You may not think much of grain terminals when passing them on the highway or seeing them on the edge of town, but a proposed development in Collingwood shows that they can spell massive potential.
In late March, Streetcar Developments and Dream Unlimited unveiled big plans for a towering set of 1929-built grain terminals on Collingwood’s waterfront. Proposed is a mixed-use development with hotel, residential, restaurant, and event space components baked in.
Watts Boathouse facing north towards Terminals
According to a public presentation prepared by Streetcar and Dream, the hotel development is slated for floors two to nine and will accommodate single silo rooms, at 450 sq. ft, and double silo rooms, at 900 sq. ft. Hoa Nguyen, Development Manager for Streetcar, tells STOREYS that each hotel room will have "breathtaking views of the water."
She adds, "The hotel itself will become a destination that will draw visitors across the world who are curious in experiencing a unique hospitality experience."
A restaurant/cafe is planned for the ground floor, in addition to an activity rental shop, adventure zone, cultural space, and community space. A bar and restaurant, outdoor terrace, event space, fitness facility, and wellness centre are all planned for the tenth floor.
Proposed restaurant and event space
Proposed hotel suite
Proposed public promenade at the southern base of the Terminals
"The western side of the Terminals and extending north towards Millennium Park will be an exciting outdoor water recreational area. This area will feature a deck structure extending out into the Georgian Bay that will provide visitors an unmatched experience of engaging with the fresh water that builds on Collingwood’s local swimming rituals."
With that all said, the proposed development won’t be at the expense of the integrity of the existing structures. The proposal ensures that the distinct, industrial look of the silos will be preserved, with the new components built in.
The existing structure (on the left) and the proposed (on the right)
Documents prepared by Streetcar and Dream also show that the proposed development will ensure that the “iconic terminal building” remains a landmark in Collingwood for decades to come.
Proposed 'Adventure Zone' at the Marine Tower, to accommodate rock climbing, ziplining, rappelling
Proposed year-round ice skating and warming stations at Millennium Park
“Our concept enables enhanced public access to the Spit, the Bay and the Terminal building itself in ways that would not have been previously possible. The Terminal building is not just being preserved, instead it’s being infused with new life; becoming a cultural, economic, and recreational community asset and a beacon for sustainability for the Town of Collingwood," says Les Mallins, President of Streetcar Developments.
"Our team's involvement extends well beyond the development and construction of this project. With our hotel, we effectively become a fully aligned operating partner with the Town in perpetuity, ensuring the Spit remains an all-season attraction for the community and visitors alike.”
Amanda Pegg, Executive Director of Customer and Corporate Services for the Town of Collingwood, adds that the proposed development "recognizes the significant value of public consultation and engagement."
"Streetcar and Dream built this vision based on 15 key development principles that the public said were important to them through previous consultation processes for the Community Based Strategic Plan and the Waterfront Master Plan. Some of these include structural preservation, public access, historical significance, and sustainability."
Going forward, Pegg adds, the Town of Collingwood will continue to seek community input with respect to the project.
"A robust public engagement strategy is planned to roll out this summer, and the public will have many opportunities to learn more and provide further feedback on the vision."
