the trail (i.e. the assurance of responsible and licensed drivers, audible sounds for reversing and warning, and signage at public access points). However, consultant team observations and further discussions with City staff indicate potential safety issues related to trolley operation along the popular and well-used Waterfront Trail, particularly in areas where the trolley occupies a large portion of the trail’s width.

It was noted that where the trail extends along Guise Street, trail users that come into contact with the trolley may in some cases be forced to step off the paved trail onto the nearby grass, or towards grassed slopes on the north side. This is a potential issue for rollarbladers, cyclists, and persons in wheelchairs or pushing strollers, who may be limited in their ability to move quickly on to grassed surfaces. The consultant team also noted potential safety concerns in the area of Macassa Bay, where the trail extends past the public hand launch ramp and marina parking / storage areas. In this location, there may be occasions where a number of activities are occurring simultaneously, including small sailboats being moved across the trail to the hand launch ramp, vehicles making use of the trail for parking access, and multiple trail users moving through the area.

With an increasing number of residents and visitors actively using the trails in the study area for walking, running, biking, and rollerblading, in combination with moves to bring more visitors to the area through long-term redevelopment both at the waterfront and at Pier 8, increasing issues related to trail conflicts and user safety may be expected. In order to provide a safe and enjoyable trail environment for all users, there may be opportunities to redesign or reroute trails to better accommodate the trolley, as well as access for park operations and emergency vehicles. Measures may include providing alternate routes for pedestrians, or adding additional width to existing trails.

3.3 PARKS AND AMENITY AREAS

3.3.1 Bayfront Park

Bayfront Park is a large 8.97 hectares (46.87 acres) park, opened in 1993, and located at the west end of the study area. Developed on impacted industrial landfill, Bayfront Park is one of the west end’s most popular green spaces. The central area of the park comprises an upper plateau constructed of capped fill, with wide lawn area and scattered tree groves, naturalized side slopes with wildflowers, shrubs and trees The plateau is encircled by a paved trail, which links fishing access points, a constructed beach, and open space areas.

The main activity area of the park includes a large general car parking area, a car with trailer parking area, public boat launch, pavilion overlooking the Strachan Channel, and the Waterfront Trail, with interpretive components. The double launch ramp with 'floating' dock, is located at the foot of Strachan Street West allowing boaters to access the Harbour via the Strachan Channel located between filled area of the park (the former Lax Property) and the Canadian National Railways Freight Yards. Washrooms are located adjacent to the main parking lot, open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily,

The park is accessed from Bay Street and Strachan Street W., with the main driveway entrance located at a higher elevation from the parkland. A staircase and ramp descends from the undeveloped street level open space, with a viewing area overlooking

Hamilton West Harbour Waterfront Recreational Master Plan 3 - 3 Phase 1 Summary the bay. One of the main CSO tanks for the community is located beneath the parking area.

Bayfront Park hosts several festivals and events annually. Some are located primarily within the Park itself, while others may extend to other areas of the waterfront as well. Table 3.2 following lists major Public Events along with estimated attendance numbers.

Table 3.2 Public Events and Estimated Attendance Major Public Event Estimated Attendance Sabrina's Walk for Smiles at Bayfront Park 200 Walkathon Bayfront Park (Walk the World) 30 Heel 'n' Wheel a Thon Bayfront Park 125 Hamilton Pride Bayfront Park 500 Canada Day Fireworks Bayfront Park 25,000 Dragon Boat Races Bayfront Park 5000 Row for Heart Bayfront Park 250 Aids Walk for Life Bayfront Park 300 Hamilton Walk for ALS Bayfront Park 400 Mother Daughter Walk Bayfront Park 800 Motorcycle Fundraiser Ride Bayfront Park 300 Port Days Pier 8 10,000 Wesley Urban Ministries for Kids 600 Racalmultese 12,000 Mardigras 15,000 Dream Cruise 2,000 Wiggle Waggle Walkathon 100 Argyle & Southern Highlanders of Canada 120 Crohn's and Colotis Foundation 125 Runner's Den 700 Georges P. Vanier High School 200 Ministry of Natural Resources July 300 St. Mary's DREAMS 2,000 General Rental Jul 2,500 General Rental May 150 General Rental Jul 400 United Federation of Commercial Workers Picnic at Pier 4 Park 30

(Source: Traffic Engineering and Operations, Public Works Department, City of Hamilton)

Key features in the park include: Waterfront Trail; beach; public boat launch; grass amphitheatre; pavilion and boardwalk; war memorial gazebo; walkways; picnic tables; benches; washrooms; telephone booth; parking; bike racks.

