LaSalle Landing

At the April 11, 2023 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council, members chose LaSalle Landing as the name of the waterfront development. Landing refers to a process of one that lands, especially going or bringing to a surface (such as land or shore) after a voyage or a flight. 

Waterfront Project Update

February 2024

At the February 27, 2024 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council, administration presented a report to award the tender for the skate trail/water feature. Council awarded the skate trail/water feature project to Valente Contracting Inc. for $8,880,000.00 (plus taxes) and authorized the Mayor and Clerk to execute the contract. The budget for the project is $9 million. 

As part of this project, an emergency backup generator was part of the tender. The generator would be available to run the ice plant during power outages and would be considered additional to the base bid noted above. This generator is also sized to provide emergency backup power to the Event Centre and the future warming hut. This generator can further provide additional backup power to any future pump station, etc. Valente Contracting Inc. had submitted a separate additional price of $1.1 million (plus taxes) for the generator. At this time, administration is reviewing the entire
LaSalle Landing project budget and if this additional item can be completed within the overall budget, administration will be back to Council with a subsequent report to move the generator work ahead. A warming hut was removed from the project to stay within the $9 million budget, but could be introduced at a later date. 

Memorial Relocations

The LaSalle Landing redevelopment project is a large endeavour that covers approximately 60 acres in total.  Within the areas that were formerly parks, there are existing memorials that have been purchased over the last few decades. These memorials consist of existing bench memorials, tree memorials, and brick memorials.

Throughout the redevelopment of the LaSalle Landing project, various areas are going to undergo transformation and some of the existing memorials are going to need to be removed and others are going to need to be replaced to accommodate the Town’s overall vision for the full build-out of LaSalle Landing.

As we progress through redevelopment, phase by phase, memorials within any given phase will be reviewed and replacement will be evaluated and incorporated into those respective phases. Within the area of the skate trail/water feature, there are approximately 17 existing memorial trees. As part of the skate trail/water feature phase of the project, there is a proposed garden to be built, with sculptures, to replace the existing memorials.  Administration has been contacting the next of kin for the existing memorials and they are generally supportive of this approach. For more information about the existing memorials, please contact us.

The plaques proposed at this garden are for replacement of existing memorials and are not available for purchase for new memorials. As other phases of the LaSalle Landing project progress, additional plans, gardens, sculptures, etc. will be proposed to replace other memorials that may be affected during the subsequent phases of work.

December 2023

At the December 12, 2023 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council, administration presented a report with an update about the progress of the ice skating trail and water feature. 

The original construction estimate was $9.0 million, which was provided about two years ago. The original $9 million estimate included the skate trail and water feature, parking lot expansion, one building for the skate trail pavilion and the ice plant mechanical works. The Town has already budgeted for this. 

Based on the most up-to-date design/construction drawings, the updated construction estimates are as follows: 

• Skate trail and water feature, ice plant mechanical equipment and building and parking lot expansion at approximately $8.8 million.
• The skate trail pavilion at approximately $2.2 to $3.1 million.

Therefore, to keep working within the allocated $9 milion budget, administration is going to defer the design, tendering and construction of the skate trail pavilion. The change in construction cost is primarily due to some of the following modifications/challenges:

• The current design has been updated to reflect the geotechnical/ground conditions.
• Introduction of a second building to separate the major public functions from the operational functions.
• Introduction of a separated/parallel sidewalk around the outside of the skate trail.
• Updated/current construction costs.
• The skate pavilion building growing to accommodate an office area for LaSalle Police Service's presence in the area.

The skate trail pavilion building will be part of a future phase of work when the budget is available. Future construction of the skate pavilion building will not have an impact on what is built today. Making this slight modification will allow the Town to continue to tender and build the skate trail and water feature within the $9 million budget. This project is scheduled to be complete and open by the end of 2024.  The project is in the final design stages and should be  out for tender in the later part of December 2023 or early January 2024. Once the tender closes, another report will be presented to Council for approval.

