There is a difference between envisioning what the downtown and waterfront could look like, and seeing the planning drawing—detailed with spaces reserved for splash pads, skate parks, Aboriginal space, pathways and much, much more.
This is what was revealed to members of the community during the workshop held Tuesday night by the city of North Bay, as well as the team from BrookMcIlroy.
“We’ve received a lot of feedback and we’ve come forward with three draft plans that people can evaluate,” Jessica Hawes, project manager at BrookMcIlroy said. “We’ve heard very consistently about having active uses for all ages at the downtown and waterfront, as well as new park amenities and year-round utility.”
At the meeting—which was held at the Discovery North Bay Museum—more than 40 members of the community arrived to voice their opinions and take a look at the proposed options made at this stage of the 10-month study.
Hawes said each of the three plans held core elements, such as mixed use redevelopment of some of the existing properties they felt were underutilised, the introduction of new programs, like a splash pad—which could then be a skating rink during the winter.
Beverly Hillier, Manager of Planning Services, said it was exciting seeing all the pieces coming together.
“There’s been a lot of brainstorming and coming up with ideas and we’re starting to see them all take shape in these plans,” she said, noting how the plans have been refined since the first consultation. “I’m really looking forward to the end piece.”
Hillier said that although there were three relatively detailed options for people to look at, it didn’t necessarily mean those were the final drafts of what will be in the plan and that elements can change from now until the final draft in January 2017, and the presentation to council expected in February.
The first public consultation meeting, which was held in June, was a starting point to gauge what kind of vision the community of North Bay had for the downtown and waterfront. Afterward, a public survey was done by the city to get more feedback on the plan as they moved forward, as well as public engagement at the Farmers Market in August.
More information about the Downtown Waterfront Master Plan, as well as Tuesday night's presentation and option boards, can be found on the City’s website.
