Bedford Waterfront: Future taking shape
After years of discussions and public consultations, Bedfordites were presented with three conceptual plans for the Bedford Waterfront during a public meeting at Basinview school on Wednesday evening.
Developed by Ekistics Planning and Design in Dartmouth, all three plans aim at ensuring the waterfront is “alive” all seasons of the year with multi-use features related to work, living, play and study.
The designs were presented by Rob LeBlanc, a planner with Ekistics. LeBlanc explained how some of the inspiration for the designs came from a public workshop that took place back in April.
During that workshop, about 60 residents and stakeholders discussed and debated land-use options for the waterfront.
The area outlined in the three plans encompasses the in-fill lands between the Bedford Highway and Bedford Basin, from the Boutiler Boatyard to the Clearwater Seafoods property.
The three plans have many similarities. For example, they all include multi-use trails, extended boardwalks, parks, open space and marinas.
A ferry terminal, commuter rail considerations, and an iconic public building were also detailed in the plans. A library was suggested as an ideal iconic building because it would feature daily activity.
While the plans featured a mix of residential and retail space, there was less emphasis on office space because of the additional parking required. The plans also did not feature a hotel, which was suggested by some residents during the April workshop.
All three plans featured two entrance roads, one by Glenmont Avenue (by the Esquire Motel) and one by Clearwater Foods. Special emphasis was placed on maintaining green space around Moirs Pond.
More than 100 residents attended Wednesday’s meeting. Also in attendance were Bedford councillor Tim Outhit and Kelly Regan, the newly elected Liberal MLA for Bedford-Birch Cove.
Following the formal presentation of the designs, residents had a chance to ask questions, provide feedback and make suggestions to the Waterfront design team. Ariel drawings of the three concepts were also posted in the meeting room which people could look at more closely.
Based in part on feedback from lat night’s meeting, as well as feedback in the weeks ahead, efforts will now be put toward establishing a master plan for the Bedford Waterfront. That plan is expected to be unveiled this fall.
According to the planners in attendance, when all is said and done, it could take upwards of 20 years to complete the Waterfront development.
The following are some of the details of the three plans:
Plan 1: The Traditional Waterfront
Would be similar to the existing waterfront development, known as Phase 1.
Would allow for more waterfront edge.
Would feature a new park, marina, library and restaurants.
Buildings would not block views of the Basin, allowing for great panoramic vistas.
Plan 2: The Canals
Inspired in part from a concept in Amsterdam, this plan would see the water brought into the development via canals.
Would have a more urban feel than Plan 1, with townhouses along the canals.
A ferry terminal would be more centrally-located and closer to the rail line.
More underground parking would be needed, which would increase the cost of the plan.
Plan 3: The Island
Even more urban in nature, and would allow for the most amount of public open space.
A ferry terminal would be a focal point.
Would feature public parks and fountains.
The character of the buildings would reflect the history of Bedford.
Details of last night’s meeting will be posted by tomorrow or Monday at www.halifax.ca.
For more information contact:
Paul Morgan, Planner
Halifax Regional Municipality
Phone: 490-4482
Email: morganp@halifax.ca
Terry Drisdelle, Project Manager
Waterfront Development Corporation Limited
Phone: 422-5115, ext. 109
Email: drisdelle@wdcl.ca
