Bluewater Trailer Park | Municipality of Kincardine

Summary

In 2024, Council became aware that the current use of the lands at the Bluewater Trailer Park was inconsistent with the original purpose for which they were dedicated: to serve the public as a park, garden, walkway, or other public space.

After obtaining legal advice, Council made the difficult decision to terminate the lease with the Bluewater Trailer Park to honour the purpose for which these lands were put into trust to the Municipality.

In order to give seasonal renters time to find alternative locations for their trailers, Council provided the Bluewater Trailer Park a three-year extension up to October 31, 2027.

As the end of the lease term approaches, we are publishing information to ensure seasonal renters and the broader community are aware of the decision, understand the rationale behind it, and have time to prepare for the transition.

Background

The Bluewater Trailer Park occupies four lots, including lands that were conveyed to the Municipality in the 1880s for a specific public purpose: a “public park, garden or walkway.”

Consideration of the future of the Bluewater Trailer Park began during the development of the Waterfront Master Plan (2023). The property was subsequently reviewed in detail as part of the Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan (2024). Through this review it was identified that the current trailer park use did not align with the original terms of the land transfer. The Municipality obtained legal advice, and it was confirmed that the current use is not consistent with the purpose of the original conveyance. Council subsequently directed that the trailer park use end and provided a three-year transition period for existing seasonal renters.

The Municipality recognizes that the transition affects long-standing seasonal renters and is committed to providing clear, timely information as the project progresses.

Why this project matters

The Municipality has a responsibility to manage municipal property in accordance with the legal conditions attached to it.

In this case, the lands were conveyed to the Municipality for a specific public purpose which was to serve the public as a park, garden or walkway. The legal review determined that continuing to operate the property as a trailer park is not consistent with that purpose.

Returning the lands to their intended public use will:

honour the original purpose for which the lands were conveyed;
protect an important municipal asset for public use;
reduce legal and financial risk to the Municipality; and
provide an opportunity to consider how the lands can best serve the community as public space.

Council Direction

Council has directed staff to transition the Bluewater Trailer Park lands away from seasonal trailer park use and toward a use consistent with the original conveyance.

To allow existing seasonal renters time to make alternative arrangements, Council approved a three-year agreement for the management of the Bluewater Trailer Park, expiring October 31, 2027.

The Municipality's direction is based on the legal review of the original conveyance and Council's responsibility to protect the Municipality's interests and comply with the conditions attached to the lands.

Project Timeline

1885 — Original conveyance
The lands were conveyed to the former Town of Kincardine for the purpose of a “public park, garden or walkway.”

2023–2024 — Legal and strategic review
This property was reviewed as part of the development of Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan 2024. Through this review it was identified that the current trailer park use did not align with the original terms of the land transfer. Legal advice was obtained regarding the original conveyance and whether the existing trailer park use was consistent with it.

2024 — Council direction
Council directed staff to transition the lands away from seasonal trailer park use and provide existing seasonal renters with 3 years to make alternative arrangements.

2024–2027 — Transition period
A three-year extension was provided for the operation of the trailer park, allowing seasonal renters time to find alternative locations.

October 31, 2027 — Current agreement expires
The current agreement for management of the Bluewater Trailer Park expires.

Future Use

To determine what the future holds for the Bluewater Trailer Park, staff are recommending (Council report CAO-2026-11) retaining the services of a Landscape Architect that has experience in park design and public consultation. The Consultant will be directed to work with the community on developing a plan for the Bluewater Trailer Park property around the intended purposes for which the lands were originally dedicated - public park, garden or walkway.

The process will include, but is not limited to:

Working with staff to develop 3 concepts for a passive park that suits the environment while complimenting the other amenities already available nearby. This will include an assessment of the current state of the park. It should be noted that staff have not been involved in directly operating the park. Therefore, it is anticipated that there will be work required to return the land to a passive park environment (ex. removal of trailer servicing).
Hosting 1-2 public engagement sessions to solicit public feedback on the concepts (online options for feedback would be made available as well over a defined period).
Working with staff to develop a “what we heard” report for the public and generate a final concept design for presentation to Council.
Presenting the final concept for Council approval with an estimated budget for construction.
Preparing construction drawings and tender package for construction (if approved). Construction would likely occur as part of the 2028 budget.

Retaining a Landscape Architect would require a budget of approximately $35,000 which would be presented for consideration as part of the Mayor’s 2027 Budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Bluewater Trailer Park closing?

The lands were conveyed to the Municipality for the purpose of a “public park, garden or walkway.” A legal review determined that the current trailer park use is not consistent with the original conveyance. Council therefore directed that the lands transition back to a public use consistent with those requirements.

Why can't the Municipality just keep operating the trailer park?

The Municipality has a legal responsibility to comply with the conditions attached to the original conveyance of the lands. Based on the legal advice received, continuing the current trailer park use could put the Municipality at legal and financial risk.

When will the trailer park close?

The current agreement expires October 31, 2027. The three-year extension was provided specifically to give existing seasonal renters time to make alternative arrangements.

What will happen to the land after the trailer park closes?

The lands will be transitioned to a use consistent with their original dedication as a public park, garden or walkway.

Staff is proposing to retain a landscape architect with experience in park design and public consultation to work with the community on developing a future plan for the property.

The proposed process would include developing several concepts for a passive park, gathering public feedback through engagement sessions and online opportunities, and presenting a final concept and estimated construction budget to Council for consideration and approval.

The final design has not yet been determined or approved by Council. Subject to Council approval and future budget decisions, construction could take place as early as 2028.

Why wasn't this dealt with sooner?

The Municipality has had multiple agreements and operating arrangements for the property over many years. As part of the Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan process, the historical use, future operations and legal status of the lands were reviewed. That review identified the need to address the current use in relation to the original conveyance.

Relevant Documents & Reports

Contact the Project Team

Alan Smith
Chief Administrative Officer
Municipality of Kincardine
asmith@kincardine.ca
519-396-3468