A Public Port Development Proposal

Having attended the public meeting with our city council on the so called Port Fortress Project, it seemed I was hearing a rehash of the pros and cons to the Port Tower proposal from ten years ago. It did seem that the majority present opposed this latest development proposal just as they opposed the development ten years ago.
It appears that an awful lot of time and money has been expended by private developers, the city, and community groups with opposing views of what is the most desirable development for this unique historical area of the city. As has been seen, there are accountability and reliability issues that come with a private development of this type
The Port is a summer place and any proposal from the private sector is going to have to generate a sizeable profit margin within a four month summer span to satisfy primary owners, executives and shareholders. For all its greatness the Port does not have a lot of attraction in the winter months. This need for quick profit could all but rule out the private sector delivering a development proposal that will fully meet the City’s second tier plan and fully fulfill the Port potential as a social hub for the City and the Province.
The Port is a special place for many of us. Generations of young and old from all walks-of-life have made summer visits to the Port for picnics, sunbathing and swimming, sports competitions, fishing off the pier, or sitting out on hotel patios for beer and music and most important mingling. And there is our nickel priced carousel.
Earlier generations crossed the lake by ferry from Toronto or travelled from Lake Erie on trams looking for and having a good time in the Port. Hundreds of Black people celebrated Emancipation Day in the Port and my native wife celebrated with them. My son-in-law played music at the Lions and I listened to the blues.
I think St. Catharines can put together a good public development proposal for the rejuvenation of the Old Port? Nobody knows the development and traffic issues surrounding the Old Port better than our City and Regional Planning departments. They could draw on the knowledge of urban planners from Brock university, and the Niagara Architect Society and together create a proposal for upgrading and developing this unique area.
Any proposal would have input from and participation of the Port Dalhousie residents who best understand the local needs. The Black community might step forward with plans for a small museum and shrine dedicated to the underground railway and how it brought people out of slavery. Port saw the coming together for historical Emancipation Day celebrations, which could perhaps be renewed with a summer festival of blues and other musical genres restoring life to the Port.
The City together with Toronto and the Province should consider a summertime public ferry, replete with entertainment and bands, travelling from Toronto Island to the Port bringing tourists and revelers for a summer outing in the Port. The ferry could also full-fill some basic enlarged summer transportation needs. Tourist accommodations would be planned but not all this need be in the immediate down town Port.
With a publicly embraced Port Rejuvenation Development plan in hand the City could then invite building contractors to submit costs and timelines. Underscoring this would require a wholesome accounting of costs and returns for this public investment. Some private and corporate donators might step forward to help make it happen.
Port Dahlousie is a Jewel in our City. Perhaps it just needs reshining.
rb