The Union Waterfront project is the most significant development in the recent history of Port Dalhousie. The small town has a rich historic quality, and the infusion of new residences and commercial spaces will help re-energise the downtown core.
Status: Concept Design
The public realm design will establish a precedent for the streetscape design of the surrounding downtown, and is chosen to be simultaneously sensitive to the existing character and representative of the future regeneration of the area.
A new courtyard, anchored by a single feature tree, is created next to Hogan’s Alley. It will be the home to seasonal civic events, such as the annual Christmas Market, and be the central gathering point for the community.
It is bordered by restaurant patios that will be retained through the redevelopment. Along with new restaurant, retail, and event spaces, they will continue to animate the enhanced courtyard in the manner of European plazas.
An opening in the building overhangs amphitheatre-style steps that lead down to Lakeside Park, the beach, and Lake Ontario beyond.
The rich history rooted to this site is referenced throughout the design. The existing jailhouse is one of the oldest in North America, and is being retained on site in a new parkette. Around it, a series of wood decks span what appears to be a filled-in canal, filled with lush planting and trees. This evokes the First Welland Canal, which passed by this site until later configurations changed the route.
Given the possibility of the design and materials being extended throughout the surrounding downtown area, the materiality and style of the surrounding buildings were analyzed when considering the possible options.
A series of different material palettes were prepared to complement the existing character while increasing the district’s coherence and refinement. The furniture was selected to allude to the Italianate influences of the historic architecture.
