CREblurb | Commercial Real-Estate in Ontario

A vision for an enhanced public area that allows a front row view of Hamilton’s bustling harbour and a new connection that completes a five kilometre water’s edge pedestrian link are two new developments in the ongoing transformation of Hamilton’s waterfront.

Fisherman’s Pier is located on Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA) lands at the entrance to Hamilton Harbour. Frequently used by anglers, the space of land between the Skyway Bridge and the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge is one of the best places to get an up-close look at massive cargo ships as they pass in and out of the port.

It is also home to the historic Beach Canal Lighthouse that dates from 1858. HOPA is working with a volunteer group and government agencies to restore the landmark and open it to the public as the central feature of a reimagined Fisherman’s Pier.

Consultations with residents and stakeholders resulted in calls for a more accessible, natural space, with upgraded amenities for cycling, fishing, along with small scale markets and retail events, and seasonal cultural programming. The plan is for a central public plaza with the lighthouse as a focal point. The structure, which now sits at the base of the lift bridge, will be moved about 100 metres to allow for greater public access.

The lighthouse keeper’s cottage will also be restored and used as a historical interpretation centre.

“We want more people to discover Fisherman’s Pier,” says Larissa Fenn, HOPA’s director of public affairs. “It offers one of the best views of the industrial harbour and all that happens there. On a summer’s weekend, there are thousands of people passing by on the waterfront trail. Fisherman’s Pier will be a great place to stop and rest, maybe grab a bite to eat and enjoy some time at this fascinating spot on Hamilton’s waterfront.”

There are also future plans for lighting features on the Burlington Skyway Bridge to act as a beacon and gateway to the harbour.

At the western edge of the harbour, a kilometre-long boardwalk cantilevered over the water now wraps around a new marina at Piers 6 and 7 and connects to the recently opened Copps Pier promenade park at Pier 8. Residents and visitors can now stroll all the way from Princess Point in the west to the HMCS Haida warship at Pier 9 in the east. “These are the latest public amenities in the continuous evolution of Hamilton’s west waterfront into a place for people,” says Chris Phillips, project lead for the City. The $6.5-million Copps Pier features tributes to the harbour’s industrial history, a 30-metre wide walkway, a playground, games area, seating areas, a wetland garden, a large beach and a lookout point that extends over the water.

Eventually, Pier 8 will include 1,500 residential units and 140,000 square feet of commercial space. The overall vision for the project is led by acclaimed Hamilton born architect Bruce Kuwabara of KPMB Architects. He is part of Waterfront Shore Partners, a consortium of developers, architects and designers awarded the project after a competitive bid process.

The City has invested almost $100 million in critical infrastructure at piers 5 to 8.

“We are realizing an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make Hamilton’s waterfront a complete, vibrant and dynamic year-round, round-the-clock neighbourhood in which people will live, work and play at the water’s edge,” says Jason Thorne, general manager of planning and economic development.