Bayfield: Through the Years

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  Pending progression in Bayfield

  by Thebog, over 4 years ago
  I would like to start by saying I’m all in with the revitalization of our downtown area and the plan of expansion of a retail and services sector.

  My concerns are simple and complex.
  when street lighting is considered in all areas, we need to ensure it is always “ground level” lighting - please avoid the flood light syndrome. We are on a migratory path and the “used car lot” lighting is bad for birds and our night sky viewing.

  Next, when it comes to higher density dwellings, don’t assume they will be for residential full time owners. The amount... Continue reading

  I would like to start by saying I’m all in with the revitalization of our downtown area and the plan of expansion of a retail and services sector.

  My concerns are simple and complex.
  when street lighting is considered in all areas, we need to ensure it is always “ground level” lighting - please avoid the flood light syndrome. We are on a migratory path and the “used car lot” lighting is bad for birds and our night sky viewing.

  Next, when it comes to higher density dwellings, don’t assume they will be for residential full time owners. The amount of short term rentals in Bayfield is becoming the norm in my area. Different groups of people and their unleashed dogs every weekend.

  What is the plan for revitalization of the main beach too? If Bayfield is promoting itself as a beach destination something needs to done to make it a beach destination. Currently the north marina is “overwhelmed” on weekends with cars parking wherever they please, more unleaded dogs, toilet paper up and down the side of the road. The private beach is packed. The public beaches are not?!

  Other than that… progress is good, Bayfield has a good plan for the future as far as I can see.
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  Bayfield - Small, Clean and Green

  by bigpink, almost 5 years ago

  The most important consideration from my perspective in Bayfield is to keep the village small, clean and green. We really do not need any more commercial development in the village and from my perspective any further residential development beyond the current limits should be drastically slowed. We should also dramatically limit the number of big vehicles coming into the village. From my perspective Bayfield Terrace should be closed on both sides of Pioneer Park and if people want to come to the part....they can walk! I remember as a child being able to walk up to the village but now... Continue reading

  The most important consideration from my perspective in Bayfield is to keep the village small, clean and green. We really do not need any more commercial development in the village and from my perspective any further residential development beyond the current limits should be drastically slowed. We should also dramatically limit the number of big vehicles coming into the village. From my perspective Bayfield Terrace should be closed on both sides of Pioneer Park and if people want to come to the part....they can walk! I remember as a child being able to walk up to the village but now it is actually somewhat dangerous with all of the out of town cars driving too fast along Tuyll Street. I also think there should be an emphasis on the visual arts and creative community to support the development of some culture similar to what has occurred in Blyth or Stratford. The weekend farmers market in Clan Gregor square was a brilliant idea but the Tim Hortons and FoodLand are exactly what many want to get away from when we come to Bayfield. Development on the north side of the harbor could also be creatively accomplished.
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  Infrastructure and Building Codes for future development

  by TedEddy, almost 5 years ago

  We are rapidly moving to an era totally dependent on electricity. A steady, reliable, and secure supply of electricity will form the basis of all future development.

  Building codes will need to be created to enforce a net zero environmental impact. Codes for buildings to be oriented and roof pitch angles set to achieve maximum exposure to the sun for efficient solar power generation is needed. Buildings would also need codes to address battery backup storage needs and how these storage units would be incorporated into the community electrical grid. Heating will be provided by heat pumps running on plumbing... Continue reading

  We are rapidly moving to an era totally dependent on electricity. A steady, reliable, and secure supply of electricity will form the basis of all future development.

  Building codes will need to be created to enforce a net zero environmental impact. Codes for buildings to be oriented and roof pitch angles set to achieve maximum exposure to the sun for efficient solar power generation is needed. Buildings would also need codes to address battery backup storage needs and how these storage units would be incorporated into the community electrical grid. Heating will be provided by heat pumps running on plumbing provided by a geothermal energy provider. Consumers Gas is already engaged in providing a replacement for their gas line installations for new developments. It involves drilling geothermal wells and laying the associated plumbing for a development, then leasing these facilities to property owners once they connect.

  California is setting the example for future development in that several communities are phasing out fossil fuels to the extent that future residential developments can no longer be serviced by natural gas or any other fossil fuel. By doing that, they will be relying on renewable electrical resources. Hydro electric, wind, and solar will be replacing legacy coal, gas, and oil systems and will require central energy storage facilities to provide an uninterrupted flow of electricity.

  I believe the 20 year plan must take these issues into consideration.
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  Village assets

  by MAC, almost 5 years ago
  We have had a cottage in Bayfield for almost a decade and love it here. Best activities are yoga and sunsets in Pioneer Park, sailing, walks in the leafier and secret areas east of Tuyll, and dining and cruising Main Street, especially for arts and crafty things. We don;t live on the Lake but appreciate the view from the Park. We are also avid cyclists and appreciate our rich agriculture region and how it can sustain us farm and Lake to table.