Issues:

The Phase 1 consultation on the study suggested a high level of satisfaction with the character and amenities at Bayfront Park. As a relatively new park, it is generally in good condition, and well-maintained. The original 1993 plan was well executed with respect to spatial organization, and the quality of the facilities. Modest improvements to the park to support and enhance the existing range of uses are suggested.

Hamilton West Harbour Waterfront Recreational Master Plan 3 - 4 Phase 1 Summary

There is significant ‘impacted’ fill in Bayfront Park. Contamination was managed by soil removal / capping, resulting in the elevated plateau that comprises the open space. Any new Bayfront Park features will require engineering and a possible EA. Consideration of soil contamination will be needed in the selection of trees and plant species in this area. More information on impacted soil conditions and structural considerations can be found in Section 4.3 Soil Review and Structural Considerations.

Fishing is a popular activity, but comments suggest that it tends to overload the shoreline edges at times, limiting other passive enjoyment. Specific areas for fishing have been designed into the shoreline edge, but are not signed or designated as such.

The boat launch is well-used and needed. However the shallow water conditions that support the launch are also conducive to fish habitat, and the Strachan Channel is a significant area. There has been past suggestions that in a redevelopment plan consideration be given to relocating the motorized boat launch uses to an area east of Pier 4.

There is a need for improved/additional washrooms, and additional picnic sites, tables and benches to support the current range of activities.

Parking appears adequate for the average usage of the park, however major events overload the facilities and create traffic congestion in surrounding areas. It was noted that since 2001, the City’s Special Events Advisory Team Committee (S.E.A.T.) has been operating a Special Event Parking Plan for Bayfront Park which is meant to address the regulation of visitor parking during special events at the Park and in the immediate vicinity. Any expanded activities or facilities will need to further address parking and access, either through expanded or re-organized facilities (on or off-site), or alternative means such as improved bus routes, or special event shuttles.

Management of waterfowl, in particular the Canada goose, is needed to assist in improvements to water quality and to allow for beach use and swimming (subject to other water quality issues). In recent years the City has been exploring a number of geese control measures along the waterfront, including oiling of eggs, dog patrols, herding, and floating barriers on the swimming areas. Other controls that have been examined in other waterfront municipalities include: increasing the extent of naturalized shoreline edges to prevent access between water and land (difficult for beach zones), utilizing rougher meadow grasses in open space areas, strategic planting of trees to reduce the fly-in zone (to less than 90ft.), and grids of overhead wires in open space areas.

Opportunities:

The number of major festivals and events have been limited in recent years to reduce impacts on the adjacent neighbourhood. Performance space in the park is accommodated by utilizing the beach area and adjacent slopes, to reduce noise impacts. There are, however, opportunities to provide smaller scale cultural activities, such as music nights, that appeal to the local neighbourhood. A modest facility such as a bandshell or covered pavilion with lawn seating, or suitably designed plaza would facilitate this.

Hamilton West Harbour Waterfront Recreational Master Plan 3 - 5 Phase 1 Summary Bayfront Park is a popular family picnic site, but lacks facilities that would support group picnics. A picnic pavilion(s) would expand park usage and offer some potential for revenue generation.

The need to be able to obtain refreshments in the park, at times other than special events, was frequently noted during the consultation process. This could be handled through permitted vending carts, vending machines (in a securable kiosk) or a concession (e.g. leased to a private operator).

Public consultation indicated support for winter skating and a pond that would support wading or model boats in Bayfront Park. These activities could potentially be combined as one feature, adding interest and encouraging four season usage.

3.3.2 Bayfront Park to Pier 4 Park (Macassa Bay Walkway)

The 1.96 hectare (4.84 acres) Macassa Bay Walkway property links Bayfront Park to Pier 4 Park. Part of the Waterfront Trail, the walkway goes past the Macassa Bay Yacht Club and through MacDonald Marine, which are located on land leased from the City.

As noted in the list of public events above, Pier 4 Park also holds events such as the United Federation of Commercial Workers Picnic (approximate attendance is 30 people). Some of the City’s larger waterfront-wide events and festivals also may extend into the Park.

Issues:

Renegotiation of leases in recent years provided for the continuation of the Waterfront Trail through this area, using the laneway to Macassa Bay Yacht Club, and McDonald Marine. The trail supports both trail users and vehicles (member and guest only) accessing the club and marina areas. The trail runs behind the Macassa Bay Yacht Club, which limits public access to the water. However, the property is well-landscaped and maintained on the trail side, and there are some limited views of boats and water.

