The town is opposed to using the area for residential development, preferring recreation and tourism projects instead.
“There’s a lot of waterfront in Pasadena and up the Humber River that the public no longer has access to from developments and private residences going there,” said Coun. Otto Goulding, chair of the Tipping Drive Planning Committee.
The parcel in question is 13 acres of land alongside Tipping Drive taking in property that once housed the Western Sno-Riders and the Pasadena Rod and Gun Club.
The town acquired the land via lease from the provincial government last year. A committee was struck and it approached the Humber Economic Development Board for help in developing a plan.
The board has taken the lead on the project as part of its workplan for the coming year.
A call for expressions of interest has gone out inviting ideas for development and partnerships from the public.
Goulding said there are no “crazy ideas” when it comes to the potential for the area.
Some possible ideas include a boat launch or marina, a trailer park, a continued role in snowmobiling and expansion of summer recreation opportunities including water sports.
“The lake is totally underutilized and part of the reason for that is facilities,” said Goulding, adding the potential is there to work with the Town of Deer Lake, for example, to put those facilities or amenities in place.
When he visited the area on Wednesday, sailboats used by the Department of National Defence in the training of cadets were there.
Goulding said the town is not looking to get into business, but rather to stimulate business and this is where partnerships come in.
The town currently has the lease on the Pasadena Beach property and leases that to a private enterprise which operates a restaurant on-site, which he said works quite well.
Once the public input process is complete the development board and the committee will review all the ideas and then prioritize them.
“For the good ones we’ll drill down a little deeper on how it should happen,” said Goulding adding the process will continue over the next year. “This is not a rush job to get something there.”
A meeting will take place at the Pasadena Recreation Centre May 16 at 7 p.m. for anyone interested in putting forth an idea or discussing how they feel the area should be developed.
Written expressions of interest will be accepted up to May 25 and can be sent to Tipping Drive Planning Committee, c/o Humber Economic Development Board, 11 Confederation Dr., P.O. Box 1105, Corner Brook, N.L., A2H 2T6 or emailed to tippingdrive@humber.nf.ca.
Typical Newfoundland. See that beachfront land? I don't set foot on it, and likely never will...but I already have a house, and I certainly could never afford to buy that land, so I'm quite content with the idea of making sure no else can either. I don't like people who can afford nicer, more expensive things than me, including prime real estate (makes me jealous), so let's nip that in the bud. Oh, and I want more services in my town, but I don't want to pay any more for than than I do now. Oh, and I wish more nice businesses would set up shop here, so please make that happen, council. Yay! Perfect!