Hamilton Waterfront

[movingtohamilton]

Originally Posted by mattgrande

Love that he's throwing out the big ideas when he's two months from the end of the term.

Apparently this idea was proposed in 2010. Have a look at Dissidents (Hamilton) group on FB.

[durandy]

yeah this was the reason the WH stadium was supposed to be an economic driver - because Molinaro was going to build a 'venetian plate' - lol

[thistleclub]

Urgent opportunity on the waterfront
(Hamilton Spectator, Matthew Van Dongen, Jan 30 2015)

Behind-the-scenes talks to relocate Hamilton's waterfront rail yard — and radically remake the west harbour — are picking up steam as the sale of U.S. Steel looms.

Stuart Street has been a rail hub for more than a century, at one point boasting a passenger station at Caroline Street and later a massive freight terminal in the 1960s. Today, the 22-track shunting yard still blocks public use of 24-plus hectares of harbour land between Bay Street and Dundurn Castle.

That means train cars full of chemicals, fuel, asphalt and other industrial materials are "shunted" — sorted into new trains for local delivery — just steps from places like the waterfront trail and Bayfront Park.

Since the 1990s, the city has tried repeatedly to convince owner CN to move, most memorably by funding a controversial study on relocating to Aldershot for $100 million.

But the city now has an "imminent opportunity," created by the expected departure of U.S. Steel just a few kilometres to the east of the rail yard, said Mayor Fred Eisenberger.

"It is a big play, no question," said the mayor, who suggested several agencies and governments need to be involved. "But the window of time in terms of what is happening with U.S Steel is potentially very small, so there is some urgency to move on this."

The biggest deadline involves the steelmaker, which has said it wants to sell its Hamilton plant and surplus lands around piers 16 to 18 by the end of the year. An obvious suitor is the land-starved Hamilton Port Authority, which is refusing to comment on any possible negotiations.

Hamilton bureaucrats haven't recently broached the topic of the Stuart Street yard with CN, said city manager Chris Murray — but he's been told the company is talking with the port authority about the future of area rail infrastructure, including the yard.

That's not surprising, said former port authority head Keith Robson. He said the agency has long craved a modern rail hub and distribution centre.

Robson, now a consultant, said the agency discussed the idea as far back as 2006 when it bought 42 hectares of U.S Steel land on Pier 22. "A brand-new rail yard, purpose-built for today's shipping needs, I could see that being attractive to all parties," he said.

There are other deadlines in play, too.

Regional railroad operator Genesee & Wyoming recently took over a long-term management lease for the shunting yard that expires in 2018. Vice-president Jean-Marc Montigny said the company is interested in extending the lease with CN, but so far, that hasn't happened.

The city is simultaneously working on a plan to sell and redevelop 20 properties directly south of the rail yard, with a presentation to council expected late this year.

That land — controversially bought for $8 million in 2010 for a Pan Am stadium that went elsewhere — is the centrepiece of a planned west harbour resurrection featuring park space, new businesses and homes.

But at the moment, it also includes a rail yard-shaped hole — and an Ontario Municipal Board-ordered ban on housing in a 150-metre band surrounding the CN land.

"We can't just leave it like that forever," said Coun. Chad Collins. "If we treat relocation as just a dream, absent from our official plan and budget process, (the yard) will just sit there for another few decades."

Collins and downtown Coun. Jason Farr are approaching residents about forming a "rail yard task force" to explore the costs, opportunities and obstacles involved with moving the facility.


Read it in full here.

[CaptainKirk]

1. Obtain rail yard lands
2. Develop perimeter road
3. Green light LRT
4. Convert Main and King to 2 way

[matt602]

I've never gotten why it's such a controversial thing. A lot of successful, big cities have large rail yards right within their downtown core or waterfront (I believe Seattle has a huge BNSF yard right downtown). Kinnear Yard is more actively used by CP and houses have abutted upon it for over a century with no huge complaints or pushes to move it. I think the real problem is all the contaminated brownfields AROUND the yard.

[thomax]

Modified Randle Reef Sediment Remediation Project Design, January 2015 - Source

Update on Randle Reef Sediment Remediation Project

HAMILTON, ON, Feb. 13, 2015 - The Randle Reef project partners are pleased to inform the community that a path forward has been established for the project.

In the summer of 2014, extensive consultation occurred with industry experts to determine options to advance the project within the current budget envelope. After careful consideration of all information received from industry, the project partners have identified modifications to the current project design that should result in significant cost savings without compromising the environmental goals of the project. For example:

• Additional sampling of the harbour bottom in and around the Engineered Containment Facility (ECF) footprint was completed in the summer and fall of 2014 and allowed dredging areas and volumes of contaminated sediments to be more precisely defined. These activities also confirmed the viability of the proposed modifications to the ECF;

• The modified ECF will continue to contain Priority 1 and Priority 2 sediments, which are the most highly contaminated sediments at the site. A larger portion of the lesser contaminated sediments will now be capped in place using in situ capping. This will enable a reduction in dredging volumes and associated costs, as well as a reduction in the size of the ECF of approximately 15 per cent;

• The overall length of the ECF has been shortened and the updated design has fewer right angles, which will make dredging and rock placement activities between the containment facility's inner and outer walls easier and faster;

• Construction processes were also simplified to yield cost reductions associated with items such as material handling and installation of the steel walls.

