Q: What was the driving force or reason for the CWF to come to life and dedicate their time to this cause?

A: There were a number of reasons why CWF embarked on this project. The group was concerned that the wrong kind of development on the waterfront would further cut the area off from the downtown. They recognized that the waterfront was the hub of our community, one of our greatest assets, and wanted the area to be a gathering place for the community and a destination for tourists. They did their homework and knew that the right kind of development on the waterfront would act as a catalyst for further development. In short, they felt that the CWF plan for the waterfront would benefit all of us.

Q: What is the North Bay City Council members understanding of and commitment to the CWF plan for the waterfront?

A: In 2001, North Bay City Council first adopted the CWF vision as its official plan for the development of the waterfront and rail lands and later deemed the project “its highest priority”. Our current Mayor and Council remain highly supportive. In January 2004, the Council was brought up to date on the plan and its present and future benefits to the city. In the words of our Mayor, Vic Fedeli, “North Bay City Council is 100% behind the CWF vision and is committed to doing everything in its power to see it become a reality.”

Q: Who will pay for the de-contamination of the land if the CWF plan is not implemented?

A: It is likely that the land will remain undeveloped for some time. The city had hoped to attract private developers but because of the level of contamination the types of buildings allowed are severely restricted. The lowest estimated cost to clean up the waterfront is $11 million. With its current debt problems, the City of North Bay would probably be unable to pay for the cost of rehabilitating the area in the foreseeable future and public funding for that type of soil remediation is not available.

Q: Why is the remaining rail line not being moved?

A: The cost to remove the remaining rail line completely was estimated at $90 million. Enough said.

Q: When can North Bay begin to see this vision become a reality?

A: It’s happening now! We are already beginning to see the vision come to life with the renovations to the CP Station and groundbreaking about to begin on a multi-million dollar development adjacent to the park. Nipissing MPP Monique Smith has put her full support behind the project and new funding applications will be submitted shortly.

Q: Why is the CWF Vision the best solution for the waterfront?

A: It is the best economic solution because costs to clean up the contaminated rail lands under the CWF plan are almost one-tenth that for traditional remediation and funding will be available to begin Phase I. ($1.3 million versus $11 million) It is a catalyst for development. We are beginning to see a rejuvenation of our downtown core with new shops and restaurants being opened and a multi-million dollar residential and commercial project being built. It is worth mentioning that the blocks bordering Central Park in New York City are the most expensive real estate in the world and that a large portion of New York City’s tax base comes from these properties. Although we realize that we are not New York City (we think we are better), it makes sense that North Bay will enjoy the same financial benefits. It is the best environmental solution. See above for clean up costs. An extensive study of the contaminated rail lands property concluded that the CWF remediation plan was an excellent way to clean up the area. We will provide environmental education programs, enhance and protect our shoreline and ecosystems and use our resources efficiently, thus protecting one of our most valuable resources for generations to come. It is the best social solution. Finally, the rail lands will join the waterfront as a people place.

Q: If implemented, will the waterfront park raise our municipal taxes?

A: No. One of the key principles of the CWF plan is that of economic sustainability. The CWF plan is a four-phase plan to be implemented over a period of 10 to 15 years. The flexibility of the plan would allow for changes and improvements to individual components in subsequent phases, dependent upon their ability to pay their own way. The economic viability of every phase and each attraction will be considered and its inclusion will be contingent upon market demands and the availability of future capital funding.

Further information on how parks encourage economic developement:

http://ksgaccman.harvard.edu/hotc/DisplayIssue.asp...=73

http://www.planning.or...development.htm

www.h-gac.com/.../economic-development

http://dirt.asla.org/2...efits-of-parks/

http://dirt.asla.org/2...of-urban-parks/

http://www.cityparksal.../economic-value

http://www.mcdonough.c...living_city.htm