Waterfront Master Plan Preliminary Directions and ... - City of Oshawa

City of Oshawa Waterfront Master Plan
A view looking west along Stone Street.
4.3 Land Acquisition and Easement
Strategy
Second Marsh and McLaughlin Bay: Both
areas provide opportunities for direct access
to the Lake Ontario shoreline. Winter skating
currently occurs at McLaughlin Bay.
Access to the Waterfront refers to more than
physical contact with the water - the shoreline
itself provides unparalleled opportunities for
distant views (to other parts of the waterfront
as well as to other cities – notably Toronto’s
skyline), boating, and swimming. Access to the
water should provide the ability to see the lake,
to touch the water, to hear waves splashing, and
to witness the natural environment in action.
An increase in water-related recreational
activities is desired for Oshawa – possibly
including kayaking, canoeing and wind-surfi ng.
Additional analysis will be required to assess the
most desirable locations for these activities.
4.2.6 Orientation Signage
Orientation signage is an important element for
a park system that spans the entire Oshawa
waterfront. Park visitors will benefi t from knowing
where they are relative to the other waterfront
parks and the City as a whole. Orientation
signage should be accessible, consist of maps
and be incorporated in seating and entry areas.
All efforts to achieve continuous physical
public access along the length of the Oshawa
Waterfront should be explored. Additionally,
opportunities for continuous waterfront
access, expanded recreational activities and
enhancement of natural areas will be evaluated.
Continuity of the shoreline will be of benefi t to
the public as well as animals and plant life that
rely on uninterrupted ecosystems and natural
corridors.
The waterfront is punctuated by a number of
small properties that are privately owned. It is
recommended that the City’s ongoing waterfront
land acquisition strategy continue and that
certain additional potential acquisitions be
considered.
In recent years, a number of private properties
along Stone Street, east of Cedar Street,
have been acquired by the City and buildings
removed. However, three properties remain in
this area and consideration should be given to
acquisition as it would allow the remainder of
Stone Street to be closed east of Cedar Street,
creating a view corridor to Lake Ontario. One
of the three properties is already identifi ed for
acquisition in the City Level Parkland and Open
Space Acquisition Program. In addition, the
City should continue to acquire the remaining
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