May 2023

The next steps in the development of the LaSalle Landing waterfront project were approved at the latest Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council. Administration presented a report to council members with information and drawings of an ice skating trail and water feature. After some discussion, council members approved the projects.

After investigating an artificial ice surface, the Town has made the decision to move forward with a natural ice surface. A refrigeration plant to help the ice surface freeze is included in the budget. it is estimated that the ice trail will be usable between December and February. Generally, outdoor ice pads with an ice plant are good during periods of overcast sky with temperatures generally below about 8 degrees Celsius. On sunny and warmer days, the ice surface may become wet and soft. In most cases, the overnight temperatures are low enough to restore usable ice.

When the ice is not installed, the concrete surface can be used as a multipurpose trail. The trail is estimated to be approximately 250m in length and could be used for recreational walking, jogging, and rollerblading and will be accessible for wheelchair use.

The Town of LaSalle is proud to announce a sponsorship from the Rotary Club of LaSalle – Centennial for a water feature that will be located near the ice trail providing this area with additional warm weather activities. The Rotary Club has pledged $132,000 in support of the project, and this will be used to enhance the design of the features. The water feature will have benches, ground-orientated water jets with areas to relax and enjoy water play, and for summertime cooling on hot and humid days.

Two small buildings are also part of this phase of the project. One building will be a public access building with washrooms, a public-facing Town use “storefront” for staff use and an indoor area to be used for putting on skates and shelter from inclement weather. There is also a preliminary discussion with the LaSalle Police Service to use the building for police presence at the waterfront. The second building will be used for operations including the refrigeration plant, equipment, controls, and storage. There is an expansion planned for the Town’s existing parking lot behind the TD Bank to accommodate more parking within walking distance of the ice skate trail and water feature.

Adding to the uniqueness of the LaSalle Landing project, Council also approved the installation of a lit “LaSalle” sign. The letters will spell out LaSalle and will be about 2.4 m (8’) tall.

There is $8.0 M in the Waterfront Reserve Build-Up set aside for the construction of the ice skate trail/water feature. Budget for the LaSalle sign will be taken from the Strategic Plan Reserve. Town administration will keep budgetary constraints at the forefront and continue to work towards achieving the project goals within the existing budgets.

October 2022

The waterfront project in LaSalle, located along the Heritage Detroit River, will be a connected, multi-amenity environment that offers the community an expanded, year round destination. It will be an authentic site that captures the rich history and culture of LaSalle, showcasing our three cultures of Indigenous, French and English.

The individual components will offer a mix of uses for both indoor and outdoor programming. The parkland will be a walkable, active and passive recreational environment that links the buildings with the landscape. It will also be a sustainable and technology-infused environment welcoming users of all ages and abilities. 

The original full build-out concept was developed and has been posted on the Town website for the last 12 months and was presented to the community as part of the initial consultation process. Throughout this time, administration has been working on geotechnical information, environmental constraints and/or archeological studies, to name only a few. Between these investigations and the comments that we have received since launching the project, some changes have been made to the overall concept.

The map below shows the full build of the waterfront project. The following amenities are part of the current phase (2021-2026): event centre and parking lot, temporary event plaza, water feature, winter ice skate trail, festival lawn, Benoit House site restoration (external repairs to the house), restoration of coach house and ground maintenance. The budget and dollars for these activities is already approved and in place.

This map has been updated several times. This new vision takes into consideration the public consultation received to date and some of the construction challenges. The order of works beyond 2026 is currently not known or budgeted for and will be explored in future year budgets and as we progress beyond the 2021-2026 build.

Key Components

Event Centre

The former dry boat storage structure (approximately 30,000 square feet) has been converted into a multi-purpose event centre to host seasonal events such as farmer's markets, art and craft fairs, festivals etc. These multi-purpose spaces, together, form a cultural hub envisioned as a space where social, recreational, commercial, and learning opportunities merge. A new event plaza and hardscape area will be developed immediately west of the building to facilitate indoor and outdoor year-round event opportunities.