With these modifications, the project's environmental objective will continue to be achieved. The Randle Reef project is a key initiative in restoring Hamilton Harbour and removing it from the list of Great Lakes Areas of Concern. The project partners remain committed to working together on this clean-up project and starting construction as quickly as possible.

Stage 1 of the project is expected to be re-tendered in early 2015. Work is expected to commence this year in Hamilton Harbour with the reconstruction of a dock wall adjacent to the ECF, to permit contaminated sediments to be removed from this area.

The Governments of Canada and Ontario, the City of Hamilton, the Hamilton Port Authority, U.S. Steel Canada, the City of Burlington, and Halton Region would like to thank everyone who participated in Industry Day in July, and in the follow-up one-on-one sessions held throughout the summer. The constructive feedback that we received was very helpful in determining a solution to quickly move the Randle Reef project forward.

[SteelTown]

Seems like some action is happening to Hamilton's CN yard. It was on the news that CN intends to build a $250 million yard at Milton, believe they said they want it open by 2017.

http://www.ctvnews.ca/business/cn-to...onto-1.2284091

Milton is putting up a big fight but I think CN has the advantage.

So perhaps by 2017/2018 CN could relocate to Milton?

[LikeHamilton]

Hamilton and Bramptons yards are different types of yards. Hamilton takes in large trains and breaks them into smaller ones that are going to businesses in the area (southern Ontario). Then they get in small trains to make up large trains to send to other parts of the country. Brampton has a facility that moves containers from trains to trucks to trains that have come in by ship from all over the world, most likely Halifax and Montreal (an intermodal terminal). There is a roll on roll off facility in north Oakville that is used to load and unload truck trailer onto flat cars. Personally I would love them to move all 3 facilities to the stelco lands, have train, truck, container and port facilities, and have the more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs in Hamilton and keep the industrial tax base growing instead of it declining.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

^Make it happen! Pull some strings. Shake a few hands. No problem...

[SteelTown]

Constructions tarts at Pier 7

http://www.thespec.com/news-story/55...rts-at-pier-7/

Pier 7 work at the waterfront to relocate an underground petroleum pipeline starts Wednesday and is expected to last four weeks.

Sun-Canadian Pipe Line is relocating its underground pipe at Pier 7 at Discovery Drive near Williams Café as part of the ongoing redevelopment of the West Harbour Waterfront.

The pipeline relocation is being done to accommodate future development at Pier 7.

The work will affect the trail and walkway from Guise Street to Williams Café so an alternative walkway will be provided.

However, the city is asking all trail users to exercise caution when travelling through this area although the construction area will be marked with safety fencing and signage.

[king10]

Awesome news!

Hamilton Harbour Queen lives to sail again

Albert Samee has bought the Harbour Queen and hopes to have it operational again by the first of June.

http://www.thespec.com/news-story/55...to-sail-again/

[LikeHamilton]

For the very rich most likely from Burlington and Oakville.

Hamilton Harbour Charters

New for 2015!

With our new Hamilton Harbour charter service, we’ll pick you up at Fisherman’s Pier, located under the Burlington Skyway, and whisk you off to the cottage, over the scores of city traffic! This one way fare includes a free drop-off/pickup at any location within a 10 mile radius of our downtown Parry Sound Harbour Base.
Call or email for personalized drop point quotes.
Our service is available to or from Hamilton Harbour to any of the Muskoka Lakes, Pointe au Baril, Parry Sound, Georgian Bay… just ask us!

Hamilton Shuttle

Cessna (1-3 pax, weight limits apply)
From $1,214.20 (+ hst + fuel surcharge)

Found Bush Hawk (up to 4 pax, weight limits apply)
From $1,518.08 (+ hst + fuel surcharge)

http://georgianbayairways.com/wp-con...s-at-dock.jpeg

http://georgianbayairways.com/wp-con...=375&zc=1&q=90

[CaptainKirk]

Hamilton Harbour Queen is back.

http://www.hamiltonwaterfront.com/20...rbour-queen-3/

[fuller]

Shout out to Albert Samee:

Sometimes it looks like you're holding up development at McMaster Innovation Park, but then a man has a right to his title. Your taking over the Harbour Queen, saving it from the wrecker when the (presently cashless, though awesome) Hamilton Waterfront Trust could not carry on, makes me think there may be more community in you than we had thought. Thank you for taking over the Queen. Best of luck with it!

http://www.thespec.com/news-story/55...to-sail-again/

[king10]

Originally Posted by fuller

Shout out to Albert Samee:

Sometimes it looks like you're holding up development at McMaster Innovation Park, but then a man has a right to his title. Your taking over the Harbour Queen, saving it from the wrecker when the (presently cashless, though awesome) Hamilton Waterfront Trust could not carry on, makes me think there may be more community in you than we had thought. Thank you for taking over the Queen. Best of luck with it!

http://www.thespec.com/news-story/55...to-sail-again/

Agreed. Good on him for putting his money on the line to save an attraction on the waterfront. I had the pleasure of riding the Harbour Queen last Summer and it was a blast.

