Shipyards Public Realm Plan

Project category

Health & Well-being

Project state

Active

Welcome to the Shipyards Public Realm Plan project page.

The Shipyards Public Realm Plan aims to integrate all five publicly owned spaces along Sidelaunch Way while also exploring how the roadway can safely support pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.

We are currently in Phase 1 of the plan, which includes the construction and official naming of the newest waterfront public space at 12 Sidelaunch Way. This property is located between the BMO Financial Institution and the new Harbour House Condominium. Construction of this exciting new open space has been awarded to Bomar Landscaping and is set to begin in late August 2025.

Dry Dock Junction: Official Name Announced for Collingwood’s Newest Waterfront Park

Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit name suggestions for the new waterfront park at 12 Sidelaunch Way. Council has officially selected Dry Dock Junction as the name of Collingwood’s newest waterfront park. Construction of Dry Dock Junction will resume in Spring 2026.

Phase 1- Construction of Waterfront Public Space at 12 Sidelaunch Way

The Town of Collingwood’s newest waterfront public space is being developed at 12 Sidelaunch Way. Formerly referred to as Block 9, Shipyards Piazza, and Shipyards Plaza Park, the space is now officially named Dry Dock Junction. This important site is a key component of the Shipyards Public Realm Plan and will create a vital pedestrian connection between Downtown Collingwood and the waterfront.

History of the property: A Space Rooted in Collingwood’s History

This Huron Street property has enjoyed many uses throughout Collingwood’s evolving history as a transportation and industrial hub to a four-season recreation destination.

1872 – Rail Connection
In 1872, a new railway line was added between Collingwood and Meaford. Named the North Grey Line, this new connection ran through the corner of this property offering easy and fast access to communities in Grey County.

The tracks for the North Grey Railway appear on the left side of the photograph, leaving the historic railway property and heading west towards Meaford. Collingwood Museum Collection X969.239.1.

Photograph 1: The tracks for the North Grey Railway appear on the left side of the photograph, leaving the historic railway property and heading west towards Meaford. Collingwood Museum Collection X969.239.1.

1883–1986 – Shipbuilding Legacy
This property was home to a portion of Collingwood’s first dry dock and witnessed 103 years of shipbuilding innovation. The construction of Dry Dock No. 1 in 1883 officially marked the beginning of large-scale shipbuilding and repair in Collingwood and was instrumental in securing Collingwood’s reputation as a builder of quality ships of all kinds, from tugs, corvettes, and ferries to bulk carriers.

Black and white photograph showing the construction of Collingwood’s first dry dock at the northern extension of St. Paul Street. The dry dock’s opening on May 24, 1883, marked the official start of large-scale shipbuilding in Collingwood. Collingwood Museum Collection X969.238.1; Huron Institute No. 906.

Photograph 2: Black and white photograph showing the construction of Collingwood’s first dry dock at the northern extension of St. Paul Street. The dry dock’s opening on May 24, 1883, marked the official start of large-scale shipbuilding in Collingwood. Collingwood Museum Collection X969.238.1; Huron Institute No. 906.

For a time, the property also housed offices for the Northern Navigation Company, a transportation company that operated a fleet of ships carrying people and goods across the Great Lakes. The building was later taken over by the Collingwood Shipyards as a drafting office and was replaced by 1955 with a large concrete building constructed to continue functions as a drafting office.

Northern Navigation Company Offices, May 1913. Collingwood Museum Collection X974.747.1; Huron Institute 202.

Photograph 3: The Northern Navigation Company Offices on Huron Street, May 1913. Collingwood Museum Collection X974.747.1; Huron Institute 202

Simcoe County GIS Map showing original footprint of the dry dock at the northern point of St. Paul Street in 1978. Today, Side Launch Way cuts through the southern section of the original footprint.

Photograph 4: Simcoe County GIS Map showing original footprint of the dry dock at the northern point of St. Paul Street in 1978. Today, Side Launch Way cuts through the southern section of the original footprint.

Town of Collingwood thanks all those that take the time to submit a name for consideration.

Additional Information for Phase 1 Waterfront Public Open Space at 12 Sidelaunch Way

Check out the new 3D coloured Concept drawings for Block 9 Public Piazza located within the Shipyards Public Realm Plan.
- View 1
- View 2
- View 3
- View 4
We are thrilled to share the exciting progress on the Block 9/Plaza Project, made possible by your invaluable feedback from the public consultations! Both the ‘Wave’ and ‘Docks’ concepts have guided us in developing a preferred plan that reflects your vision for this space. Your input has been instrumental in shaping a design that balances functionality with the natural beauty of Collingwood.

We’ve carefully considered your comments and have made several adjustments to enhance the design, including:

Less is More: Embracing a philosophy of simplicity, the preferred plan focuses on creating a welcoming, uncluttered gathering space without over-programming. This ensures a more relaxed and enjoyable environment for all users.

Increased Planting Areas: We’ve shifted our emphasis from hardscaping to incorporating more greenery, including rain gardens to help support water run off and sustainable design elements. The preferred design features expanded planting areas, with softer, natural shapes for the planting beds that mimic Collingwood’s surrounding landscape.

Maintaining Water Views: We’ve ensured that the views to the water remain unobstructed, allowing the community to enjoy the stunning natural vistas within the space.

A Space for Everyday Enjoyment: Based on the feedback, we've redesigned this area to cater primarily to smaller, more intimate uses, such as pop-up events and busker performances, rather than large gatherings. This approach ensures that the space remains welcoming for everyday visitors, providing an environment for casual enjoyment and community engagement.

Biker-Friendly Features: Understanding the need for convenient amenities for cyclists, the preferred design includes bike parking and bike repair stations, making the space a refuge for biking enthusiasts.

Enhanced Interest: To add vibrancy and appeal, the plan incorporates thoughtful lighting and public art elements, creating a visually engaging environment.

Varied Seating Options: The preferred plan provides a range of seating options to accommodate all ages and abilities, ensuring that everyone has a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the space.

Informal Play Areas: Instead of a traditional playground, which is well-catered for in nearby areas, the preferred plan incorporates informal play elements that blend seamlessly into the design.

Temporary Firepits: The preferred plan does not include permanent fire pit, but rather the opportunity for the Town to provide temporary firepits that can be brought in for special events and activities, offering flexibility and a dynamic experience.

We extend our thanks for your engagement and insights! Your feedback has been a cornerstone of this process, helping us refine the design to better meet the needs and desires of our community. Together, we are creating a space that will be both functional and beautiful, perfectly suited for the vibrant community of Collingwood.

Please see the documents tab to review the Block 9 Preferred Plan and Materials Plan