So What Did We Lose?

It is now a few days since the Federal Government (Coast Guard) removed and replaced the lighthouse on the Bronte Pier. There was the initial flurry of internet commentary; everything from let's protest and protect it to we need better safety for boaters.

It begs the question, What Did We Lose?

On one hand, the old lighthouse was no architectural wonder. In the simplest terms it was an upside down drain pipe, painted red and white. It really had no historical significance. That said, it is worthwhile to dig a little deeper into its real value.

In an odd way, that old red and white drain pipe became iconic. It has been featured in tourism publications promoting Bronte, by the BIA and the Town itself. Photographers frequently captured it on their outings on the waterfront. For a resident or a visitor, out for a stroll along the waterfront or the pier, it was part of the vista as you looked out at the changing sky and lake.

More it importantly, it communicated you were in Bronte. It defined the community whether you were a long time resident, a boater or a visitor.

Bronte, compared to downtown Oakville and Kerr Street has seen more change than any of the other commercial areas. As a long time resident, when I visit downtown or Kerr Street, while there have been changes, there are many buildings and facades which connect me to the past.

If someone who lived in Bronte in the 1950s or 60s returned from the past they would only recognize a few buildings, the Walton, Glendella House and the Metro Marine Building.

Over the last few years the Town has given more consideration to the "protection of cultural landscapes". In fact that was the corner stone of the preservation of Glen Abbey Golf Course.

I believe that the old drain pipe lighthouse was part of Bronte's Cultural Landscape.

Bronte ceased to exist as a legal village (with its own local government) in the 1950s. Yet people remain connected to it as a "place" and how they define where they live. How people see or define Bronte will vary from person to person depending when they were borne or moved here. My view of Bronte will be far different that someone who has moved here in the 1970s 80s, 90s, or 2000s.

So what has been lost? I believe is was one of the few features, landmarks that defines Bronte as a place and what was one of the few remaining elements of it's cultural landscape.

As the old drain pipe was being taken down and the new one put in place, as is common in Bronte/Oakville, the questions of who is responsible? And why were we not told or consulted? rapidly rose to the surface. Those are fair questions. The answers fell into the chasm of government responsibility. Navigation is the responsibility of the Federal Government, so it was their call and their responsibility. Yet many continue to look to the Town for answers and a response.

There is no question the safety of boaters on the lake is paramount and we should have the best navigation equipment in place.

There is no going back, the old drain pipe is gone. There was the suggestion it be saved and located somewhere on the waterfront. From my perspective the iconic nature of the old red and white drain pipe was its location and how it composed part of the vista. So we did not lose a lighthouse; Bronte lost an important vista. A red and white drain pipe in the ground will not replace that unique and somewhat iconic vista.

So what does this all mean? There have been some additions to the Bronte Waterfront. The new sail stage is unique and important. Maybe, over time it will move from a good design and function to iconic and defining of the community. There is also the outer harbour marine building. It does have a faux lighthouse. It is now in the hands of the Town and the restaurant has helped bring life back to the building and the park waterfront. It does anchor the park and is somewhat part of the vista. It is over 20 years old and has not been well maintained. The building needs investment, even a new colour scheme and coat of paint. There are many things that can be done from a landscape and facade treatment that could update the facility and make it a more imposing and pleasant to view part of the landscape.

When the planning for what is now Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park began in the early 1980s, which, led to the current design, one of the early components was an outdoor, artificial skating rink. The concept was along the lines of that which is found in Downtown Brampton. Sadly, significant opposition to the park and marina and limited support, the funds to design an artificial rink, where spend to appease opposition to the whole project. Had it not be for persistence by Halton Region staff with support from Burlington Councillors on Regional Council, the Park and Marina would never have been built.

The iconic structure that still has the most significant anchor to the harbour and provides a vista and defines the harbour and village, is the Metro Marine building. I have a very personal attachment as it was built, owned and operated as Northern Marine from 1942-3 to 1953 by my Uncle.

The loss of the old lighthouse, is another step in the erosion of Bronte's identity as a place. One of the most obvious examples is the Marine Building in the Harbour. The sign visible any where from the pier or Bronte Road is the biggest illustration of lost identity and sense of place. "Welcome to OAKVILLE HARBOURs MARINA". BRONTE is no where to be seen it what arguably is its most iconic remaining structure.

This building too is now in the ownership of the Town. It needs investment, be reimagined and repurposed in the context of the larger community interest and more dynamic role of the waterfront. It is still used for services related to recreational boating. While important; it could become part of the cultural landscape in a broader sense of the term. Personally, I would love to see it reimagined as a facility along the lines of Granville Market in Vancouver or Mariposa Market (Orillia) or a small scale St. Lawrence Market. Just image a cafe or restaurant and outdoor space for events and farmers market and the vistas out to the lake.

Elsewhere in the Town; care is taken to to connect new public facilities to the community within which they are located or keep a name connected to that area. Here are some examples. Shipyard Park, Tannery Park, Walker Street Promenade, Trafalgar Park, Oakville Trafalgar, Glen Abbey, River Oaks, Iroquois Ridge Recreations Centres.

In the case of Bronte, it is the Q.E. Park Recreation Centre. Thankfully the name Bronte Athletic Field which dates back to its original construction in the days of the old Village of Bronte survives. Similarly the Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park was planned, financed, built and named by the Region of Halton. Beyond these examples, there is an absence of investments in Bronte's identity.

In fact, Bronte's new identity maybe becoming rooted in the place you go to get your car towed and a hefty cost to get it back.

We have two excellent Councillors. They advocate on our behalf at Council. But they are only 2 votes and voices out of 14 representatives and the Mayor. So much of their energy, effort and political capital are spent on dealing with change, parking issues and day to day community problems every thing from noise cars/motorcycles, fireworks, coyotes and kids hanging out. The list goes on and on. At the same time, they must also negotiate opposition to change with every new development proposal. Having lived in the community for 70 years (ouch) I have seen the change and observed how the community has responded. In almost all instances the pattern is the same deja vu all over.

Maybe it is time for a new approach, rather than opposition to change, maybe Bronte needs to band together to provide greater support to our Councillors for the Town to invest in Bronte. In that last few years millions have gone into Downtown, Oakville Harbour and the fight for Glen Abbey. It is time for Bronte's turn. There is incredible opportunity to build and even more vibrant and liveable community. It is an opportunity to build back up the community identity. Rather than all the resources, angst and energy going into opposing development, turn the efforts to working in partnership to secure benefits, needs, better public space and vibrant retail opportunities.

Like it or not, more people will call Bronte home. There is a need for more active spaces, a better public realm, things to do. The original idea of an artificial outdoor rink proposed in the original Bronte Heritage Waterfront Plan is even more relevant today. Similarly would be the inclusion of a splash pad.

The east bank of the 12 Mile Creek between the pier and the Marine Building is a major untapped opportunity. At the same time, Bronte Beach continues to be a major untapped resource for as a public space. Yet the walk over to the Beach is unappealing. The Beach is more about boat launching, docking of watercraft and fishing than a people place, though it has seen more use during the pandemic.

In my perspective if there is a failure of Bronte, it was not in growth or change. Rather, the preoccupation to opposing growth and changes has missed opportunities to take advantage of Bronte's unique setting, to mold development, have and implement a bold vision supported by investment by the Town. The time is now. Coming out of the Pandemic there is going to be significant investments in rebuilding the economy of Canada and Ontario. Already in the Federal Election Campaign there are major infrastructure announcements. Within the next 14 months there will be both a Provincial and Municipal Election. Together they represent an opportunity to send a new message about Bronte, there are many opportunities to build a better community, it is Bronte's turn.