Waterfront Plan: East Pier

Consultation has concluded

About the Waterfront User Needs Assessment and Detailed Design Plan
Cobourg’s waterfront is a defining part of the town. Previously an industrial port, community and political will has transformed the waterfront into an important community destination focused on recreation, cultural, tourism and the environment. However, this transformation is ongoing. While the industrial past is well hidden, there is still work to be done to address the needs of the community now and in the future.

The Waterfront User Needs Assessment and Detailed Design Plan (Waterfront Plan), which was adopted by Council in 2018, provides the community with a roadmap for creating a beautiful, accessible and sustainable waterfront. The Plan recommends 83 initiatives in 24 projects to enhance Cobourg’s waterfront over a 24-year period. Each project requires Council’s approval, and the repair and enhancement of the East Pier is one of the first projects under consideration.

Project #1: Waterfront Plan - East Pier
The East Pier is a popular, year-round destination for residents and tourists. Situated on the east side of the harbour, the main trunk of the pier is 400 metres long and 30 metres wide at its widest point. It is largely unobstructed and features a toe rail along the edge and several seating nodes. The coast guard building and dock are at the north end. At the south end, the pier ends and connects to the breakwater which leads to the lighthouse. However, the pier is showing its age. Having been modified and expanded since 1832, the pier now has structural issues and requires ongoing maintenance and repair to fix sinkholes.


In 2018, the East Pier was closed to vehicular traffic due to health and safety concerns following a period of high water levels (Award of East Pier Condition Assessment and Reallocation of Funds). In 2018, Shoreplan conducted an engineering assessment of the pier and provided four options for addressing its structural integrity. Once the East Pier is structurally repaired, enhancements will be made to improve its functionality (nine enhancements are recommended by the Waterfront User Needs Assessment and Detailed Design Plan).

The public engagement objective for the East Pier is to:

  • Identify the best option for the structural repair of the East Pier
  • Provide commentary on the nine enhancement initiatives proposed for the East Pier
  • Brainstorm ideas and develop a vision for the future of the East Pier

We're looking for your feedback:
To share your thoughts on the East Pier in respect to both structural repair and enhancement please contribute to the following public engagement opportunities below, including:

1. Complete the Survey (repair options)
2. Join our Forum (enhancement options)
3. Share a Story

CLOSED
Thank you to all citizens who participated in our public engagement process for the Waterfront Plan. Please see the News Feed below to follow up on the project conclusion.

About the Waterfront User Needs Assessment and Detailed Design Plan
Cobourg’s waterfront is a defining part of the town. Previously an industrial port, community and political will has transformed the waterfront into an important community destination focused on recreation, cultural, tourism and the environment. However, this transformation is ongoing. While the industrial past is well hidden, there is still work to be done to address the needs of the community now and in the future.

The Waterfront User Needs Assessment and Detailed Design Plan (Waterfront Plan), which was adopted by Council in 2018, provides the community with a roadmap for creating a beautiful, accessible and sustainable waterfront. The Plan recommends 83 initiatives in 24 projects to enhance Cobourg’s waterfront over a 24-year period. Each project requires Council’s approval, and the repair and enhancement of the East Pier is one of the first projects under consideration.

Project #1: Waterfront Plan - East Pier
The East Pier is a popular, year-round destination for residents and tourists. Situated on the east side of the harbour, the main trunk of the pier is 400 metres long and 30 metres wide at its widest point. It is largely unobstructed and features a toe rail along the edge and several seating nodes. The coast guard building and dock are at the north end. At the south end, the pier ends and connects to the breakwater which leads to the lighthouse. However, the pier is showing its age. Having been modified and expanded since 1832, the pier now has structural issues and requires ongoing maintenance and repair to fix sinkholes.


In 2018, the East Pier was closed to vehicular traffic due to health and safety concerns following a period of high water levels (Award of East Pier Condition Assessment and Reallocation of Funds). In 2018, Shoreplan conducted an engineering assessment of the pier and provided four options for addressing its structural integrity. Once the East Pier is structurally repaired, enhancements will be made to improve its functionality (nine enhancements are recommended by the Waterfront User Needs Assessment and Detailed Design Plan).

The public engagement objective for the East Pier is to:

  • Identify the best option for the structural repair of the East Pier
  • Provide commentary on the nine enhancement initiatives proposed for the East Pier
  • Brainstorm ideas and develop a vision for the future of the East Pier

We're looking for your feedback:
To share your thoughts on the East Pier in respect to both structural repair and enhancement please contribute to the following public engagement opportunities below, including:

1. Complete the Survey (repair options)
2. Join our Forum (enhancement options)
3. Share a Story

CLOSED
Thank you to all citizens who participated in our public engagement process for the Waterfront Plan. Please see the News Feed below to follow up on the project conclusion.

Consultation has concluded