Immediately to the east the trail passes through the MacDonald Marine leased lands. The adjacent lands are used for boat storage in winter and by the leaseholder and boaters for marine related and social activities during the boating season. The seasonal boat put-in and haul-out are coordinated by the operator during non-peak times of the week, and any obstructions to the trail are brief and temporary. Although no serious conflicts due to shared use were noted by the public or leaseholders during the Phase 1 consultation activities (note: the trail user study is still collecting data), it was noted by a number of individuals that the area is merely a functional connection, and does not provide the same quality trail experience, as provided in other sectors of the Waterfront Trail.

This is particularly evident in the winter months when outdoor boat storage occupies the leased land on both sides of the trail, separated by temporary fencing. During the boating season, the views to the lake are more open and interesting, however cars replace boat storage on the granular parking areas adjacent to the trail, and the adjacent land areas are used by the leaseholder and boaters for various marine related and social activities.

Hamilton West Harbour Waterfront Recreational Master Plan 3 - 6 Phase 1 Summary Opportunities:

The narrowness of the landbase in this area, and the extent of leased land, limit the immediate opportunities associated with trail enhancement and public access to the water’s edge. There may be opportunities to improve the appearance of the space between the water’s edge and the trail, to provide for an enhanced trail corridor, during the summer months.

Depending on the outcome of decisions associated with the future of leases and marine operations, there are long-term opportunities to re-think the intensity and nature of boating in the bay, and provide for ecological enhancement of the shoreline and adjacent areas in support of fisheries habitat. Changes in the land-use would provide for more public access opportunities, although the land area is itself limiting, and the type of recreation activities would likely be more passive in nature.

3.3.3 Pier 4 Park

Pier 4 Park is located to the east of Bayfront Park on Bay Street North, at Leander Drive. The park features the Waterfront Trail, an open lawn area, and an 80-foot tugboat play structure. A pedestrian and wheelchair access ramp extends down a landscaped slope from an overlook on Bay Street North. The Gartshore-Thomson Building, a relocated heritage structure, c. 1900, that once served as the offices of the Gartshore Thompson Pipe and Foundry Company is situated within the park, adjacent to the trail. The building accommodates limited public washrooms and meeting room space, which is used by parks maintenance staff. The lower basement level and a small storage yard is leased to the Bayfront Sailing Club. The siting of the building, and its renovations, were designed to suit the Club’s needs. The adjacent small boat launch is used by the club for hand launching and temporary tie-up of small craft.

Key features in the park include: the Waterfront Trail; a boardwalk with pavilion and benches; open lawn area (with depressed area for potential ice rink flooding); small beach; tugboat play structure; washrooms, meeting room and club space at the Gartshore-Thomson Building.

Issues:

Like Bayfront Park, Pier 4 Park was highly rated in the Phase 1 consultation process. The park is well designed and provides for passive enjoyment of the lake edge including fishing and viewing, opportunities for informal recreation in the open lawn space, and active play at the splash pad and playground.

Situated in an attractive landscape, the historic Gartshore-Thomson building provides a focal point for the park. The building currently houses public washrooms and meeting space on the main floor. Although adequate for meetings or other small functions, the washrooms are not designed to accommodate large numbers of people, or continuous usage during waterfront events.

Like Bayfront Park, management of waterfowl is needed to improve water quality and allow for beach use and swimming, as well as enjoyment of the open space lands.

Hamilton West Harbour Waterfront Recreational Master Plan 3 - 7 Phase 1 Summary Opportunities:

Given its location and qualities, the upper floor of the Gartshore-Thomson building is somewhat underutilized as a parks maintenance office. The sailing club, while satisfied with their location, are somewhat lacking in meeting space during the winter months when the lower level serves as both storage and boat repair area. In addition to member functions and sailing instruction, the club also offers instruction in water safety and boater licenses to the general public. The club has indicated that they would consider leasing the full building or portions of the upper level, if the opportunity was made available. This could potentially include some community use, or meeting room rental at other times. Alternately, if the sailing club were to relocate, the building lower level could be renovated to include expanded public washrooms, with the upper level serving a broader waterfront use such as a visitor information centre, museum or art gallery space, or a children’s summer program.

Expanded opportunities for winter use of the waterfront were suggested in the public comments. Pier 4 Park was designed to provide for flooding of the open space area (by blocking the storm drain) and consideration should be given to re-activating this opportunity.

