The town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is prioritizing the dock area as it works on an update to its master plan for the site, the town announced last Wednesday — specifically, it’ll be looking at ways to make Melville Street look better and create more amenities in the area.

The town defines the focus area as Queen’s Royal Park in the north to Melville Street in the south, bordered by Delater Street on the west and the Niagara River on the east.

The most recent plan, completed in 2015, highlighted the dock area’s importance and recommended several improvements.

These include separating pedestrians and vehicles, protecting historic features on the site, completing missing sections of the pedestrian route to Queen’s Royal Park, adding trees to enhance the view along Melville Street and accommodating visitors from locals to tourists.

“We’ve made a lot of great strides at accomplishing what was in there,” said Kevin Turcotte, the town’s manager of parks and recreation, who is leading the update.

“This will be an update to that plan, looking at more opportunities, and kind of finishing off the dock area master plan in that area.”

By “finishing off,” Turcotte said the town wants public input on ways to beautify Melville Street.

The update could also include a “small watercraft launch” for kayaking and paddleboarding.

Turcotte said the town’s priorities include “(increasing) access and connectivity still.”

He also wants “more amenities” for residents at the Melville Street dock, the parking lot and open green space in River Beach Park, as well as improved “shoreline protection.”

He said the update will also explore how to highlight the area’s history through “interpretive plaques we need to install” and design elements such as the historic rail line near Delater Street.

Turcotte said community feedback will help shape the historical interpretation and decide “what you would like to see on those plaques.”

He also acknowledged the ongoing debate about water access and how small boats currently reach the river.

But he said there is broad agreement about revitalizing the Melville Street dock, which many residents consider a “blank slate.”

“We really want the public to give us feedback on what we’d like to see there,” he said.

Since the 2015 plan, the town has built and improved several connections, including a pathway through Balls Beach Park, a link from Delater Street to Queen’s Royal Park, and a new sidewalk from Lockhart Street to the parking lot.

After a public meeting later this month, consultants will review community feedback and develop updated designs. Turcotte said his team hopes to present the revised plan to council this upcoming spring.

“We’re just at the start of the process,” he said. “We have the consultants on board and they’re fully aware of the project and excited to hear what the community has to say on Nov. 26.”

The meeting will take place at the NOTL Community Centre’s Simpson Room from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

daniel@niagaranow.com