Bayfield: Through the Years

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  Main Street and dogs

  by Resident from away, over 5 years ago
  We are 20-year residents from the Golden Horseshoe area. We enjoy Bayfield. Have read the stories already posted. Agree that if sidewalks are installed on Main Street, they be of a paving stone quality in keeping with the ambiance that pervades. Same goes for the rest of the streetscape proposals. Sad we don't visit Main Street much now since the remote mailbox stations were installed.

  On the issue of a dog run at the ballpark (AgSociety grounds near downtown), the issue was dealt with and denied some years ago. The residents surrounding the area do not want any more animal... Continue reading

  We are 20-year residents from the Golden Horseshoe area. We enjoy Bayfield. Have read the stories already posted. Agree that if sidewalks are installed on Main Street, they be of a paving stone quality in keeping with the ambiance that pervades. Same goes for the rest of the streetscape proposals. Sad we don't visit Main Street much now since the remote mailbox stations were installed.

  On the issue of a dog run at the ballpark (AgSociety grounds near downtown), the issue was dealt with and denied some years ago. The residents surrounding the area do not want any more animal refuse left on the ways there and back by walkers who consider picking up and bagging to be a nuisance. It really does happen. Group barking also is not pleasant. Dog owners seem indifferent to those who are not dog-lovers, particularly those with bigger dogs that enjoy running at, circling and/or jumping up on other residents or visitors passing by. If a dog run is required, it should be provided away from the village and away from residences. In the village area, please require that dogs be always kept on a leash. Too bad not all residents are respectful of others.
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  No side walks on Main Street

  by Deanna, over 5 years ago
  Bayfield is truly the most special destination in all of Ontario. What makes it so magical is the gravel walking paths along main street. When someone speaks of discovering the town of Bayfield it is the very first thing they will mention....without fail. The gravel walkways are what brings charm and tranquility to this town. People describe the beauty and uniqueness by describing the walk ways. It is what truly makes it so neat. Paved sidewalks on main street would be heart breaking for the town. It would ruin the feeling of slowing down, relaxation and escapism. It wouldn't be... Continue reading

  Bayfield is truly the most special destination in all of Ontario. What makes it so magical is the gravel walking paths along main street. When someone speaks of discovering the town of Bayfield it is the very first thing they will mention....without fail. The gravel walkways are what brings charm and tranquility to this town. People describe the beauty and uniqueness by describing the walk ways. It is what truly makes it so neat. Paved sidewalks on main street would be heart breaking for the town. It would ruin the feeling of slowing down, relaxation and escapism. It wouldn't be a charming beach side village instead just another beach town like all of the others.
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  Pedestrian Zone

  by ANLeClair, over 5 years ago

  I think there is potential for Main Street to become a strictly pedestrian zone, between Charles Street to Catherine Street. Allow this space for people to walk, bike, play, shop or do business freely between stores, be entertained by street artists, gather and enjoy a meal or a drink at restaurant outdoor patios or simply sit on benches to chat or enjoy ice cream.

  With Main street’s existing heritage beauty and charm, a pedestrian zone is an excellent complement.

  I think there is potential for Main Street to become a strictly pedestrian zone, between Charles Street to Catherine Street. Allow this space for people to walk, bike, play, shop or do business freely between stores, be entertained by street artists, gather and enjoy a meal or a drink at restaurant outdoor patios or simply sit on benches to chat or enjoy ice cream.

  With Main street’s existing heritage beauty and charm, a pedestrian zone is an excellent complement.
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  Beautiful bayfield...

  by McMary, over 5 years ago

  One of my favourite things to do in Bayfield is to walk or cycle around town. Whether we are going to one of the two parks or the beaches, uptown to shop or eat, or just visiting the library or coffee shop, we leave the car at home. It is a walking and bike friendly village.

  In the evenings after sunset Bayfield streets are very dark and in need of more light standards for safety. Blair and Victoria streets are so dark we remind our family and friends to bring flashlightS for the walk home.

  I think sidewalks are important... Continue reading

  One of my favourite things to do in Bayfield is to walk or cycle around town. Whether we are going to one of the two parks or the beaches, uptown to shop or eat, or just visiting the library or coffee shop, we leave the car at home. It is a walking and bike friendly village.

  In the evenings after sunset Bayfield streets are very dark and in need of more light standards for safety. Blair and Victoria streets are so dark we remind our family and friends to bring flashlightS for the walk home.

  I think sidewalks are important just along Main Street for accessibility and safety.

