Midland, Ontario (Monday, March 21st, 2022) – Midland Bay Landing Development Corporation (MBLDC) is pleased to announce that a short- list of pre-qualified development companies has been established following a Request for Pre- Qualifications (RFPQ) process that began in February 2022. Selection criteria included demonstrated experience and financial capability to deliver Midland’s 40-acre waterfront redevelopment project. The short-listed development companies are:
Having qualified for the second stage of the selection process, pre-qualified teams will begin preparing proposals in response to a Request for Proposals (RFP) that will be issued before the end of March and is expected to close in May 2022.
RFP Proposals will be submitted to MBLDC’s Real Estate Advisor, N. Barry Lyons Consultants, who will evaluate the proposals against the criteria defined in the RFP and recommend a developer to MBLDC for approval. In turn, MBLDC anticipates recommending a preferred developer to Council for approval in late June 2022.
An independent Fairness Monitor has been engaged for both the RFPQ and RFP process.
Upon selection, the preferred developer will work in collaboration with both MBLDC and the Town of Midland to revitalize 16 hectares (40 acres) of Midland’s waterfront into a vibrant, mixed-use commercial and residential neighbourhood adjacent to Midland’s historic harbour and recently revitalized Downtown.
A waterfront promenade and multi-use trail along the entire length of the property will be the signature feature of Midland Bay Landing, combined with new parks and a large public square that will bring 10 acres of new open space to Midland for public use and enjoyment.
New low-rise residential units blended with boutiques, restaurants, artists’ lofts, and commercial spaces will transform Midland Bay Landing into a vibrant, live-work-play community that is closely connected to Downtown and the trail network.
In addition, Midland Bay Landing is expected to generate significant new tax revenue that will enable the Town to expand its tax base and offer increased programs and services to the local community.
More information regarding Midland Bay Landing Development Corporation and the Midland Bay Landing revitalization project can be found at: https://www.midland.ca/mbldc
Media Inquiries & Press Opportunities
Bill Kernohan
Midland Bay Landing Development Corporation
bkernohan@mbldc.ca

Event Marks the Introduction of Midland's 40-Acre Waterfront Transformation Project
Midland, Ontario (Saturday, October 23rd, 2021) – On Saturday, October 23rd, 2021, Midland Bay Landing Development Corporation (MBLDC), alongside Mayor Stewart Strathearn and members of the Municipal Council, hosted a promenade demonstration at 288 Bayshore Drive to formally introduce Midland's 40-acre waterfront revitalization project.
MLBDC's future development project is centered on the revitalization of 40 acres of waterfront property into a vibrant mixed-use commercial and low-rise residential neighbourhood adjacent to Midland's historical and recently renewed Downtown and Harbour. A new 1,100-metre waterfront promenade, new parks and public plaza spaces will add 10 acres of open spaces that will total 25% of the property.
Recognizing that Midland is a culturally diverse community that combines heritage, education, the arts, healthcare, and industry with an active lifestyle, and that it is the economic engine of North Simcoe, the revitalization project will be strategically designed to amplify the dynamic culture at the heart of the region. In addition, the project will offer added economic opportunity in the form of waterfront boutique, commercial, and restaurant spaces, land to attract private and public sector commercial and institutional user remote headquarters and educational users and/or expansion of existing local educational operators.
“Historically, Midland has had a strong relationship with its waterfront, including timber and shipbuilding, as well as a coal dock," says Midland Bay Landing Development Corporation's Board Chair, Bill Kernohan. “The future will see the entire Midland Bay Landing waterfront being made publicly accessible for residents and visitors alike to walk, bicycle, or run beside the Bay as part of the transformation of the property into new vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood at Midland Bay Landing," Kernohan adds. “The transformation will be both physical and financial. By building new homes and commercial spaces, new tax revenue will be generated for the Town."
A map of the Midland Bay Landing property and the propose mixed-use community that will be developed on the site.
CTV News Barrie:
Midland unveils future plans for the town's waterfront
MBL Promenade Updates
Multi-use Trail completed, trees planted as Promenade vision takes shape - October 15, 2021
Multi-use Trail completed, trees planted as Promenade vision takes shape
October 15, 2021 - The vision for the Midland Bay Landing Promenade is really starting to take shape, as this week the multi-use trail for walking, bikes, strollers was completed, and installation of interlocking stone is nearing completion. Trees and shrubs were also planted.
Still to come:
- Solar lighting; and
- Benches.

Promenade Progressing Well - October 1, 2021
Promenade Progressing Well
October 1, 2021 - The recessed areas of the promenade will have interlocking stone, similar to what is featured on King Street.
Next steps:
- Asphalt multi-use trail;
- Landscaping;
- Solar lighting; and
- Benches

Work continues on MBL Promenade - September 15, 2021
Work continues on MBL Promenade
September 15, 2021 - Pouring of the concrete promenade slab began this week with the first 2.5 metre-wide section completed along the property where the former coal dock used to be.
Soon this slab will be expanded further south to be 7 metres wide (23 feet) and include interlocking stone features.
Still to come:
- Trees, shrubs, benches and solar lights, offering places to view Georgian Bay;
- An asphalt multi-use trail that will welcome cyclists, walkers and more.
Stay tuned for future updates!

Construction well underway - August 24, 2021
Construction work is well underway on the MBL Promenade Demonstration
August 24, 2021 - Below are progress photos (in an animated GIF) of the ongoing construction work at the Midland Bay Landing (MBL) Promenade Demonstration.
Constructions Begins - August 3, 2021
Construction begins on Midland Bay Landing Promenade Demonstration
On Tuesday, August 3, 2021, construction work began on the Midland Bay Landing Promenade Demonstration. The promenade demonstration will show a portion of the proposed promenade that will extend along the entire 1100 metre waterfront at Midland Bay Landing (MBL).
Construction vehicles will be using the MBL parking lot to enter/access the construction area, however visitors will continue to have access to the parking lot to enjoy the area.
Details
The demonstration will be approximately 100m long, along the former Coal Dock featuring the historic 2m wide concrete base for the old steel rails and new a 4m wide concrete promenade; interlocking stone accents, viewing benches and a picnic table abutting a 2.5m wide bio-swale with trees, shrubs, and solar pedestrian lights, separate 3m wide asphalt multi-purpose trail for bikes and strollers will run parallel to the swale.
Expected Completion
September 2021

News & Information
MBLDC Media Releases
GeoPark
MBLDC unanimously endorses GeoPark recommendations
August 26, 2021 - BrandTrade presented Midland and the North Simcoe region with a significant opportunity to brand and market the whole Region to visitors and investors alike that will generate new employment and significant economic benefits through expanded tourism, retail, restaurant and accommodation businesses. A UNESCO Global Geopark will build on and enhance our existing cultural and historical assets and showcase them to the world.
A highly motivated, knowledgeable small Steering Group will immediately start work to seek endorsement from North Simcoe municipal and indigenous councils to begin developing and launching a Georgian Bay Geopark and obtaining designation from UNESCO in the next 18 - 24 months. Having initiated and now presented the Feasibility Study, MBLDC will hand over the launching of Geopark to the Steering Group.
The MBLDC Board unanimously endorsed the Feasibility Study and recommended that the Town of Midland Council and the other municipal and indigenous councils do the same.
Feasibility Study - UNESCO Geopark Opportunity
Midland unveils future plans for the town's waterfront - October 23, 2021
MBLDC - Media/News Articles