Community concerned over waterfront development proposal in Pickering

A community pushback is expected Monday evening for a proposed townhouse development on Frenchman’s Bay in Pickering’s Nautical Village neighbourhood, with concerns from residents about density, architectural design and increased traffic.

More than two dozen residents attended an open house in March, with many of those same residents expected to re-voice their concerns Monday night, especially as the new proposal from Liverpool Road Limited Partnership has increased the number of units from 51 to 91.

The revised proposal now has 60 stacked units facing Annland Road, Liverpool Road and Wharf Street, two central blocks of back-to-back townhouse units and a three-storey mixed-use building.

The lands, now mostly used for marine storage, did contain a building constructed in 1850 known as the Avis House, which was demolished by the applicant in 2023.

Concerns have been expressed that the waterfront is already heavily used, particularly during summer months, resulting in pressures related to traffic, parking and litter. Concerns were also raised that the proposed development will further exacerbate existing pressures on the waterfront area.

Pickering Regional Councillor Maurice Brenner said the proposal is” way too dense” for the area and is “out of character” for the neighbourhood.