David Switzer of Long Branch shares comments regarding Lakeview Waterfront Connection Project Environmental Assessment

With regard to a previous blog post regarding ‘Beach’ plans for the Lakeview – and Long Branch – side of Marie Curtis Park, I’ve asked David Switzer of Long Branch for permission to share comments he has shared with me by email.

He said: “Yes you can publish my comments as long as you include that these observations invite correction or alternate viewpoint.”

Keeping in mind the above-noted proviso, I’m pleased to share with you the following comments from David Switzer:

Thanks for the information on the “Connection” project. I too was unable to attend the meeting. After looking over the plan I certainly wished I had. I am very hopeful that the project is a success. More wetland and natural area is highly desirable. The only really negative i have is the cobbled beech. See last item.

The following are my understandings or opinions and questions.

The original plan to naturalized Marie Curtis and move the park onto the Arsenal Lands was supposedly killed because Toronto would not provide their share of the funding. With Mississauga now expanding the project into Marie Curtis park which is all part of Toronto will this be a problem again especially with the more expensive alternative?

The project is called “Connection” because it was to satisfy (or take advantage of) the request by the people of Mississauga that in the development of the OPG [Ontario Power Generation] lands that a water front trail be created to connect to Marie Curtis Park. The OPG lands project will take longer to develop than the “Connection” project but Mississauga is using the Connection project to find a place for the fill from their water pipe project so they need to proceed now. That’s why the alternative trail path at the bottom of the proposed plan to the west end of the project.

I love the islands, I gather they will control wave action and create fish habitat. They would also provide a safer canoe or kayak water course.

The expansion of the meadow in the west end of Marie Curtis Park would be positive but I don’t understand the cobbled beach. The need for cobbling seems to be to control erosion from wave action. If so, why does the erosion not occurred now? As I understand it, Marie Curtis beach is the last “natural” beach in the GTA. That is, it is a dynamic beach that continually recycles its sand.

Note: the edging with “boulders” appear to the be at the west end in the area identified and “revetment”.