Transport Canada Announces Transfer of Management of Burlington Canal Piers to Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority
Today (June 28), Transport Canada announced it is transferring management of the Burlington Canal Piers to the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority on July 2, 2022.Transport Canada has been working closely with the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA), the City of Burlington and the City of Hamilton on the future of the Burlington Canal Piers. In managing the piers, HOPA will carry Transport Canada's commitment for a marine system that is responsive to the needs of users and our local communities. In a Q-and-A with media after today's announcement, HOPA noted it will be investing several million dollars in upgrades to make the surface safe, and they are aiming for reopening in spring 2023.This is a great step forward in ensuring public access to the Burlington Canal Piers. Now that HOPA will be assuming management, they will be making safety improvements and ensuring the gates will be back open and public access will be restored.I'd like to thank Minister of Transport, the Hon. Omar Alghabra; Burlington MP and Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, the Hon. Karina Gould; Hamilton Mountain MP Lisa Hepfner; Hamilton East-Stoney Creek MP Chad Collins (and former city councillor for the area); HOPA Ports President Ian Hamilton; City of Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger and City of Burlington Ward 1 Councillor Kelvin Galbraith for all working together -- this was a true team effort with all of us committed to maintaining public access to these piers.
The Burlington Canal Piers are well used in our communities for bird watching, fishing, hiking, cycling -- and of course, boating!We are a waterfront community and we want to make sure our community members can access the waterfront in a multitude of ways.For more details and information, please click here for the news release from Transport Canada or scroll further down.
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"While Transport Canada manages a variety of marine facilities, sometimes it is better for a community to manage the local asset. I’m confident the Hamilton–Oshawa Port Authority will maintain the high standards of safety and security while ensuring the Burlington Canal Piers are more responsive to community needs." -- The Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport"For years, the lift bridge piers have been a favourite place for Burlington and Hamilton residents to connect with the water and with nature. The transfer of the piers to the Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority will ensure they remain open and accessible to the public while ensuring public safety. I am so glad that the piers will reopen and that the public will be able to continue to enjoy them for years to come." -- The Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development & Burlington MP"Bringing the canal piers into local control allows us to move forward as partners to improve these spaces for public use. HOPA is pleased to be part of the solution, and today's partnership is a great example of what we can accomplish when we work together. The piers need to be safe, and that's going to be our focus over the next year. We are also working with the Cities of Hamilton and Burlington to develop a lease arrangement that will see them invest in recreational enhancements and open the piers for public use. There's nowhere better in the Hamilton-Burlington area to watch a big ship come into the Harbour, and we're thrilled that residents of Hamilton and Burlington will be able to enjoy that experience for many years to come." -- Ian Hamilton, President & CEO, HOPA Ports