Shipyards Public Realm Plan

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Proposed Concept Drawing of Sidelaunch District Public Realm Plan

The Town of Collingwood is seeking your input into the design of the public, and privately owned but publicly accessible spaces along Sidelaunch Way - north of First Street. The “Shipyards Public Realm Plan” seeks to integrate all five of these publicly owned spaces along Sidelaunch Way as well as looking at how the roadway area can safely accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, and cars.

What is a Public Realm Plan?

A public realm plan is described as a design exercise and resulting document that lays out the streetscape elements that bring the spaces together in a cohesive manner to create a

The Town of Collingwood is seeking your input into the design of the public, and privately owned but publicly accessible spaces along Sidelaunch Way - north of First Street. The “Shipyards Public Realm Plan” seeks to integrate all five of these publicly owned spaces along Sidelaunch Way as well as looking at how the roadway area can safely accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, and cars.

What is a Public Realm Plan?

A public realm plan is described as a design exercise and resulting document that lays out the streetscape elements that bring the spaces together in a cohesive manner to create a distinct feeling of connectedness and place. Considerations such as lighting, seating, accessibility, amenities and infrastructure, active programming and non-motorized pedestrian access and movement, are all examined to ensure maximum benefit for the public.

Background:

Brook McIlroy, Architecture and Urban Design Consultants, developed the Waterfront Master plan in 2016, which is a vision for the Town on how to develop the public spaces along the waterfront. As private development around a key component of the Waterfront Master Plan became active, Council and staff felt it was important to move forward on the design of this space; a public park opportunity between Sidelaunch Way and Huron Street. This led to a need for consideration of how best to consolidate community interest and thinking about this unique and culturally valuable area in the community. Brook McIlroy was in Shipyards Public Realm Plan.

Objective:

The objective is to create a Council approved, cohesive Public Realm Plan and design guidelines, to guide both public and private improvements along the waterfront and Shipyards development. Geographic limits of the the Town owned public area include:

  • South and east of the Side Launch channel,
  • Side Launch Way,
  • Hurontario Street north of Huron Street

Also under consideration are the publicly accessible aspects of the following developments:

  • Collingwood Quay (Block 6 – Side Launch Way)
  • Collingwood Harbour House (31 Huron Street)
  • Dunn Capital Hotel / Residential project
  • Town of Collingwood Public Piazza Park (west of 31 Huron Street)

Design guidelines will form an addendum to the Waterfront Master Plan and will be embedded in the Official Plan as stringent guidance for all future implementations of this space.

  • Block 9 Piazza- Preferred Plan

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    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

  • Current Design Phase June 2024

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    Public Piazza:

    Exciting news for Collingwood! The new waterfront piazza park is set to transform our community between Huron Street and Side Launch Way, just west of Harbour House. Aligned with the existing Waterfront Master Plan and Shipyards Public Realm Plan, this project will provide high-quality design elements to enrich our public space.

    Scheduled for construction in 2025, the next few months will see the design consultants collaborating with Town Staff, Stakeholders, and the Public to develop two concepts and refine a preferred plan.

    Public Engagement:

    Your input is crucial to make this project a success, so please mark your calendars for the first public meeting regarding the Public Piazza at the Collingwood Curling Club Lounge (Second Floor) on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. There will be two sessions:

    • The first session begins at 1:00 p.m., with a presentation by the consultants starting at 1:30 p.m. followed by a Q&A session
    • The second session begins at 6:00 p.m., with the presentation starting at 6:30 p.m. followed by a Q&A session

    Additionally, join us at the Collingwood Farmers Market on Saturday, July 13, 2024, when the prime design consultant and Town Staff will be available to answer questions. An online public survey will be released following the in-person consultation.

    This is a fantastic opportunity for community feedback and engagement to create a piazza that truly reflects our needs and aspirations. Let's shape the future of our waterfront spaces together!

    Documents:

    Staff Report PRC2024-06 Shipyards Public Realm Plan can be viewed in the documents section.

Page last updated: 18 Sep 2024, 12:38 PM