Port Williams wharf headed to secondary planning process

BY KIRK STARRATT

Kings County Register

It appears neither the County of Kings or Port Williams is in a position to direct resources into re-developing the Port Williams waterfront.

Kings County council’s committee of the whole (COTW) is recommending a recent proposal from Port Williams resident Ken Bezanson for the re-development of the wharf and related properties be referred to the Port Williams Secondary Planning Strategy process for consideration.

A staff report from chief administrative officer Brian Smith reviewed by councillors at the April COTW session says Bezanson, a resident with a long-standing interest in the history of Port Williams, made a presentation in February. Bezanson explained the wharf and related properties are made up of several structures that were most active in the 1930s and 1940s, playing a significant role in the community. Port Williams still lists itself as the “Biggest Little Port in the World.”

Bezanson outlined a vision of the heritage elements of the wharf and surrounding buildings as a tourist attraction and community hub. Bezanson expressed concern the wharf was slatted for tax sale. He suggested the county use open space funding to acquire the wharf and consider future purchase of the former Shur Gain office building and related properties.

County staff withdrew the wharf property from the tax sale, but continue to try to recover the taxes owed. Some councillors expressed concern about the cost and liability for the municipality, should it take a leadership role in re-development.

The staff report indicates the soil is falling away where the wharf abuts the land, the treated deck is weathered, the treated deck framing is acceptable, some structural support members are falling or torn away and the lower structural support members are in a severe state of rot. Associated buildings are in varying states of repair.