Last week, just a few hours before the “soft opening” of the new Collingwood Shipyards, I parked my car and walked up around the barricades to see what was in store. Wow. Wow, wow, wow!
For the first time in over 100 years, Collingwood residents are about to get their waterfront back.
The new master planned, Shipyards development is located at the northern tip of Hurontario Street in downtown Collingwood. The main street has been extended alongside the former launch basin right to Georgian Bay and includes a lovely public promenade. There is a 7 acre green space with an open-air amphitheatre facing the water as well as pedestrian and bike
trails around the site. Access will become official today – July 1st when Official Greetings for Canada Day will be held at 6 pm at the amphitheatre followed by fireworks over the Harbour at dark.
Developers FRAM Building Group and Slokker Real Estate Canada have revitalized this former brownfield site into an award-winning waterfront community that has been recognized for its environmental efforts. It was named best large-scale project by the Canadian Urban Institute at the 2009 Brownie Awards. The 40 acre site will include about 600 homes; some already occupied 
and many more are now under construction. The site spans 1,400 metres of waterfront along Georgian Bay and will also feature a clubhouse, shops and restaurants.
As I wandered around the pristine site that has yet to see the effects of human activity, I
couldn’t help but wonder what people would have to say when they see it for the first time. Sometimes it feels to me that people complain far too much in this town – maybe that is human nature. But when I look at this grand new site, the almost complete new First Street and the revitalization results in the downtown, I think we have much too be very thankful for on this Canada Day.
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Tags: collingwood shipyards
Happy Canada day ….. hope you had a great day and are looking forward to a better weekend
Thanks Kathy. It was FANTASTIC here last night. We sat at the brand new amphtheatre in front of the water where we watched the sun set behind the mountain. Ducks, swans and sail boats were drifting by, there were local bands playing (and yes, our Idol Drew Wright was one of them) and then the fireworks were lit from behind the grain elevators shooting out over the bay. It was incredible. You have to come again soon for a visit and see what has happened in this town – all new First Street, newly re-done downtown, Shipyards trails… it’s amazing! Very best to both of you out there in Uxbridge. Have a great week-end.