URBAN PLANNING: Waterfront Toronto

URBAN PLANNING: Waterfront Toronto

A parking lot is transformed into a beach; polluted industrial land is remade into a lush park; and a series of new, mixed use communities emerge along the water’s edge. These are all projects that are part of Waterfront Toronto’s award-winning efforts to reconnect the city to its waterfront through the construction of new waterfront communities where people can live, work and play, all connected by a spectacular series of parks and public spaces. Jointly funded by the City and the provincial and federal governments, the projects undertaken by the organization stretch across Toronto’s waterfront and are among the more high-profile developments of the recent construction cycle. Not only do projects like Sugar Beach provide new public space where little if any existed before, they provide the infrastructure necessary to attract large-scale private sector investment.

The City of Toronto plays an essential role in this waterfront revitalization through the design and management of the public realm and accompanying vital infrastructure. The opening of Sherbourne Common, the addition of new wave decks in the Central Waterfront, and the redesign of Queens Quay to allow for expansive sidewalks and new street trees are some of the major projects that are improving our connection with the waterfront. Vital work is also underway just to the east of downtown that will allow former industrial land to be remade into new public spaces and vibrant communities.

Waterfront Toronto’s revitalization project is the largest of its kind in North America. Once it is complete, the project will have created a sustainable, high tech, livable waterfront community that features award-winning parks, clusters of creative space, affordable housing, and commercial opportunities.

To learn more about the work of Waterfront Toronto and their plans for the future, visit www.waterfronttoronto.ca Interested in providing feedback? Click on the “Get Involved” tab and have your say.