  I think the spirit of young entrepreneurship here is unique and should not be taken for granted, especially... Continue reading

  We have had a cottage in Bayfield for almost a decade and love it here. Best activities are yoga and sunsets in Pioneer Park, sailing, walks in the leafier and secret areas east of Tuyll, and dining and cruising Main Street, especially for arts and crafty things. We don;t live on the Lake but appreciate the view from the Park. We are also avid cyclists and appreciate our rich agriculture region and how it can sustain us farm and Lake to table.

  I think the spirit of young entrepreneurship here is unique and should not be taken for granted, especially after Covid. That is why the build up on the Highway should be avoided AT ALL COSTS. We have an enlarged grocery store and now Tim Horton's. We do not need fast food and that will be next.

  Bayfield should be an inclusive community and higher density housing along the highway could be part of the plan. Let's design mixed-use housing that is nautical and beautiful. Have some of it geared to income and older people. Make it a competition. Hire an architect and landscape designer. Make people want to stop in the Village because it is obvious that we have pride in our beautiful community. And when they visit, they too will be impressed by our main street and parks, even if they never get to our beaches. We want them to stop and spend money. So entice them to tarry awhile. Having parkettes on Victoria and Howard is a great idea for picnics. If you remove the junk trees you can bring more of the Lake into view and make it accessible to both residents and visitors.

  
  

  
  
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  Who is this plan for?

  by Anonymous, almost 5 years ago

  From what I've read and heard so far this plan doesn't feel like it's helping current residents. Without real funding commitments from Bluewater all these ideas about greenspaces/parks/urban forests are just a smoke screen to cover up the fact this is all about growing a tax base. There doesn't seem to be much incentive for current residents to accept the massive amount of growth that is being proposed in the Village.

  The plan is good for business though but it's tough enough already to get a reservation or a parking spot on Main Street in the Summer.

  From what I've read and heard so far this plan doesn't feel like it's helping current residents. Without real funding commitments from Bluewater all these ideas about greenspaces/parks/urban forests are just a smoke screen to cover up the fact this is all about growing a tax base. There doesn't seem to be much incentive for current residents to accept the massive amount of growth that is being proposed in the Village.

  The plan is good for business though but it's tough enough already to get a reservation or a parking spot on Main Street in the Summer.
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  Life Style

  by donald, almost 5 years ago
  We have lived in the vilage from 1985 to 2000 and have noticed many changes and I think folks would like to see the village stay the same but that cannot happen .

  We also plan to retire there this fall , (Maybe) so I would like to see the village be like a small town without BIG houses and have lower stile accomodation for working folks

  Thanks Don

  We have lived in the vilage from 1985 to 2000 and have noticed many changes and I think folks would like to see the village stay the same but that cannot happen .

  We also plan to retire there this fall , (Maybe) so I would like to see the village be like a small town without BIG houses and have lower stile accomodation for working folks

  Thanks Don
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  Change My Mind

  by Shoddyman, almost 5 years ago

  I have deep and abiding concerns about the proposed changes to Bayfield. You cannot manufacture "quaint". The proposed work benefits the businesses on Main Street but has very little benefit for residents.

  Main Street has become with minor exceptions a 'tourist mall'. The essential elements of village life have been pushed to the edges of the domain. Many of the 'improvements' have not been well thought out.

  Drainage - you propose to start at the 'top of the hill' without knowing for sure that the run-off will go where you want it to go.

  You will create a 'faux strip... Continue reading

  I have deep and abiding concerns about the proposed changes to Bayfield. You cannot manufacture "quaint". The proposed work benefits the businesses on Main Street but has very little benefit for residents.

  Main Street has become with minor exceptions a 'tourist mall'. The essential elements of village life have been pushed to the edges of the domain. Many of the 'improvements' have not been well thought out.

  Drainage - you propose to start at the 'top of the hill' without knowing for sure that the run-off will go where you want it to go.

  You will create a 'faux strip mall' that has very little relevance to the residents. There are no places to buy convenient items, have a coffee and a natter with neighbours, do your banking, rehearse a play, encourage the influx of young families...

  Once you have created this tourist shopping mall venue, where will you find the low-paid workers to staff these outlets? Where will they live?

  Instead you ask us to spend a small fortune burying hydro wires and worshipping some consultant's idea of a landscaped high-priced open-air galleria marketing accommodation and unfashionable tat.

  Meanwhile, those elements which make life in a small village worthwhile are left to the residents to take care of in order that tax money can be directed at attracting well-heeled consumers and affluent immigrants who will pay over the odds to buy property and build extravagant homes.

  We have a major highway bisecting the town endangering the lives of those who would want to cross this thoroughfare on foot. Amenities acquired, built and maintained by the residents by subscription in most other municipalities would be available through the local council — parks and recreation.

  We have an opportunity to make this place liveable for the residents; that should be our priority.

