Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra (pictured at podium) announced the federal government was turning over management of the Burlington Canal Piers to HOPA earlier this week. Photo credit: Twitter/Transport Canada
As of July 2, 2022, the Burlington Canal Piers will be managed by the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA), a local group that helps manage ports in the area. An announcement was made June 28 by Transport Canada in Burlington.
The announcement had reportedly been a long time coming according to Minister Omar Alghabra, with pier access being a hot topic of discussion for well over a year after the Transport Canada put up fences and signs blocking pier access.
Alghabra said that “sometimes it is better for a community to manage” their local assets and attractions which is why the piers are being turned over to HOPA. His government had previously turned over the Burlington Canal Lighthouse and keeper’s cottage to HOPA in February 2022.
Piers on both the Hamilton and Burlington side of the lift bridge extend north into Lake Ontario and have been known to be used recreationally for walks, fishing, and even wedding photos. The piers are also located along the popular Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. However, their original purpose is to serve as the key access point for ships to enter and exit the Port of Hamilton.
On hand for the announcement were Hamilton East-Stoney Creek MP Chad Collins, Burlington MP Karina Gould, Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra, Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger, and HOPA Ports President and CEO Ian Hamilton.
Immediate reaction on social media following the announcement was positive, with many residents figuring that the move means that pier access will be fully restored on July 2. However, that does not appear to be the case as there was every indication that the gates to the pier will remain closed and locked until safety improvements can be made in spring 2023.
President and CEO of HOPA Ports, Ian Hamilton, explained that “the piers need to be safe” and that safety will be their main focus “over the next year.”
“We are also working with the Cities of Hamilton and Burlington to develop a lease agreement that will see them invest in recreational enhancements and open the piers for public use,” he added.
It is unclear at this time what safety improvements will be made. A number of residents expressed concern that the improvements might include perimeter fences around the edges of the pier which would change its character. There is also frustration at the slowness of the entire process since waiting for “improvements” means waiting another nine months to access the pier.
In the meantime, some residents continue to access the pier despite the restrictions, as the locked gates are easily navigable.
There are also other plans for the pier, including the relocation and opening of the Burlington Canal Main Lighthouse and keeper’s cottage. Those plans will start to be realized by the end of 2022. Other concept proposals suggesting a new interpretive centre, extended park areas, and a revamp of the entire pier are even further in the future and will rely on governmental partnership.
Based in Hamilton, Ontario, Kevin Geenen reaches hundreds of thousands of people monthly on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. He is a regular contributor with The Hamilton Independent and has also been published in The Hamilton Spectator, Stoney Creek News, Niagara Independent, and Bay Observer. He has also been a segment host with Cable 14 Hamilton. He is known for Hamilton crime updates and social media news graphics. In 2017, he received the Chancellor Full Tuition Scholarship from the University of Ottawa (BA, 2022). He has also received the Governor General’s Academic Medal from Governor General David Johnston. He formerly worked in a non-partisan role on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
Based in Hamilton, he reaches hundreds of thousands of people monthly on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. He has been published in The Hamilton Spectator, Stoney Creek News, and Bay Observer. He has also been a segment host with Cable 14 Hamilton. In 2017, he received the Chancellor Full Tuition Scholarship from the University of Ottawa (BA, 2022). He has also received the Governor General’s Academic Medal. He formerly worked in a non-partisan role on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
