Big dreams for Georgina's Lake Simcoe waterfront as plans take shape

What could be: Willow Beach, De La Salle, Malone Wharf, Holmes Point parks transformed into walkable public spaces?

Yorkregion.com
May 18, 2021
Amanda Persico

The proposed waterfront parks master plan transforms the current Willow Beach, De La Salle, Malone Wharf and Holmes Point parks with pedestrian promenades, water’s edge decks and diverting traffic.

Recently, Georgina council was provided with a glimpse of what the waterfront could be -- and it sure is grand.

After hearing from more than 1,500 residents through a series of online surveys and a number of virtual public input sessions, council was presented with emerging concepts that elevate the current waterfront as part of the first phase of the waterfront parks master plan.

The emerging concepts focus on public spaces, walkable promenades and parking spaces along with year-round use, dedicated swimming areas, lake access for snowmobiles and ice fishing huts and permanent washrooms.

Costs for adding, upgrading and enhancing the town’s waterfront areas, along with a final Phase 1 report, are expected to be presented to council midsummer.

For more information, visit georgina.ca.

Here’s a look at how the Lake Simcoe waterfront is shaping up:

Willow Beach
Connect Willow Beach Park with the beach area by redirecting Lake Drive to Metro Road with new park entrances and driveways along the edges of the park;

Redirecting Lake Drive allows for widening of the beach area, along with adding a pedestrian promenade and dedicated cycling path;

The emerging concept also includes space for an upgraded playground, basketball court, kayak and canoe storage and staging, outdoor fitness circuit and pop-up retail space for vendors and cafés.

Franklin Beach
Create a small, open-space park with no parking;

The pedestrian destination would include seasonal washrooms, interpretative signs and public art honouring the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, along with demarcated swimming areas and a winter skate trial along the shore.

De La Salle Park
Connecting the beach to the park area by rerouting Lake Drive through the park, with parking provided along the edge of the park;

Establishing a pedestrian promenade along the existing Lake Drive route, providing safe pedestrian access to the water’s edge;

Continuing a sidewalk from De La Salle Park to the Jackson’s Point community;

Adding an events plaza for community events and pop-up retail vendors; basketball court; winterized washrooms; upgraded playground; outdoor fitness circuit; Frisbee golf space; a ramp to the beach area; and beach deck and lookout area.

Holmes Point Park
Reconfigure Holmes Point Road and Donna Drive to create an entrance into the park area;

Add washrooms, an upgraded playground, nature play area and rental kiosks for ice fishing huts, canoes, kayaks and windsurfing.

Bonnie Park, Jackson’s Point Marina and Malone Wharf
Expand Jackson’s Point Harbour Marina to include a boat launch;

Enhance Bonnie Park with a new playground, splash pad and washroom;

Transform Malone Wharf into a public space with a pedestrian boardwalk, lookout point and a break wall boardwalk.

Mossington Wharf and Mill Pond Park
Upgrade wharf for boater use;

Add boat access to Mill Pond Park, including a dock and boat tie-up area.