Festival Event Lawn

LaSalle currently holds numerous festivals year-round, like the Strawberry Festival. This project will make the event lawn more favourable for future events. It will relieve flooding concerns and offer appropriate inclement weather solutions, such as the paved hardscape of the event plaza, and use of the indoor event centre. It is now proposed that the festival lawn be located to the area north of the marina cut, west of the parking lots.  The soils in this area have been identified with poor bearing capacity making building anything with foundations costly. Projected timeline: to be determined

Water Feature/Ice Trail

The water feature was originally located in an east/west orientation interfering with some existing Provincially Significant Wetland designated property.  The water feature has been re-orientated and relocated along Front Road, to the south of the event centre. It will be combined with the winter ice skate trail. Public comments expressed high interest in this feature and it is in the preliminary design stage. Projected timeline 2024/2025

Community Centre

The community centre will be used for social, cultural, and recreational purposes such as rental space for private functions, community fundraising events, or private celebrations/birthdays. The community centre will be constructed to increase space and event opportunities within the Town.  The location of the proposed future community centre has been moved away from the water’s edge to allow for better opportunity for the building foundation. The need for an additional community centre combined with what has been constructed as part of the Event Centre will require further analysis/justification. Projected timeline: beyond 2026

Mix Use Development

The mix use area has been expanded to allow for more opportunities for partnerships with businesses to set up establishments in the area. Feedback received from the community consultation was in favour of including commercial opportunities with a water view on the site, including restaurants, pubs, ice cream shops, etc.  Many respondents stated that adding restaurants would make this area a destination in LaSalle. Administration has provided for an expanded opportunity for these types of services within the waterfront area. Parking has also been added to support the commercial area. Projected timeline: based on demand and can be advanced as demand warrants and/or as cost-neutral options are identified.

Leisure Zone and Sport Zone

Ready and able to sustain a variety of uses, from family gatherings under a canopy to a leisurely walk in the snow, these large open passive spaces will deliver much-needed opportunities for reconnecting to the land. The project proposes leisure zones which offer multi-purpose passive areas. These spaces will provide open green areas lined with native plants and trees and form a crucial transition between the active spaces (sport zone, festival event lawn and event plaza) and the nature preserve and shoreline. From a fitness perspective, the hub will continue to offer formal sport opportunities including sand volleyball, basketball, a children's play zone and an outdoor water feature (ex. splash pad or pool). The playground and leisure zones are being proposed to be moved and re-orientated within the overall park.  The layout and location of the new sport zone area has been shifted. In the new plan, provisions/space for new sand volleyball courts and a new basketball court are being reserved at the waterfront. New tennis facilities have been constructed at the Vollmer Complex and opened in the fall of 2022. Sand volleyball and basketball courts will roll into the next round of funding/phasing. Projected timeline: beyond 2026 The original full build-out vision was to remove the outdoor pool. A proposed new future outdoor pool location has been considered and space reserved within the new overall concept. There were minimal comments received about the outdoor pool, however, all who responded were in favour of keeping an outdoor pool in operation.  Projected timeline: beyond 2026.  We have identified the removal of the proposed beach entrance into the water.  There are concerns with the original location about water quality issues and water flow.  The Town has recently constructed a dog park at the Vollmer Complex, therefore, a dog park has been removed from the waterfront project. There is potential to add a dog park in the overall site in the future should demand warrant its need.

Natural Preserve Zone

Working with the Essex Regional Conservation Authority (ERCA), and in partnership with the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup (DRCC) and the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research (GLIER), LaSalle will seek to preserve the natural marsh areas present on the site. This will include a conservation design which will protect, but also showcase, these regional jewels.

