The Town of
Gananoque was approached in early May 2004 by developers interested in the
construction of condominiums on a parcel of industrial land in Gananoques
Lowertown area. Interest in the development of this area was also expressed by
the Executive Committee of the Clayton Antique Boat Museum, for the purpose of
creating a Canadian Antique Boat Museum.
At the
conclusion of a meeting held with officials at the Antique Boat Museum in
Clayton New York it became apparent to the participants that a revised plan was
needed for the entire Lower Town area in order to properly address several
economic development and land use planning projects which are currently being
proposed.
In 1984 the
Town of Gananoque commissioned a study of the Bay Harbour/Rotary Beach
Area. The study area of this report eventually included the Gananoque
River running from Highway 401 south to the St. Lawrence River, west to Bay Rd
and continuing east to Conners Property. Though a comprehensive study
for its time, this report is now based on data that is close to a quarter of a
century old. Several of the buildings referenced in the report are now
demolished, traffic patterns have now changed due in part to the addition of a
Casino to the Town and the impact 9/11 has had on tourism.
Open space
and public access to the Gananoque waterfront is a guiding principle for future
development. The Town has received several economic development and land use
planning proposals for the Lower Town area which could assist Gananoque in
becoming a year round tourist destination. The timing for this study
corresponds with the fact that the Town is about to begin a review of the
existing Official Plan.
This
interest in developing what was once the industrial hub of the Town has
resulted in the creation of a Steering Committee to help create a strategy to
guide future development of this unique area.
This study
will maintain the historical architectural character and uniqueness of the
Lower Town area through approved planning policies. These policies will
address: open space, parking areas, pedestrian and traffic patterns,
residential (varying densities), environmental issues and future development.
In addition,
the concept plan will create an attractive, accessible and useable waterfront
for local residents and visitors. To view the Lowertown Study Final Report, afterclicking here, click planning.
