Source: The Standard
Niagara Parks is investing up to $19 million to redevelop its Fort Erie marina into a recreation waterfront destination.
The provincial agency announced Wednesday the marina property along Niagara Parkway, known as Miller’s Creek Marina, will undergo extensive redevelopment to create a recreational waterfront destination with increased public access and amenities.
The only marina on the Canadian side of the upper Niagara River, the waterfront property has been owned and operated by Niagara Parks since the 1960s.
According to a press release, which did not include the name of the facility, the project will create a regionally-unique, recreational destination.
The redevelopment will include substantial upgrades to the site, increasing the number of dock slips to more than 200, while also expanding public use of the marina through amenities such as a new restaurant and outdoor patio space, retail store, areas for fishing and a new public boat launch.
“The Niagara Parks marina remains a key priority for Niagara Parks and a site that holds great potential for supporting new and repeat visitation to the area,” said Niagara Parks chair April Jeffs.
“We know how beloved this site is within the local community and we are proud to invest in its redevelopment to establish the marina as a new recreational hub along the south Niagara Parkway, providing benefits both for local residents and those visiting for the first time.”
The plans also include infrastructure to support fishing charters and excursions.
Niagara Parks will be issuing a request for proposals for the design-build in the future, and will remain owner and operator of the site.
Niagara Parks says the procurement and eventual redevelopment process will focus on maximizing water-based recreation and related amenities, enhancing public access and activities along the shoreline, and ensuring financial sustainability and community benefit.
Neil Lumsden, Ontario’s minister of tourism, culture and sport, said in a release the project will have a positive economic impact on the community.
“The improved public access and amenities that this new marina promises to offer will transform the Niagara River shoreline — benefitting the local economy and creating good-paying jobs,” he said.
Public consultations to gather feedback from existing slip-holders and the community will be held.
For more details about the project, visit niagaraparks.com/marinaredevelopment.