Trails, Markers and Beacons

Through fully accessible meandering paths, a riverwalk, and new bridges over the water and promenades, the main open spaces will be interconnected with the buildings and facilities across the entire hub. Trail Heads will mark key points along the routes offering information about each stop. Designated paths will be designed for emergency vehicle safety to allow first responders vehicle access to the water's edge. Two beacons are proposed at the ends of Laurier Drive and Bouffard Road at the water's edge. These fully accessible spaces are meant to draw visitors to the water and are envisioned as look-out constructs. They will offer weather station information, wildlife watching, and magnificent vistas, as well as learning opportunities to showcase energy saving and carbon reduction best practices. During the five-year plan, a few of these trail connections will be constructed. Projected timeline: 2024/2025

Detroit River Shoreline

This natural and man-made shoreline will be preserved and enhanced for its current use as a point of contact between land and water. Future generations will benefit from the commitment to keep and maintain it as a part of the Heritage Detroit River waterway.

Historic Zone

One of the major changes within the five-year plan relates to the historic zone. Some of the preliminary costs to upgrade the Benoit House to a museum, and the associated modifications to the coach house, detached garage and grounds/gardens is being estimated to cost three to five times more than anticipated.  Included in the updated five-year plan is a full renovation to the coach house, clean-up of the surrounding lands and exterior renovations to the Benoit House. This will allow public access to the coach house. The actual work to the Benoit House will include new windows, exterior renovations, new roof, foundation repairs and water proofing. The actual Benoit House will not be accessible to the public and will not contain the proper mechanical systems to operate as a museum at this time.   Upgrading the Benoit House to a museum will occur in future phasing of the waterfront expected to occur in 2026-2030. In addition, to operate a museum, administration does need some time to work through the operational model of running a museum along with collection of content and exhibits for display. This delay will allow administration to gain a better handle on operational needs, staffing requirements, exhibits, artifacts, etc. In addition, in the interim, administration will continue to research and develop digital collections and exhibitions that focus on the Town’s history to share with the community.  The parking lot for the Benoit House and Ulster Street extension is delayed due to cost implications. Projected timeline: to be determined

Technology/Innovation

Power (using best practices wherever possible to utilize renewable energy sources) will be provided throughout the site to offer users an opportunity to "plug-in". Additionally, the individual components of the activity hub and waterfront will be seamlessly connected to data points situated throughout the site. There will be interactive kiosks and locational information at buildings, learning markers and trail heads. Visitors will be connected to cultural/historical data, component-specific information and real-time environmental metrics. These shared and multi-faceted spaces are meant to encourage social and communal connections; where members of the community, regardless of age, gender, religion, or race, are able to share and participate in activities unique to LaSalle. It is intended that the site will be designed in such a manner as to accommodate and adapt to both current and future forms of accessibility/mobility needs.

Boat Launch

The proposed relocated boat launch in the previously approved plan has been eliminated.  During the public consultation, there was an overwhelming support that the boat ramp remains in the current location, with some people asking for a larger area to accommodate increased use. Therefore, the current boat launch will be left in place with plans to provide for some expanded parking where possible. The proposed relocated boat launch was going to be costly to build given some of the soil challenges in the area north of the marina cut and west of the parking area. With keeping the boat launch in its existing location, in the future, the washroom facility servicing the boat launch will be rebuilt in the same area.  Level grade and seed of the area to the west of the event centre will continue to occur and be completed late in the 2022-2026 term.

Future Transient Marina

Space for a future transient marina is being reserved within the existing marina cut. Operation of marina services will be a future decision of Council based on, if and when, a need arises and will form part of future budgeting/phasing. Public comments about the marina focused on the context of not competing with local marinas currently in operation within LaSalle. There was interest in offering a transient option, therefore, delaying this for future years will garner if this is needed at that time. Projected timeline: beyond 2026 At this time, the upgrade of the former marina is limited to the removal of existing boat finger docks and the potential for replacement of the current steel break wall and converting a portion of the old marina cut to a stormwater management pond. This stage of the project will continue to occur as part of Disaster Mitigation and Adaption Fund work. Projected timeline: 2023 - 2026

LaSalle Waterfront District Plan

At the July 26, 2022 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council, a recommendation was approved to move forward with a Front Road District Waterfront Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan Study. This study will be completed by qualified professionals and will include reviewing what is planned/committed to be built from 2022-2026 and will look at what is currently proposed for the future full build-out vision. This study will have a public consultation component and will look at the entirety of the Front Road business district. This study will help ensure as future year projects are brought forward, they are projects consistent with meeting the Town’s objectives and will ensure they are coordinated with any other private investments that may be occurring elsewhere within this Front Road District corridor.

