Announcement Marks the Commencement of a Two-Stage Procurement Process to Select a Developer for Revitalization Project
Midland, Ontario (Wednesday, January 12th, 2022) – Midland Bay Landing Development Corporation (MBLDC) is pleased to announce that it has engaged N. Barry Lyon Consultants (NBLC) of Toronto, Ontario to facilitate a two-stage procurement process to select a developer (or developers) for the 40-acre revitalization project set to take place on Midland’s waterfront.
N. Barry Lyon Consultants, a firm specializing in housing, community renewal, development feasibility and real estate strategy, will conduct a Request for Pre-Qualifications (RFPQ) that will be widely advertised to identify interested developers and to prequalify a short list of appropriate candidates. Those who meet the criteria outlined in the RFPQ will then proceed to the second stage of the selection process wherein a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued.
The Request for Pre-Qualifications is expected to be released to market in early February 2022 and will be followed by a Request for Proposal to prequalified proponents in March of 2022. Proposals will be evaluated, and the successful proponent(s) are expected to be selected in June 2022, recommended to Council, and will then enter into a Letter of Intent.
An independent Fairness Monitor will oversee the whole selection process.
This announcement and the planned procurement process are exciting next steps in the Midland Bay Landing project, which includes the revitalization 40 acres of waterfront property, including 10 acres of open spaces that consist of a 1,100-metre waterfront promenade, new parks and public spaces (25% of the total waterfront space), into a vibrant mixed-use commercial and residential neighborhood adjacent to Midland’s historical and recently renewed downtown and harbour.
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 neighborhood 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
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.
Watch:
Special Board Meeting - GeoPark Feasibility Study presentation
Feasibility Study - UNESCO Geopark Opportunity
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
Midland unveils future plans for the town's waterfront - October 23, 2021
MBLDC - Media/News Articles
