Massive Waterfront Conservation Area Coming to Mississauga
Published September 19, 2016 at 4:58 pm
We have more good news for green space lovers and this time it’s about an ambitious project that’s set to drastically re-shape Mississauga’s waterfront (in fact, see an artist’s rendering of the potential look below).
On Saturday, Sept. 24, residents will be welcome to attend a BBQ and celebration at the Lakefront Promenade Marina (135 Lakefront Promenade) to herald the start of construction of the Lakeview Waterfront Connection Project. The ambitious project is set to transform a more lackluster section of the shore into a naturalized conservation area.
So, if you’re really into natural spaces, this might be a BBQ you want to attend.
The event will kick off at 11:30 a.m. and run until 2:30 p.m. and will be hosted by the Region of Peel, Credit Valley Conservation, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and Mississauga Councillor Jim Tovey. If you like to come to events hungry (as you should), you’ll be happy to know that there will be a complimentary BBQ and cake cutting. If you have little ones, they might be happy to know that there will be face painting.
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The event will also boast info booths, talks from special guests and a ceremonial water blessing performed by a member of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation.
“Residents as well as all other stakeholders have been involved in this project from the start through a number of consultation sessions. This project represents the community’s commitment to restoring our natural environment,” said Jim Tovey. “This celebration is our way of saying thank you to everyone who has helped make this project a reality.”
Although the kickoff is exciting, it’s important to remember that the revitalization won’t happen overnight. Quite the opposite, in fact.
The large-scale project might take seven to 10 years to complete. When it is complete, the space is expected to include a publicly accessible conservation area the size of 48 football fields, with 1.5 km of new shoreline stretching from the old Lakeview generating station to Marie Curtis Park.
You can see another artist rendering of what the project might look like (looking east towards Toronto) below:
The Waterfront Trail will actually be re-routed along the new shoreline, so if you traverse the path regularly, know that its position will change in the next decade or so (you have lots of time to mentally prepare).
Ideally, the brand new space will welcome wildlife and function as a “green oasis” in the city. Although the project’s completion time is lengthy (and part of Tovey’s overall Inspiration Lakeview project), the change will certainly benefit a city that, many argue, is lacking green space.
Speaking of greenery, the project is focused on environmental responsibility. The conservation area will be created using only clean fill from construction projects. As of now, the area has a startlingly low population of fish compared to other sections of Mississauga’s waterfront.
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