Pickering Waterfront and Nautical Village Community Engagement

Thank you to all who provided feedback on Pickering’s Waterfront and Nautical Village. Brief summaries of the responses received have been provided below. All responses will be reviewed in detail and considered for future planning studies and waterfront initiatives by staff and Council. Please stay tuned to the project page for future updates and announcements.

The City of Pickering continues with the long-term planning and vision for its waterfront, and has invited the public to provide their experiences, hopes, and ideas on how we can enjoy, enhance, and protect the waterfront for generations to come.

Pickering is experiencing significant growth and it is important that we continuously evolve and adapt to the needs of our community.

Community Engagement #1: Summary

Following the initial Waterfront and Nautical Village Community Engagement, we heard from many users of Pickering’s waterfront on their experiences and ideas on how we can enjoy, enhance, and protect the waterfront. Through the online survey, we heard:

• Most enjoy the waterfront by using the trails, spending time at the beach, and viewing nature.
• Most agree that the Nautical Village currently reflects the vision of being a unique waterfront community influenced by the nautical theme and having pedestrian friendly spaces. Responses also supported having more businesses that support recreation uses and attract tourism, and allowing vendors and concession stands along the beach.
• Although many are satisfied with many of the waterfront amenities such as the trails and public spaces, improvements for parking, restroom facilities and safe bikeways were frequently mentioned.
• As the waterfront continues to evolve and be impacted by environment matters, most believe impacts from developments/human activity is the most significant, as well as road congestion and the water quality of Lake Ontario.
• Many believe Pickering’s waterfront is somewhat weak or weak as a tourist destination. Responses offered a wide range of suggestions and ideas for improved and new amenities/facilities, activities or events to better enhance the enjoyment of the waterfront or promote more visitors, such as shuttle bus service from the Pickering GO Station or Pickering Town Centre; facilities and rentals for water sports and other recreational activities; connection of the east and west spit; and improving public parking, trail conditions, and littering.

Community Engagement #2: Summary

Following the second Waterfront and Nautical Village Community Engagement, we heard from many users of Pickering’s waterfront on their experiences and ideas on how we can enjoy, enhance, and protect specifically, the Nautical Village Area. Through the online survey, we heard:

• The majority of respondents visit the businesses in the Nautical Village multiple times a week or once every few months.
• The majority of respondents support the existing permitted uses in the Nautical Village (i.e. office, retail, personal service, commercial schools, and restaurants), however other uses complementary to the existing marina and waterfront uses could be considered.
• The following top characteristics contribute to the Nautical Village Area’s unique sense of place:
  1. The connection to Lake Ontario and waterfront trails and beach;
  2. The Nautical Village streetscape – wide sidewalks, street furniture, specialty paving, lighting and banners;
  3. The smaller scale and massing of buildings; and
  4. Events showcasing local art, culture, and history.
• The majority of respondents are supportive of temporary/seasonal uses for events within the Nautical Village. However, many acknowledged that the issues with public parking, congestion, and access need to be addressed.
• The majority of respondents are not supportive of the introduction of residential uses of greater density, however some were open to some additional residential uses that would be complementary and compatible with the existing character of the Nautical Village Area.