Portions of the lands were conveyed to the former Town of Kincardine in the 1880s for the purposes of a “public park, garden or walk.” A review of the historical documents and legal advice raised concerns about whether the current trailer park use is consistent with that original purpose. Council therefore directed that the trailer park use end and approved a transition period for current seasonal renters.
Bluewater Trailer Park
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
The Municipality is planning for the future of the Bluewater Trailer Park lands as a public space that reflects the original dedication of the property for use as a public park, garden, or walkway.
Retaining a Landscape Architect to undertake community consultation and park design will be considered through the Mayor’s 2027 Budget. If approved, the Landscape Architect would work with the Municipality and the community to develop a plan for the property.
Community engagement will be an important part of the process. Residents will have opportunities to share their ideas, priorities and aspirations for the property and help shape a long-term vision for this waterfront public space while respecting the original dedication of the property.
If approved, planning and community engagement will take place in 2027, so the Municipality is prepared for the future use of the lands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Bluewater Trailer Park closing?
How did the trailer park use come to be established on the lands?
The Municipality does not have a complete, verified history documenting when or how the trailer park use was established on these lands. A report prepared as part of the Municipality’s review notes that staff were not able to verify how long a campground had been located on the site. As a result, it would not be appropriate to speculate about how the use originally came to be established or whether there was a specific decision that formally converted the lands to a trailer park.
Why did the Municipality obtain legal advice about the lands?
The historical documents identified that portions of the property were conveyed to the former Town of Kincardine for the purposes of a “public park, garden or walk.” Legal advice was obtained to clarify how those historical requirements relate to the current trailer park use. The advice identified potential legal risk if the current use continued indefinitely and recommended that the Municipality take steps to bring the lands into conformity with their original purpose if it wished to retain ownership.
Why can't the Municipality just keep operating the trailer park?
Based on the legal advice received, continuing the current trailer park use indefinitely could create legal and financial risk for the Municipality because of the historical requirements attached to portions of the property. Council therefore directed that the trailer park use end.
When will the trailer park close?
The current agreement expires October 31, 2027. The three-year extension was provided to give existing seasonal renters additional time to make alternative arrangements.
Has the Municipality decided what will happen to the lands after the trailer park use ends?
No. Council has directed that the trailer park use end, but no specific future design or use has been approved. Future planning will need to consider the historical purpose attached to portions of the property, along with community input, planning requirements and the Municipality’s broader priorities.
Why wasn't this dealt with sooner?
The Municipality does not have a complete, verified history documenting how the trailer park use was originally established on the lands. The historical purpose of portions of the property was identified during the development of the Waterfront Master Plan, and the lands were subsequently reviewed in more detail as part of the Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan. That review identified questions about the current use in relation to the original conveyance and the need for legal advice.
Contact the Project Team
Alan Smith
Chief Administrative Officer
Municipality of Kincardine
asmith@kincardine.ca
519-396-3468 x 7109
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