The Town of Collingwood is preparing for the next stage of its plan to revitalize the Grain Terminals and the surrounding waterfront. Community consultation on the proposed public spaces is complete, and a public meeting on the private development component is expected by the end of June.
The Terminals Point Project aims to transform the long-unused terminals into a mixed-use space, including a hotel and a residential condominium, plus public trails and shoreline access. The structure has sat mostly abandoned since 1993 and has become a liability for the town, says Adam Gallant, the project manager for the Town of Collingwood.
On June 17, 2024, council approved a formal agreement with developer Streetcar & Dream, confirming a public-private partnership to revitalize the grain terminals. The deal builds on an earlier memorandum of understanding between the two sides.
Since then, the project has entered its due diligence phase. Gallant said the team has been carrying out drilling and environmental assessments to confirm the site’s feasibility.
“We haven’t run into anything that we don’t think there’s a solution for,” says Gallant.
While public consultation began in November 2023, it focused only on the public components of the site, such as shoreline improvements, trails, and boardwalks. Further engagement on the private development side, including the hotel and the condominium, is needed before the project can progress.
“There’s strong heritage support to keep the building,” says Gallant. “Some people don’t like the look of it or think it’s too big…but the design isn’t finalized. We’re still taking feedback.”
According to the town’s website, Streetcar & Dream’s proposal would restore the terminals as a full-service hotel with restaurants; a café; a wellness centre; cultural and community spaces; and single-and double-silo guest rooms. Plans include a rooftop restaurant and bar on the 10th floor with outdoor terraces and panoramic views of Georgian Bay.
The developers have incorporated sustainable solutions into the design including reusing existing materials, incorporating low-carbon design, and creating pedestrian-friendly access to the water.
The Town planned to hit two project milestones by early 2025: completing a draft plan for the public spaces and submitting official plan amendment and rezoning applications. However, Gallant says due diligence work delayed progress and a particularly harsh winter was a hurdle.
Planning approval is now expected some time in 2026. If granted, construction could begin shortly after and take at least three years to complete.
Access to parts of the site will be restricted throughout construction, though Gallant says operations at the yacht club, paddling club, and marina will be maintained.
“There will be times where the public won’t have access, especially during road construction,” he says. “But we have a commitment to make sure stakeholders can continue to operate.”
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