by Rick Crouch | Dec 5, 2024 | Community Issues, Municipal Affairs, Planning and Development, Real Estate General
Among the many proposed developments across the Southern Georgian Bay area, few carry as much historical significance—or potential—as the redevelopment of Collingwood’s iconic waterfront lands.
The closure of the Collingwood Shipyards in 1986 marked the end of an era for our community. Once a hub for maritime activity, the shipyards were vital to the local economy and a symbol of our industrial heritage. Similarly, the closure of Collingwood Terminals in 1993 brought a halt to the harbor’s bustling activity. The loss of these facilities was deeply felt, but it also opened the door to reimagine this important part of our town.
Collingwood Terminals
For decades, many of us have envisioned transforming Collingwood’s waterfront from an industrial space into a vibrant destination that serves residents and visitors alike. Imagine strolling along the water’s edge, visiting unique shops, dining at restaurants with stunning views, or enjoying a museum that celebrates our rich maritime history. Today, not so much as a cup of coffee are available to enjoy by the waters edge. These ideas represent more than just a facelift. Personally I believe they offer a chance to boost the local economy while creating a vibrant waterfront accessible to everyone.
Why Waterfronts Matter
Waterfronts are inherently magnetic. Whether it’s the calming view, the sound of waves, or the joy of walking along a shoreline, people are drawn to water. Many cities have capitalized on this, transforming their waterfronts into thriving hubs of activity. From Toronto’s Ontario Place to waterfront parks in Vancouver, San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf and Chicago’s Lake Michigan shoreline and others, waterfront developments and amenities have demonstrated their ability to enrich communities and drive economic growth. Prior to entering real estate I travelled extensively on business across Canada and the U.S. As such I have visited many cities and towns that have leveraged and benefitted from their waterfront locations.
Here in Collingwood, however, much of our prime waterfront has thus far been reserved for residential condominiums—many of which are beyond the financial reach of the average consumer. While these developments have contributed to housing supply, they have help drive area home prices higher while limiting limited public access and use of our cherished harbor views.
Hope on the Horizon: Introducing “Terminal Point”
Thankfully, change may be on the way. A proposal has been selected to redevelop the Collingwood Terminals complex, aptly named “Terminal Point.” Acquired by the Town in 1997, this historic property has remained largely dormant—until now.
The proposed plan is a balanced blend of uses:
- Residential and Hotel Space: Welcoming residents and visitors alike.
- Retail and Dining: Restaurants, shops, and commercial spaces to bring energy and commerce to the area.
- Event Spaces: Venues for cultural and community activities.
- Public Waterfront Access: Outdoor amenities for walking, swimming, fishing, and more.
Community Engagement and Next Steps
While the proposed design may not be what we would ultimately like, it’s better than doing nothing thus letting this historic structure deteriorate further. Public interest in this project is high, as demonstrated by the packed attendance at a recent meeting at Simcoe Street Theatre. The session focused on the exterior land use surrounding the terminals, with a clear message from the community: this development must prioritize public access and create a welcoming space for everyone.
A second public meeting will be scheduled for January to discuss plans for the terminal building itself. In the meantime, I encourage you to visit the town’s Engage Collingwood website for updates and to participate in the “Public Lands Survey.” Your voice matters in shaping the future of this transformative project.
The developer, Streetcar Developments, has engaged landscape designer DTAH to plan and design the outdoor spaces. With their expertise and community input, “Terminal Point” has the potential to become a cornerstone of Collingwood’s identity—a place where history meets opportunity, and where everyone can enjoy the beauty of our waterfront.
From a business perspective, I personally believe that redeveloping the waterfront will be of great benefit to downtown Collingwood area as well. Once completed, many visitors to “Terminal Point” would also visit the shops and restaurants on Hurontario Street as well. All it would take is some creative, effective marketing and collaboration including the Town, the downtown Business Improvement Association and the Chamber of Commerce to make that happen
Let’s embrace this opportunity to redefine Collingwood’s waterfront for generations to come! For a copy of the Terminal Point brochure with additional information Click Here.
📧 Have questions about this project or its potential impact on real estate? Contact me at rcrouch@sothebysrealty.ca or 705-443-1037.
NOTE: The author is a Broker, Market Value Appraiser-Residential with Sotheby’s International Realty Canada and a Past President (2008) of the Lakeland’s Association of REALTORS®.
SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY CANADA, COLLINGWOOD
243 Hurontario Street (next to Scotiabank)
Collingwood, ON L9Y 2M1
Rick Crouch Direct: 705-443-1037 Office: 705-416-1499
rcrouch@sothebysrealty.ca