  I am not in favour of a dog park since most dog owners walk their pets on leasheS.
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  Respect for our Village Heritage

  by JMV, over 5 years ago
  We have owned our home in Bayfield for 12 years and made it our primary residence 5 years ago. I'm an active volunteer with several groups in the village and have gained a great deal through my involvement.

  
  

  I don't feel that we need sidewalks throughout the village residential streets, but do feel that sidewalks would be a big improvement on the Main Street. I'm in favour of pavestone walkways similar to the section outside the Archives and Library buildings. The other walkways in the village become a muddy mess when it rains or the snow thaws.

  I'm not opposed... Continue reading

  We have owned our home in Bayfield for 12 years and made it our primary residence 5 years ago. I'm an active volunteer with several groups in the village and have gained a great deal through my involvement.

  
  

  I don't feel that we need sidewalks throughout the village residential streets, but do feel that sidewalks would be a big improvement on the Main Street. I'm in favour of pavestone walkways similar to the section outside the Archives and Library buildings. The other walkways in the village become a muddy mess when it rains or the snow thaws.

  I'm not opposed to growth and development in our community, but it needs to be managed very carefully such that the heritage buildings in our village are protected. Residential development needs to be in keeping with the look and feel of our community. For example, variances for "container" buildings should not be considered. The current sewage treatment facility capacity is also a limiting factor for development. With the new Tim Hortons/gas bar recently opened on Hwy 21 comes the concern that this may lead to other commercial developments along the same stretch that would present unfair competition to the current businesses in the village.

  I've read other responses about the need for a dog park. While I don't disagree with this idea in general, I do disagree with locating it in the middle of a residential area. The reasons why Council denied a request 6 years ago to locate an off-leash park within the ball field area of the Ag Society grounds have not changed, nor have the surrounding residents' reasons for opposing it. Another responder mentioned the Varna complex just behind the first row of trees. This is an excellent choice for more than one reason - it's non-residential, it offers ample paved parking, a level surface, a water source, and it's next to the trail system.

  I look forward to participating further as this planning tool moves forward.

  
  
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  No need for a dog park.

  by Happy Resident, over 5 years ago
  There is no reason to have an off leash dog park in the village of Bayfield, dogs can be walked on leash and are welcomed all round the village. A better place for an off leash area would be what was proposed years ago at the Varna complex. There is ample parking, available water and access to the walking trails. There are two fields that could be designated for big and small dogs. It is on a road access into Bayfield and would be seen by people visiting. There are no nearby residents so no conflict. This area is very... Continue reading

  There is no reason to have an off leash dog park in the village of Bayfield, dogs can be walked on leash and are welcomed all round the village. A better place for an off leash area would be what was proposed years ago at the Varna complex. There is ample parking, available water and access to the walking trails. There are two fields that could be designated for big and small dogs. It is on a road access into Bayfield and would be seen by people visiting. There are no nearby residents so no conflict. This area is very similar to what is available in London albeit smaller.
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  Factor in Bikes and pedestrians

  by Dan, over 5 years ago
  We have been fortunate to enjoy a second home just south of Bayfield for nearly 20 years and the village is a big part of the experience.

  Hwy 21 needs to be tamed. Vehicles drive way too fast and it's unsafe to cross the road. The shops on the east side of the highway are cutoff from the rest of town. We love our fish and chips, but feel we have to drive across the highway to enjoy at a picnic table in The Square. There should be traffic lights at Main street and the Foodland on the south side... Continue reading

  We have been fortunate to enjoy a second home just south of Bayfield for nearly 20 years and the village is a big part of the experience.

  Hwy 21 needs to be tamed. Vehicles drive way too fast and it's unsafe to cross the road. The shops on the east side of the highway are cutoff from the rest of town. We love our fish and chips, but feel we have to drive across the highway to enjoy at a picnic table in The Square. There should be traffic lights at Main street and the Foodland on the south side and maybe at the marina north of the river. Speed limits are not respected, so while I think they should be set to 50 through town, that alone will not solve the safety issues.

  There is a lack of cycling paths and lock-ups. There should be a dedicated bike path along hwy 21 connected to a network of in the rest of town, including the North side of the river. It should be simpler to find the walking trails along the river as well. While we're at it, can there be a dedicated bike lane on highway 21 beyond the town? There's a huge potential for cycling if only it were made safer.

  Main Street is central to the charm of Bayfield, and I agree with the current plan that maintains its character. However, it too is hostile for pedestrians and bikes. I think sidewalks are a good idea, but imagine something more attractive than bare concrete slabs. Think of people who use wheelchairs, canes , etc that don't work well on crushed cinder stone.

