Mayor clears air on Midland Bay Landing as ‘misinformation swirls around on social media’

The Midland waterfront along the shores of Georgian Bay is pictured.

As speculations continue to spiral online, Mayor Bill Gordon is setting the record straight about the future of Midland Bay Landing - the town’s long-anticipated waterfront redevelopment project.

“With misinformation swirling around on social media, it is important that you know the facts,” Gordon said in a Saturday release.

The 40-acre parcel of land, once used for industrial purposes, sits along the town’s scenic Georgian Bay shoreline. The goal is to transform it into a vibrant, accessible, and pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood that connects with the town’s revitalized downtown and historic harbour.

Getting there hasn’t been an easy process. The town has twice tried to secure a development partner, both times lacking success.

“Well, the first time, it’s almost been a sad joke,” Gordon admitted to CBC Ontario Morning. “We just didn’t have the wherewithal to complete the task.” He said. “Last time, we worked really hard with the community through COVID to get a master plan for the property, and that master plan over time, because it took so long to get things going - especially with the pandemic it just didn’t resonate with the community.”

After the most recent failed deal, the town pivoted to a new approach.

Mayor Gordon emphasized the importance of public involvement throughout the process of this huge development. “We took the time to speak with residents and hear their feedback,” Gordon said.

The mayor said that the message was clear. People still want parks and recreational space, and the town says they are committed to making that a part of this project.

The town recently launched a formal Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI), now open to developers with creative ideas to reimagine the site. Submissions are due by August 8 at 2 p.m.

“We’re hoping to see a fresh, innovative approach to planning this site - one that guarantees public access along the entire waterfront and includes outdoor park or recreation space,” stated Mayor Bill Gordon, adding developers would have the “freedom to explore” design ideas.

“We need to partner with a developer that’s not only going to help pay for this parkland but also help commercialize and capitalize on this amazing waterfront and our shipping industry,” he continued in the CBC interview.

Despite delays, Gordon remains confident. “I’m still super optimistic. We’re a little behind, about nine months later than we wanted to be. But losing two councillors this term slowed things down, and replacing them took time,” Gordon said.

He stressed that the entire process is being carried out openly. “There’s no secrecy. The whole process is being done in a transparent manner.”

Chief Administrative Officer Rhonda Bunn echoed the mayor’s sentiment. “We’ve already laid the groundwork for success,” she said.

Bunn added the municipality had already laid the groundwork by investing over $14 million into infrastructure upgrades along King Street, connecting the harbour to the downtown core.

The Midland Bay Landing has been seen as a cornerstone of the town’s future. With the right developer and continued public involvement, the town hopes to finally bring this long-awaited vision to life.

Third time’s a charm. “This is the way to do it, and our objective is to have an RFP awarded with the community’s help,” Gordon said.

To learn more about the redevelopment, click here.