[lucasmascotto]

Feds hand over waterfront Discovery Centre to Hamilton
(The Hamilton Spectator: Wednesday, July 29, 2015)
By: Mark McNeil


The federal government has handed over the former Marine Discovery Centre on Pier 8 to the city in a historic property transfer.

The deal gives the city control over the entire pier — and essentially all waterfront property west of the HMCS Star — and is expected to jump-start harbour development.

The centre — and the 3.3 hectares of land around it — was a legacy of federal government ownership left over from a deal signed in 2000 that put to rest a legal war by the city for money it felt it was owed by the Hamilton Harbour Commission.

The city was given Piers 5, 6, 7 and the majority of Pier 8, while the federal government held a parcel of property on Pier 8 to build what later became the Marine Discovery Centre. The $10-million centre opened in 2004 but failed to attract crowds and was eventually closed.

Since that time there's been a growing push to give the city control over the property and the building, now known as the Hamilton Waterfront Trust Centre.

A 45-year lease agreement was struck in 2010 between Parks Canada and the Hamilton Waterfront Trust, acting on behalf of the city. That led to the opening of the upscale Sarcoa restaurant a couple of years later.

But efforts to further develop the property have stalled.

Would-be developers balked at the uncertainties around the land ownership. They were nervous about investing in something that could fall into the hands of the federal government once the lease agreement with the city lapsed.

"This now allows us to take complete ownership of Pier 8 and that is a good thing for the city and a good thing for the future development of Pier 8," said Mayor Fred Eisenberger. "It's a plus when you can own and control a piece of property. You can be more involved in the future development. There are no barriers."

David Sweet, MP for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale, said, "It was decided that the property was better stewarded by the City of Hamilton. It completes their capability of managing the waterfront as a package so they can develop and get the best economic and cultural benefit for all Hamiltonians.

"I think it will attract more long-term investment," Sweet added. "I'm certain the mayor and council have lots of ideas about how they would like to develop the waterfront."

Coun. Jason Farr says three sections of the property are already slated for development that could see a hotel, condominiums and some other kind of commercial use.

"The property transfer makes it a lot easier moving forward trying to encourage development. The previous ownership situation made it a hard sell. Many kicked the tires but decided not to invest."

Sweet said he did not know the value, but thought it would be worth at least $10 million. Farr contends the centre and land are worth much more, now that the property will be more appealing to developers.

[mishap]

And only a day later, the city has decided not to pursue its lawsuit against the feds over the Red Hill Creek Expressway saga. Coincidence...?

Update: Just looked at today's Spectator, and that was all part of the deal.

It's funny the way local politicians work. They've been eager to drop the suit against the feds over Red Hill, when the law has been on their side and it was winnable. Meanwhile, the Canada Post lawsuit was clearly stacked in favour of the feds from the start, but the city won't let it go. The courts should be for legal battles, not moral ones.

[HillStreetBlues]

Originally Posted by mishap

And only a day later, the city has decided not to pursue its lawsuit against the feds over the Red Hill Creek Expressway saga. Coincidence...?

No, you're right: it was part of the same deal. The Spectator reported that this morning.

[lucasmascotto]

Buy land to influence future of Hamilton’s industrial bayfront: study
(The Hamilton Spectator: Friday, September 11, 2015)
By: Matthew Van Dongen

Hamilton should strategically buy property to influence redevelopment of the industrial waterfront, a new report says.

Councillors will get a first glimpse of a "market opportunities study" for the industrial harbour next week as the tug-of-war over gutted U.S. Steel operations and land continues under court-ordered creditor protection.

The study is phase one in a strategy meant to guide future redevelopment of land in the evolving industrial harbour.

Consultant Deloitte identifies the 3,700-acre bayfront as a "major revitalization opportunity" that nonetheless faces serious challenges and uncertainties – particularly the fate of U.S. Steel Canada and its 800 acres of "underutilized" land.

"The most significant opportunity by far relates to the underutilized land and building supply potential on the US Steel site," the report adds, noting without that property less than 100 acres of vacant land is available for use.

Even assuming the steelmaker's coke-making and finishing line operations are purchased and maintained by another company, the consultant estimates 10.5 million square feet of new industrial space could be marketed on the remaining 600 acres of U.S. Steel land.

In the meantime, the city can develop a bayfront "vision" for the future, create a steering committee, co-ordinate with the Hamilton Port Authority and buy "key" properties to ensure an element of public control over the harbour.

The report doesn't specify what "key" properties might be good for taxpayers to snap up, but "case studies show clearly that municipal site control is a key factor in the success of brownfield redevelopment projects," the consultant says.

The next phase of the strategy will include public consultation on the bayfront vision, a detailed land use review and potential contamination and brownfield studies.

More to come.

[thomax]

Pier 8 Lands - Option 1 by Fred Eisenberger, on Twitter


Pier 8 Lands - Option 2 by Fred Eisenberger, on Twitter