Beachfront Park Master Plan & Phase 1 Implementation

Landscape Master PlansParks/Trails/Open SpaceWaterfront

Jul 2

Written By Adelle Ranisavljevic

Location: 501 Liverpool Road, Pickering, Ontario

Clients: Town of Pickering

Project Start Date: 2021

Project End Date: 2025

Project Type:

Public Realm Master Plans
Trails
Waterfronts
Public Art
Indigenous Place Making

About the Project

In 2017 and 2019 high water levels in Lake Ontario along with numerous intense storm events caused significant damage to many features in Beachfront Park. The boardwalk, which formed part of the Waterfront Trail, was damaged beyond repair and was removed by City Public Works staff in spring 2020. Staff were asked to explore options for the reconstruction of the Waterfront Trail connection and to explore how other park areas could be restored, or, if they should be restored to their former condition. The Study Area includes lands from the Frenchman’s Bay harbour entrance east to Alex Robertson Park and is characterized as a dynamic beach environment adjacent to marshes and a Provincially Significant Wetland.

The City retained The MBTW Group in late 2019 to begin the exploration into rehabilitating Beachfront Park. With a team of consultants, and in collaboration with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and local stakeholders, MBTW’s first step in the process was to prepare the Beachfront Park Rehabilitation & Needs Assessment Study which identified two technically feasible master plan design options for the repair and rehabilitation of the entire park. These two options were carried forward into the Public Engagement Stage of the project which occurred throughout 2020. A two-round community engagement process, run parallel with stakeholder engagement, culminated in the refinement of a Final Preferred Master Plan Design Option and cost estimates by October 2021.

The following key project concerns/objectives were addressed through the Study process:

· Consensus on the design approach was achieved between the TRCA, the City and other relevant stakeholders ensuring that ecological priorities like habitat protection were central to the design;

· The proposed design solution(s) demonstrated resilience and longevity of design given the environmental conditions (high water table, wave uprush, high water levels/flooding, ice build-up etc.) while being attractive and meeting the city’s park development objectives for the site;

· The proposed designs address the needs of the growing Pickering community with respect to providing public space at the waterfront;

· The proposed solutions meet current and expected accessibility standards; and

· The proposed solution is cost effective yet innovative.

Following the approval of the Preferred Master Plan Design, MBTW, with a team of consultants proceeded to advance the detailed design and construction of Phase 1 of the 2-phase project. Key features of the Phase 1 improvements include:

Response to sensitive environment: Beachfront Park sits within a dynamic beach environment immediately adjacent to a Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW), marsh and Lake Ontario. Rather than placing the structure directly on the sand or sensitive marsh habitat, the boardwalk is elevated on helical piles, minimizing ground disturbance and helping protect delicate wetland plant and animal life. The pile supported structure allows wave uprush to occur naturally, working with nature’s processes rather than against them.

Elevated walkway & cycling route: A new 600m long raised Waterfront Trail boardwalk structure relinks Millennium Square to Alex Robertson Park, reestablishing the Waterfront Trail damaged in storm events. Connections points are blended seamlessly into existing conditions that are to remain in place. The new design includes elevated structures and rock revetments to protect the shoreline and ensure long term resilience against storm surges and erosion.

Scenic viewing platforms: Overlooks have been constructed along the Provincially Significant Wetlands and Hydro Marsh, providing beautiful vantage points for wildlife-watching and resting.

Barrier free beach access: Accessible ramps connect the elevated structure directly to the beach, ensuring inclusive access for all park and beach-goers. Seasonal mobility mats connected to the base of the ramps extend barrier-free access to the water’s edge.

Upgraded lighting & site furniture: New dark-sky compliant light poles and modern seating have been installed along the Waterfront Trail to improve safety and comfort.

Shoreline protection: Shoreline improvements have been made (armourstone and sheet piles) to protect the Waterfront Trail and barrier-free access ramps from high waves and fluctuating lake levels.

Alex Robertson gravel parking lot and trail improvements: A gravel parking area has been built to the east of Beachfront Park to serve both construction needs and future visitor use. The Waterfront Trail has been re-constructed between the parking lot and the east end of the elevated Trail to improve accessibility and safety.

Indigenous storytelling integration: The project includes the integration of Indigenous artwork and interpretive elements that celebrate Indigenous culture and history.

This project contributes to the creation of a stronger, more accessible, and environmentally resilient waterfront and ensures that Beachfront Park will continue to be an accessible, enjoyable space while preserving the integrity of its wetlands and shoreline, even in the face of lake-level fluctuations and increasingly frequent extreme weather events. It also supports Pickering’s growth by enhancing connectivity, recreational and cultural appeal in the City Centre and Seaton areas.

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