A final concept plan for Canatara Park will be considered by Sarnia council on Monday.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley said council is being asked to endorse the proposed master plan in principle and direct staff to advance the multi-year implementation plan for the park through the annual capital budgeting process.
"This has been a lengthy process, but that's worthwhile, because the public loves this park and treasures it," said Bradley. "Generations here have grown up with Canatara Park as part of their lives and so there's been a lot of public input, a lot of discussion. There's some issues in there [the proposed master plan] which I think will generate lots of debate, and that includes the amount of parking."
It's recommended the existing paved parking area near the beach be reduced to expand the dune landscape.
When part of the concept plan was approved in July, staff were directed to move beach volleyball court plans forward, work with the Seaway Kiwanis Club on requirements for a new storage unit, and work with a third-party to plan the removal of Thrasher Building (the barn picnic shelter at the animal farm) due to significant infrastructure concerns.
"There's no question some of the buildings need to be further improved and in some cases new buildings [are required]. That can be done over a period of time in our regular spending," Bradley said.
In addition to the parking changes along the Lake Huron shoreline, the final concept recommends a new lifeguard station and washrooms, a boardwalk with pedestrian look-out spots, a canoe/kayak launch with rentals, and beach picnic area.
A new covered stage / pavilion is recommended for the big lawn area, with traffic calming elements, new look-out spots and a floating boardwalk planned around Lake Chipican.
"In the last year we spent over a million dollars, including improving the roadways, the trails, and some pathways. So, this just continues that. There's no question this is a park that the people of Sarnia love and have grown up with. They respect [the park] and they want it to be treated with respect too," said Bradley.
Work on the official master plan started in April.
Sarnia council's regular meeting will be held virtually at 1 p.m.