This study will also look at potential for a Community Improvement Plans and current land use planning policies to enhance and support private redevelopment in the area and ensure the investments made by the Town are appropriate.

Reports to Council

Information about the development of the waterfront on Front Road in LaSalle has been presented to LaSalle Council at a number of meetings:

February 27, 2024

At the February 27, 2024 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council, the following was approved:

1. That the report of the Deputy CAO dated February 12, 2024 (AD-2024-04) regarding the Skate Trail Tender Award be received.

2. That Council awards the skate trail project to Valente Contracting Inc. in the amount of $8,880,000.00 (excluding HST) and authorizes the Mayor and Clerk to execute the contract on behalf of the Town.

3. That Administration be directed to obtain a price to alter the outer pathway in the Skate Trail Project from a 6' wide cement walkway to a 8' wide asphalt surface, and bring the costing back to a future Council Meeting for consideration.

4. That the report of the Deputy CAO and the Director of Strategy and Engagement dated February 12, 2024 (AD-2024-05) regarding the LaSalle Landing Memorial Relocations – Skate Trail Phase be received.

5. That Council concurs with the proposed approach for memorial replacement as part of the skate trail construction.

Video of the February 27, 2024 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council

December 12, 2023

At the December 12, 2023 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council, the following was approved:

1. That the report of the Deputy CAO dated November 29, 2023 (AD-2023-15) regarding the LaSalle Landing Skate Trail and Water Feature Budget/Progress Update be received.

Video of the December 12, 2023 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council

September 26, 2023

At the September 26, 2023 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council, the following was approved:

1. That the report of the Director of the Strategy and Engagement Department dated September 8, 2023 (SE-09-2023) regarding LaSalle Branding and LaSalle Landing Graphics be received, and that Council approve option A as the LaSalle Landing graphic.

Video of the September 26, 2023 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council

April 25, 2023

At the April 25, 2023 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council, the following was approved:

1. That the report of the Deputy CAO dated April 6, 2023 (AD-07-2023) regarding the Waterfront Skate Trail and Water Feature Concept and Sponsorships be received;
2. That Council concurs with the concept presented and that administration be directed to proceed with detail design of a natural ice skate trail/water feature at the Waterfront;
3. That Council concurs with the proposed sponsorship of the water feature from the Rotary Club of LaSalle-Centennial in the amount of $132,000 and authorizes Administration to enter into an agreement with the Rotary Club of LaSalle-Centennial;
4. That Council approves Administration to retain an outside consultant to assist in developing a list of sponsorship opportunities for the skate trail, plaza area and LaSalle sign features, as well as for the remaining aspects to be built at the Waterfront.

Video of the April 25, 2023 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council

April 11, 2023

At the April 11, 2023 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council, the following was approved:

1. That the Waterfront be named LaSalle Landing.

Video of the April 11, 2023 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council

February 14, 2023

At the February 14, 2023 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council, the following was approved:

1. That the report of the Director of Strategy and Engagement dated January 25, 2023 (SE-01-2023) regarding the Naming of the Waterfront Consultation results be received and;
2. That this report is referred back to Administration to provide three (3) names that incorporate the name "LaSalle" with a background check on each name and a marketing plan for Council's consideration.
3. That Gil Maure Way and Gil Maure Festival Lawn be the permanent names used for the road leading to the festival lawn area and the festival lawn area within the Waterfront Project.

Video of the February 14, 2023 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council

October 11, 2022

At the October 11, 2022 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council, the following was approved:

1. That the report of the Director of the Strategy and Engagement Department dated September 20, 2022 (SE-04-2022) regarding the consultation for the naming of the waterfront be received; and
2. That council approve the consultation to take place in November 2022 as outlined in the report, with names for consideration to be presented to Council in January 2023.

