Enhancements to the foreshores at Warners Bay and Speers Point have been transformative: now it's Toronto's turn.
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Lake Macquarie City Council wants to tap local knowledge to help shape the master plan for a $9-million renewal of the Toronto foreshore.
Council is inviting local input to the plan which it said would see Toronto thrive "for generations to come".
Council has about $9 million in development contributions set aside to deliver foreshore improvements along the five-hectare site.
The area stretches from Wharf Road, near the lake baths, around to Bath Street, next to Royal Motor Yacht Club, Toronto.
Council's property and business development manager David Antcliff said the Toronto Foreshore Master Plan would help shape the single biggest investment by council in the foreshore precinct's history.
"Through a master plan shaped by community input, Toronto can continue to grow as a vibrant lifestyle destination with a new and improved foreshore area, more lake access and enhanced public open space and amenity," Mr Antcliff said.
It's an opportunity for Westlakes residents - especially those who have complained "council doesn't do enough for this side of the lake" - to engage with the project.
Among the possible enhancements to the foreshore are an ampitheatre, shared pathway, exercise stations, playgrounds and picnic areas.
Residents, businesses and visitors are encouraged to take part in a series of workshops and pop-up information sessions.
These will inform the future of the Toronto Foreshore Master Plan by sharing feedback on design principles and ideas for the area.
Workshops will be held on Tuesday, August 6, from 6pm to 8pm; and on Saturday, August 10, from 10am to noon at Toronto Multi-Purpose Centre, at 9 Thorne Street.
Community pop-up sessions will take place near the rotunda in Toronto on Tuesday, August 6, from 11am to 1pm and from 2pm to 4pm; and on Saturday, August 10, from 1pm to 3pm and 4pm to 6pm.
Residents can also complete the survey online at shape.lakemac.com.au/future-toronto.
"Council values community input and recognises that local knowledge is critical to the future management of the Toronto foreshore," Mr Antcliff said.
"This engagement builds on previous consultation and site analysis work, and the identified values of the foreshore including its unique character, history, Aboriginal heritage and an accessible waterfront."
Feedback received during this consultation period will inform the draft master plan.
The Toronto foreshore was identified as a priority for improvement in the Toronto Development Contributions Plan.
"The Master Plan aims to provide a vibrant open space that supports a range of recreational and cultural uses and activities, so that it better serves the needs of the community for many years to come," Mr Antcliff said.
Council's proposed multi-storey mixed-use development in Bath Street was not included in the survey. That building would occupy about 10 per cent of the foreshore precinct.
Some residents have been critical of this omission, but the council has maintained there will be ample opportunity for comment of the Bath Street plan when, or if, it progresses.