BY KELLY ROCHE

Construction is set to begin on the Lakeview Waterfront Connection project and residents are invited to a celebration at the marina Saturday.
“This project represents the community’s commitment to restoring our natural environment,” said Ward 1 Coun. Jim Tovey in a statement.
“This celebration is our way of saying thank you to everyone who has helped make this project a reality.”
The project, transforming a degraded section of the shore into a naturalized conservation area, is estimated to take seven to 10 years.
Mississauga South MPP Charles Sousa has called it the most important transformation and habitat revitalization of Mississauga’s waterfront in more than 50 years.

It will include a publicly accessible conservation area roughly 48 football fields large, with 1.5 kms of new shoreline stretching from the old Lakeview generating station to the Toronto border at Marie Curtis Park.
In addition, the Waterfront Trail will be rerouted along the newly created shoreline, instead of its current inland path near Lake Shore Blvd.
“A naturalization project of this scale benefits our local environment and contributes to a healthier Great Lakes ecosystem,” said Region of Peel executive director of water and wastewater Andrew Farr.
“Access to natural spaces leads to a better quality of life for families and youth, and that’s exactly what the Lakeview Waterfront Connection project will provide.”

The 64-acre green oasis will restore wetlands to the area.
Credit Valley Conservation CAO Deborah Martin-Downs says the project demonstrates what’s possible “with a strong vision and a collaborative partnership focused on improving our local environment.”
A community BBQ is running from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Family events will be held, in addition to a ceremonial water blessing performed by a member of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation at 12:30 p.m.
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