Can you picture a new pedestrian bridge across the Owen Sound Harbour?
Built with roof trusses from the soon to be demolished Coliseum?
Some people can. It was one of the many ideas brought forward on Wednesday night at a harbour visioning session held at the Grey Bruce Health Unit.
About 40 people took part in the public session, known as a design charrette, not including city officials who observed the proceedings.
They split into groups of eight to 10 people to brainstorm, and they were asked to consider what makes a good waterfront, what they would like to see at the harbour, what they see as obstacles to redevelopment, and how they would promote the harbour area.
Participants said they’d like to see a hotel at the harbour, perhaps even a casino.
Thought was given to closing 1st Avenue East to vehicle traffic.
Sculptures and other artwork would be welcomed.
Some people want to see biking and walking paths and staging areas for concerts and other events.
More commercial activity is desired, and so are more recreational activities like boating and swimming.
There was consensus that more green space – and fewer brownfields – would be a good thing.
The costs associated with proposed improvements are a big obstacle, particularly the continued clean-up of former industrial sites.
There’s also a question of what can be done on privately owned property.
Even the harbour itself is owned by the federal government, although the city would like to assume control of it.
Consultants David Aston and Wendy Shearer of MHBC Planning, Urban Design and Landscape Architects facilitated the two-hour discussion.
They will now work on draft development concepts and a draft marketing document prior to the next public meeting, which will take place in December.
Aston says a final marketing report will be presented to the city in mid to late January.