  The street is quite wide. That is a major asset that's not used very well (narrow walking paths, no bike lane, but tons of angle parking and super wide traffic lanes for what should be a pokey slow crawl at best). The wider street encourages fast driving and makes it harder and more dangerous to cross. Cars backing out of angle spots are a hazard for bikes and people. Make the driving lanes narrow as possible. Use the freed up space for bike lanes, wide attractive sidewalks, plantings, street art, benches, patios, etc (stuff for people not just for cars). Could you fit a centre Boulevard strip down the middle?

  I didn't know Main Street was pedestrian only for December and I regret not seeing that. Imagine what could be done if that were permanent? There's a ton of space that could be used better. There is a clear need for parking however as driving is probably the way 99% of visitors arrive. I don't have a good solution, but surely planners have clever ideas from other places.

  Hope this is helpful input.
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  Main Street Look and Feel

  by Paul H, over 5 years ago

  I am now 13 years as a permanent resident of Bayfield. I came here for the lake, the peace and quiet and the uniqueness of a tourist destination I am an active volunteer in town and will be for a long time to come.

  I feel that Main Street needs some functional changes (e.g. drainage) and some lipstick to enhance lighting and streetscape but prefer the “old” style look and feel.

  In my opinion Main Street needs to be a pedestrian promenade. After experiencing the Christmas in Bayfield changes this past year with the street blocked off to vehicles, I... Continue reading

  I am now 13 years as a permanent resident of Bayfield. I came here for the lake, the peace and quiet and the uniqueness of a tourist destination I am an active volunteer in town and will be for a long time to come.

  I feel that Main Street needs some functional changes (e.g. drainage) and some lipstick to enhance lighting and streetscape but prefer the “old” style look and feel.

  In my opinion Main Street needs to be a pedestrian promenade. After experiencing the Christmas in Bayfield changes this past year with the street blocked off to vehicles, I was surprised by the VERY positive response from both shopkeepers and the public. They loved it.

  I think the new plan should include plans to allow the street to be safely closed and opened as required on a regular basis. This could include more permanent seating and barriers and allow the visitors and residents to spill out on the street. This also allows for a variety of entertainment options on the street to attract more visitors to town and perhaps some more unique regular events

  Thanks to council and all of the players in this process for the most part I am seeing a plan that will take Bayfield Main Street to a new and exciting evolution

  
  
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  Need for a dog park

  by Gin McNaughton, over 5 years ago
  I am echoing the statements of other posters for the need for a leash-free dog park in our community. We frequently take our 2 small pups to the Arena grounds for exercise on leash. There is so much room there that is under utilized, sitting empty (even in non-pandemic years). The space at the back end of the arena grounds where the mailboxes sit on John Street would be an ideal location as its far enough away from residential homes not to be a bother. The cost to install is so minimal compared to the value it brings. Not only... Continue reading

  I am echoing the statements of other posters for the need for a leash-free dog park in our community. We frequently take our 2 small pups to the Arena grounds for exercise on leash. There is so much room there that is under utilized, sitting empty (even in non-pandemic years). The space at the back end of the arena grounds where the mailboxes sit on John Street would be an ideal location as its far enough away from residential homes not to be a bother. The cost to install is so minimal compared to the value it brings. Not only does it provide a safe place for pets to play but it’s another wonderful place for residents to gather outdoors at a safe distance. I feel that’s going to more and more important in coming years.
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  Summer Resident

  by Debra Baird, over 5 years ago
  Our family has been summer residents of Bayfield since 1988 As my father become older he made sure I was registered and did my duty to drive a vote for elections I was eligible to vote in .

  There is no better lace than Bayfield and the lake Putting in sidewalks would ruin absolutely ruin the charm of our town.
  Sure there are summer visitors and people expect to see that old world charm Cars should part and left the folks stroll at their leisure. When there are vehicles they are creeping slowly gawking anyhow

  Don’t ruin the town Keep... Continue reading

  Our family has been summer residents of Bayfield since 1988 As my father become older he made sure I was registered and did my duty to drive a vote for elections I was eligible to vote in .

  There is no better lace than Bayfield and the lake Putting in sidewalks would ruin absolutely ruin the charm of our town.
  Sure there are summer visitors and people expect to see that old world charm Cars should part and left the folks stroll at their leisure. When there are vehicles they are creeping slowly gawking anyhow

  Don’t ruin the town Keep Tim Hortens out Keep sidewalks out

  I luv Bayfield ❤️