3.3.4 Central Harbour (Piers 5-7)

From west to east Piers 5 through 7 include the Leander Rowing Club, the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club, the Harbour-West Marina, and the Hamilton-Halton Police Marine Unit. Each of these operations occupies a discrete and separate area of the waterfront, with varied jurisdiction over water-based marine areas (see Section 7.0 Leaseholder Considerations). Negotiations for the extension of the waterfront trail alignment recognized both the needs and operational considerations of each of the boating facilities and accommodated public access, to the best ability at the time.

In the case of the Leander Rowing Club and the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club, the organizations are provided with the opportunity to temporarily manage or suspend use of the water’s edge trail for the purposes of moving boats. These considerations and policies concerning the trail are reflected in the lease terms. Parking areas adjacent to the clubs are shared-use and open to both the public and club members, with some opportunity for exclusive use of specific areas during events, e.g. the parking lot west of the Leander Rowing Club.

The area in front of the Harbour West Marina (HPA) remains as a gated parking and winter boat storage area, under the control of the marine management, with the trail re- routed to street level. There is no public access to the shoreline through this area. The trail also bypasses the Hamilton/Halton Police Marine Unit on Pier 7, and continues on the west side of the entrance road to the Marine Discovery Centre, and around Pier 8.

The street level trail route provides for direct access for those that are passing through the area, particularly cyclists and roller bladers seeking a less impeded route. As well the elevation of the trail offers a great vantage point for viewing the harbour and boating activities.

Informally, the Hamilton/Halton Police Marine Unit has indicated its intent in the near term to relocate its facilities to an area that is more central to its jurisdiction, as well as

Hamilton West Harbour Waterfront Recreational Master Plan 3 - 8 Phase 1 Summary one that provides secure facilities and less public viewing of the marine unit’s police activities.

Issues:

While the functional needs of the Waterfront Trail and club use have been resolved to mutual satisfaction at this time, the quality of the trail experience is lacking through this section.

Although cognizant of the marina operations and security needs, the lack of public access through the Harbour West area is of concern to both the City and was raised in public comments.

As well the opportunity for the public to access the shoreline of the grounds of the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club is not well understood through its physical layout and signage, giving rise to some public concerns that this is also an excluded area.

In general however, the consultation to date has indicated support from the community for the boat clubs and the need to be mindful of their needs in developing future plans.

Opportunities:

Opportunities associated with this sector of the waterfront range from modest improvements to enhance the existing conditions, to more substantial change associated with a redevelopment and consolidation of water-based and/or marine-based facilities to meet some of the objectives of the study.

As a minimum, the following are key components to be addressed:

Greening of the Waterfront Trail corridor, and parking areas, provision of shade trees, and separation of the trail from the parking lot are design considerations in selecting a permanent trail alignment.

The Harbour West lands are located at the foot of James Street, which has been identified as the primary street into the waterfront area. As such, this site is a key gateway to the waterfront both visually and physically. Providing for the boat storage and security needs of the Harbour West marina in a way that does not entirely exclude public access through this area, and improves the visual aesthetics and views is a key issue.

As well, opportunities for providing better integration of the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club grounds within a public waterfront setting, while respecting security and safety issues for boat slips and haul-out areas, and privacy of exclusive member areas such as the pool, are considerations.

The relocation of the Police Marine Unit to outside the study area, will provide opportunities for new amenities and facilities on Pier 7 that support public uses.

Bayview Park, across Guise Street is an underutilized neighbourhood park, with aging play structures, and open space. Although not technically in the study area, this park should be considered in any redevelopment or revitalization plans, as it offers sweeping views of the immediate harbour area and beyond. Access from Guise Street would need

Hamilton West Harbour Waterfront Recreational Master Plan 3 - 9 Phase 1 Summary to be resolved, however as there is a steep slope. Street-level access to the park is provided at the corner of MacNab St and Burlington St.

3.4 PARKS MASTER PLANNING

It is understood that this Waterfront Recreation Master Plan will help inform the parks planning process for individual parks located within the study area. Recognizing the close proximity of the study area to Bayview Park, the consultant team will also consider potential strategy and uses for this site. It was noted by staff that Master Plans and Functional Plans for Bayfront, Pier 4, and Bayview Parks will look toward this plan for strategic direction. These planning processes should be coordinated and integrated with the final Recreation Master Plan when completed, and help move towards a realization of the ultimate vision for the waterfront.

Hamilton West Harbour Waterfront Recreational Master Plan 3 - 10 Phase 1 Summary