Yarmouth hopes to tap into potential of Water Street
Officials with the Town of Yarmouth are hoping to tap into the potential of one of the community's most important streets.
A tender recently issued by the town is looking for a development strategy for Water Street. The street spans the length of town along the harbour and includes commercial fishing operations along with public space, restaurants and other businesses.
But while concentrated portions of the street are developed and active, large portions are not. The north end of the street, for example, is dominated by several large buildings that once housed a textile mill.
'I can see that vibrancy'
Mayor Pam Mood said she's hoping the winning bid will provide a guide to getting the most out of the area.
"I can see that vibrancy, that perfect mix between a working waterfront and public engagement; that it's a gathering place," she said.
"I think the potential for growth down there is huge."
While she considers it important to keep the working waterfront element of the street, the mayor said there needs to be more development that is in keeping with community engagement and interaction. Portions of the street are already focal points for summer festivals and community gatherings.
"It needs to be expanded because people are drawn to it, tourists are drawn to it," said Mood. "People want to be on the waterfront; they want to be able to enjoy it."
Mindful of climate change
The call for proposals follows a complete review of the town's municipal planning strategy and land-use bylaws.
It stipulates the plan must also take into consideration climate change data.
There was a time when it took a very major storm to bring water from the harbour onto Water Street. Now there is a portion of the street that floods more regularly when the tide is high and conditions are stormy.
