PICKERING

• CAPCK
• Latitude: 43.8147
• Longitude: -79.0947
• Great Lakes
• Marina in Canada

Location: Canada

Pickering is a city located in southern Ontario, Canada, situated along the north shore of Lake Ontario. While Pickering itself does not have a major marine port known for significant industrial or commercial shipping activities like some other parts of the Great Lakes, it features waterfront areas that could serve smaller, more recreational, and service-oriented marine activities. Here's an overview of Pickering in the context of its waterfront and potential marine facilities:

General Information:

• Location: Pickering, Ontario, Canada
• Coordinates: Approximately 43.8356° N latitude, 79.0890° W longitude
• Water Body: Lake Ontario

Features:

1. Waterfront Trail:

   • Pickering's waterfront is well-known for its scenic Waterfront Trail, which provides access to various natural and recreational areas. This trail is part of the larger Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, spanning numerous communities along the Great Lakes.

2. Recreational Amenities:

   • Beaches (e.g., Frenchman's Bay East and West Beaches)
   • Parks (e.g., Millennium Square, Beachfront Park)
   • Fishing areas
   • Boating and kayaking facilities
   • Cycling and walking trails

3. Frenchman’s Bay:

   • A sheltered bay offering additional anchorage and docking options.
   • Home to a marina which provides services to local and visiting boaters.
   • Contains slips for private watercraft and possibly some commercial vessels on a smaller scale.
   • Popular spot for sailing, kayaking, fishing, and other water-based activities.

Marine Infrastructure:

• Marinas and Yacht Clubs:

  • Frenchman’s Bay Marina, the main docking area for the city, offers mooring spaces, fuel services, and maintenance facilities.
  • The Pickering Rouge Canoe Club is another local facility which supports recreational paddling and other water sport activities.

• Boat Launches:

  • Public boat launches are available for smaller watercraft.

• Navigation:

  • Lake Ontario allows for navigation of private boats with access to the larger Great Lakes system.

Access and Transportation:

• Road Access:

  • The marine areas of Pickering are accessible via several major roads, including Highway 401 and local roadways connecting to the waterfront.

• Proximity to Major Ports:

  • While Pickering does not host a major port, it is relatively close to the Port of Toronto and the Port of Hamilton, both of which handle significant commercial shipping traffic.
  • Recreational boaters in Pickering may also travel to and from other significant marine locations around Lake Ontario.

Environmental and Planning Considerations:

• Sustainable Development:
  • Emphasis on enhancing public access while ensuring environmental sustainability.
  • Efforts to protect and preserve the natural shoreline and aquatic habitats.

Potential for Future Development:

• Expansion Opportunities:
  • Given its proximity to major urban centers, there is potential for development of more extensive marine facilities if needed.
  • Future planning initiatives might consider increasing the capacity of existing docks and recreational boating infrastructure.

Summary:

While Pickering's marine facilities are oriented more towards recreational and small-scale service activities, the city's location on Lake Ontario affords it a significant advantage for waterfront leisure and potential for expansion into more robust marine capabilities. The Frenchman’s Bay area is particularly noteworthy as a sheltered spot for boating and other water activities, supported by marinas and public amenities.