  
  
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  The community of the future

  by TedEddy, almost 5 years ago

  It is a monumental task to try to envision our world in 2040 as our current way of life will be left behind. There will no longer be any internal combustion driven automobiles, home heating using fossil fuels, and anything involving oil products will become more expensive. That would include asphalt, plastics, synthetic fibres, etc.

  Consumers Gas is getting ahead of the curve by offering to install the geothermal plumbing to provide heating and cooling for homes. Homeowners would lease the facilities, and convert existing gas furnaces and air conditioners to heat pumps.

  To conserve our road infrastructure, steps would... Continue reading

  It is a monumental task to try to envision our world in 2040 as our current way of life will be left behind. There will no longer be any internal combustion driven automobiles, home heating using fossil fuels, and anything involving oil products will become more expensive. That would include asphalt, plastics, synthetic fibres, etc.

  Consumers Gas is getting ahead of the curve by offering to install the geothermal plumbing to provide heating and cooling for homes. Homeowners would lease the facilities, and convert existing gas furnaces and air conditioners to heat pumps.

  To conserve our road infrastructure, steps would need to be taken to reduce wear by reducing heavy truck traffic, and governments will have to find alternative sources of income to replace taxes now incorporated into our fuel costs.

  As you can see, we are in for some interesting times, but there are solutions that, on the surface may seem out of this world, are available today as the technology exists. It will just take a radically bold approach to community development to achieve.

  I enclose this Youtube video link to a project now underway in Texas that should be taken seriously. https://youtu.be/8eiRc4QceEI
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  Safety is an issue

  by Shelagh, about 5 years ago
  As a person who has lived on the east side of Highway 21 for 21 wonderful years, I have found it increasingly difficult to cross that road, especially when walking or cycling. There is no pedestrian crosswalk. Cars going south, use a right turn lane for passing around a car turning left. And now, with the addition of Tim Hortons, there is no provision for a right turn into that establishment. Twice in a week I have witnessed vehicles wanting to turn into Tim Hortons, get into the turning lane meant for Foodland and then suddenly having to veer out... Continue reading

  As a person who has lived on the east side of Highway 21 for 21 wonderful years, I have found it increasingly difficult to cross that road, especially when walking or cycling. There is no pedestrian crosswalk. Cars going south, use a right turn lane for passing around a car turning left. And now, with the addition of Tim Hortons, there is no provision for a right turn into that establishment. Twice in a week I have witnessed vehicles wanting to turn into Tim Hortons, get into the turning lane meant for Foodland and then suddenly having to veer out at the last second to find a turn into Tim’s. I think a "round about" might be a good option at this intersection.

  The other thing that detracts from this charming village, is the fact that unnecessarily large houses are being built on the lake bank. This not only is annoying to neighbours, but extremely dangerous to the bank and may contribute to erosion.
  The Main Street is full of charming establishments. I would hope there is a plan in place for keeping up appearances and not let certain owners slack off.

  Thank you for the opportunity.
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  Confusion

  by Kokomarb, about 5 years ago
  I have been coming to Bayfield for the past 35 years. I have seen many changes. Some good some bad. Bayfield is considered an 'Historic' town. Always has been and always should be. Many of the old cottages of the past have been torn down, and replaced with either two more houses and much more modern. The beach of the Bayfield past was a place to come to. I looked forward to the day at the beach. Right now there is no beach to visit. Erosion has taken over. I should hope that this is a major concern for the... Continue reading

  I have been coming to Bayfield for the past 35 years. I have seen many changes. Some good some bad. Bayfield is considered an 'Historic' town. Always has been and always should be. Many of the old cottages of the past have been torn down, and replaced with either two more houses and much more modern. The beach of the Bayfield past was a place to come to. I looked forward to the day at the beach. Right now there is no beach to visit. Erosion has taken over. I should hope that this is a major concern for the 'future' of Bayfield. I honestly have not seen much being done to help with erosion. I have seen a few brand new cottages or homes being built right by the water, and wonder how this helps the erosion problem or how they got permission to do so. The downtown was a place to come to, each shop had a uniqueness. There are a few shops that are unique, but if there were more interesting and unique shops, this would attract more visitors. The local archives, a great building, amazing artifacts. This is another area that needs addressed. I have tried numerous times, by email and phone to get assistance in a research project, and have gotten no repsonse. People may read this and think I live in the 'past'. That may be true, but I also respect the past and the way things were. I also realize that Bayfield is moving forward, and looking to the future. Bayfield is not the only town in Ontario doing so. But I see time and time again is that these towns are forgetting about their past. So I ask, what is the future of Bayfield? When I started coming to Bayfield 35 years ago, I could answer that question. Today, I have a tough answering that. Tim Hortons has already been allowed to set up shop. Which once they are settled, many more like it come. The garbage, that places like this create for towns is horrendous. Every time I go for a walk, I now see timmies cups everywhere, this goes along with the numerous beer bottles and beer cans I see laying around. So, my point in this story. Bayfield wants to move into the future, how about take care of the past and present first.