Waterfront Development Principles Quiz

Waterfront Definitions and Characteristics

• Waterfront is defined as the area of a town or city bordering a water body.
• Another definition, from Dong (2004), describes it as the land-water meeting point, roughly 200-300 meters from the water's edge and 1-2 kilometers from the land side. This is roughly a 20-minute walk.

Waterfront Buffer Zones

• A buffer zone is an area extending outward perpendicularly from the water's edge.
• It includes three zones: an inner protection zone, a middle separation zone, and an outer transition zone.

Buffer Zone Characteristics

• Width: The water-front zone is 15-22.5 meters wide; the middle zone is 15-20 meters wide; the outer zone is 7-15 meters wide.
• Limitations: No mechanized logging, clear-cutting or removal of vegetation is allowed. A third of the shoreline frontage is preserved, with dead and live tree preservation.
• Pollution Removal: A percentage of 50-60% of the water-front area should maintain undisturbed trees. An additional 50% of the middle zone, with no fertilizer (if applicable), is maintained as undisturbed. 70-90% of the outer zone should be filtered.
• Other Considerations: Footpaths (1.8 meters wide), utility easements, and certain recreational structures (limited) are allowed. Accessory structures are set back at least 7.5 meters from the water.

Waterfront Types

• Sea frontage
• Lake frontage
• Bond frontage
• River frontage
• Canal frontage
• Ocean frontage

Importance of Lakes and Their Restoration

• Lakes store large amounts of water.
• They replenish groundwater.
• Lakes positively influence downstream water quality.
• Lakes preserve biodiversity and area habitats.
• Lakes provide recreational opportunities.
• Many people value lakes due to their historical and traditional significance.
• Lakes are valuable sources of raw drinking water for municipalities.
• Lakes can be used as a water supply for irrigation.

Principles of Sustainable Waterfront and Its Practices

• Secure the quality of water and environment: establishing a harmonious relationship between humans and nature
• Re-vitalization: an ongoing process; existing urban fabric (waterfronts)
• Waterfronts as part of the urban fabric: provides public access
• Mixed use is important.
• Public participation is essential for sustainability.
• Partnerships between public and private organizations.
• Waterfronts as long-term projects: with good management practices.
• International networking: can benefit waterfront development.
• Data-based decision-making: using scientific data for planning and policies.
• Buffer preservation: preserving buffers protects water quality and supports ecological functions.

Ontario Lake Strategies and Examples

• Waterfront as a long-term project: the plan has been developed over multiple periods of time.
• 2001: Central waterfront secondary plan
• 2002: Creation of the development plan and business strategy
• 2005: East Bayfront plan was approved
• 2006: Zoning approval to support transit in the East Bayfront area.
• 2007, 2008: construction and infrastructure development

Ontario Lake General Analysis

• The analysis examines divisions of space along the lake: Ontario park, Port lands, East Bayfront, Central waterfront, and West Don Lands, as well as their sizes (in acres).

Charlevoix Lake Strategies

• Revitalization is a continuous process.
• Public participation is key for sustainable development.
• Partnerships between public and private sectors
• Continuous maintenance and ongoing monitoring.
• Preservation and restoration of natural buffers