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 Pier 4 Park; 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, Hamilton Harbour 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.