Video of the October 11, 2022 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council

July 26, 2022

At the July 26, 2022 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council, the following was approved:

1. That the report of the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer dated July 7, 2022 (AD-11-2022) regarding the Waterfront Park Redevelopment Modified/Updated Concept and Direction be received. 
2. That Administration be authorized to prepare and release a request for proposal to engage the services of professionals to complete a Front Road District Waterfront Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan Study.

Video of the July 26, 2022 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council

July 12, 2022

At the July 12, 2022 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council, the following was approved:

1. That Administration commence a public engagement process, which includes a live in-person session, to obtain public input on the naming of the waterfront park lands and that Administration meet with the Maure family to come up with a suitable option to recognize Gil Maure.

Video of the July 12, 2022 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council

April 26, 2022

At the April 26, 2022 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council, the  following was approved:

1. That the report of the Director of Culture and Recreation dated March 28, 2022 (CR-2022-09) regarding the plan to manage festivals and events be received; 
2. And that the Event Hosting Policy be approved;
3. And that the Event Rental Fees be approved; 
4. And further that the permanent full-time position of Recreation Programmer – Events be approved.

Video of the April 26, 2022 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council 

December 15, 2021

At the December 15, 2021 Budget Session, the following was approved:

1. That the report of the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer dated December 6, 2021 (AD-20-2021) regarding the Petite Côte Waterfront redevelopment project update/modifications be received.
2. That Council support the new full build-out vision and that Council authorize administration to work on finalizing the concept with J P Thomson.
3. That Council approve the new 5-year (2021-2025) build plan/phase.

Video of the December 15, 2021 Budget Session

April 13, 2021

At the April 13, 2021 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council, the following was approved:

1. That the report of the Corporate Communication and Promotions Officer and the Director of Special Projects dated March 29, 2021 (CAO-C&P-03-2021) regarding the LaSalle Small Coast Waterfront Consultation and Next Steps be received;
2. That the report outlining a summary of the public consultation for the Small Coast Waterfront Project be received;
3. That administration be authorized to proceed to finalize the plans and specifications for the Event Centre and issue the tender documents for the proposed renovations;
4. That administration be authorized to proceed to finalize the plans and specifications for the redevelopment of the sports zone and issue the tender documents for the tennis courts, sand volleyball courts and basketball court (budget dependent);
5. That administration be authorized to move forward with plans to renovate the former Benoit House as a museum including the development of architectural plans, a strategic plan, an operational plan and financial model; and
6. That administration be authorized to continue with the completing the necessary studies/permits to allow for the construction of the water feature/ice trail, filling of the property and development of future components of the project.

Video of the April 13, 2021 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council

December 17, 2020

At the December 17, 2020 Special Meeting of LaSalle Council, the following was approved:

1. That the report of the Deputy Clerk dated December 11, 2020 (AD-12-20) regarding the Small Coast Waterfront Development be received and that Administration be authorized to proceed with option 2B-2 as amended and outlined in said report which includes the option of a water/ice feature.
2. That Administration be authorized to apply for the COVID-19 Resilience Grant for rebuilding the sports court as part of phase 2A of the Small Coast Waterfront Development in the amount of $335,000.00.

Video of the December 17, 2020 Special Meeting of LaSalle Council

Presentation from the December 17, 2020 Special Meeting of LaSalle Council

Public Consultation

The original public consultation session about the LaSalle Small Coast Waterfront project took place from January 27 to March 26, 2021. The Town is using PlaceSpeak, an online consultation platform that gives the community the opportunity to give us their ideas, thoughts and opinions about the project. Read through the project overview, take a look at the maps and videos in the Resources. To participate, all you need to do is create a PlaceSpeak account. This account only needs to be created once, and then you will have access to other Town of LaSalle consultation projects, as well as projects that are posted to PlaceSpeak by other organizations. Addresses are collected at the time of registration to identify that the respondents are within the project consultation area. The consultation final report was presented at the April 13, 2021 Regular Meeting of LaSalle Council. It is expected that additional consultation sessions will take place as future phases of the project are introduced.

We acknowledge the support of the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.