Toronto – Waterfront Toronto and Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) together with the Governments of Canada, Ontario and the City of Toronto officially launched construction of the final phase of Mimico Waterfront Park today.

Located on the shore of Lake Ontario in Etobicoke, Mimico Waterfront Park connects people to the water across a lakefront area that historically has lacked public access to the waterfront.  When completed in 2012 the park will provide 1.1 kilometer of linear waterfront park space between Norris Crescent Parkette and Humber Bay Park West.

Waterfront Toronto opened the first 600 meter western portion of the park in 2008. The final 500 meters of linear park will enable Torontonians to enjoy the lakefront west of Humber Bay Park West for the first time and will provide the missing link in the city’s waterfront trail system.

“As Federal Minister responsible for the GTA and the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Initiative, I am pleased once again that our government is part of this remarkable transformation along Toronto’s lakeshore,” said Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty. “When completed, Mimico Waterfront Park will be an inviting and open community hub that will make a vital contribution to the overall prosperity and lifestyles of the residents and businesses of the waterfront.”

“We know that when we invest in Toronto’s waterfront we will see tangible returns.  At the same time, the investment in Mimico Waterfront Park will act as a catalyst for the local economy,” said Bernard Trottier, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke—Lakeshore.  “It is good to see this proud community along our waterfront evolving into the vibrant, exciting destination it deserves to be.”

“Today’s official start of Phase Two of the redevelopment of Mimico Waterfront Park is exciting for the residents and businesses of Etobicoke-Lakeshore who have always appreciated our community’s unique location, public spaces and access to the waterfront trails and parks,”  said Laurel Broten, MPP, Etobicoke-Lakeshore. “Moving forward with Mimico Waterfront Park is a key element of our strategy to revitalize and strengthen our lakeshore community and ensure that this wonderful natural legacy will be appreciated by families for generations to come.”

“Mimico Waterfront Park is an important local asset that enhances and strengthens the local community,” said Mark Grimes, Councillor for Etobicoke-Lakeshore. “Phase Two is the missing link that will extend and connect the waterfront and improve access for all park users. It will also provide an economic boost to local businesses by attracting visitors and additional investment in the area.”

Mimico Waterfront Park is an important asset in enhancing and strengthening the local community. Mimico is a community that the City of Toronto has targeted for revitalization;  creating more and better waterfront park space is one of the strategies the City has identified to help attract investment in the area.

“One of Waterfront Toronto’s primary objectives is to leverage investment in parks and public spaces to deliver key economic and social benefits,” said Mark Wilson, Chair, Waterfront Toronto. “The investment in Mimico Waterfront Park will deliver far more than much needed waterfront public space. It is also a catalyst for re-invigorating the local economy.”

The first phase of the park has been well received and well used by local residents since it opened in 2008.  The new park has also helped attract new businesses and residents to Mimico. The final phase of the project is expected to help further revitalize the area.

TRCA is an integral partner for Waterfront Toronto in the revitalization of Toronto’s waterfront and is responsible for the planning and building of the park.

“Mimico Waterfront Park was planned and designed by the citizens of this community for the use and enjoyment of the citizens of this community.  We are proud to have worked beside our local stakeholders toward the revitalization in this historic part of the city” said Brian Denney, Chief Administrative Officer of TRCA.

As with all Waterfront Toronto projects, sustainability is a key feature of Mimico Waterfront Park.  The park was designed with the native ecology of the area in mind and it includes features that benefit residents as well as the local aquatic and terrestrial habitats.

The second phase of the park builds east from the first phase and will provide linear water’s edge public space that connects existing local parks. The park is being constructed through a lakefilling process along a narrow section of the existing shoreline.

Phase Two begins at Superior Avenue in the west and extends the waterfront trail and public waterfront access to Humber Bay Park West in the east. The park’s features include an additional 500 metres of waterfront trail, 250 metres of cantilevered pedestrian boardwalk, a separate multi-use trail located along the backshore that provides cycling and in-line skating access adjacent to the boardwalk, small pockets of wetland habitat, landscaping and park lighting.

The total project budget for Mimico Waterfront Park is $18.6 million dollars of which $6.9 million has been committed by the City of Toronto, $6.2 million by the Province of Ontario and $5.5 million by the Government of Canada. The budget for the second phase of Mimico Waterfront Park is $8.4 million.
Waterfront Toronto has made major strides in revitalizing Toronto’s waterfront. In addition to building and improving 17 parks and public spaces, Waterfront Toronto has finalized development agreements with Great Gulf Group of Companies, Urban Capital and Hines for private sector projects on the waterfront, as well as with George Brown College for the development of their new state-of-the-art Health Sciences campus.

The Governments of Canada and Ontario and the City of Toronto created Waterfront Toronto to oversee and lead the renewal of Toronto’s waterfront. Public accessibility, design excellence, sustainable development, economic development and fiscal sustainability are the key drivers of waterfront revitalization.

Media kit:
Mimico Waterfront Park – Fact Sheet

Media Contact:
Tari Stork, Manager, Project Communications, Waterfront Toronto
T: 416-214-1344 x 279 / C: 416-414-1577 / tstork@waterfrontoronto.ca

Martin Goodman Trail at Marilyn Bell Park

The CSLA Professional Awards recognize and promote excellence in all aspects of landscape design. This year’s competition included 53 project entries in seven categories. Canada’s Sugar Beach received a CSLA Regional Honour Award and the Martin Goodman Trail improvements at Marilyn Bell Park earned a Regional Merit Award. Both awards were in the design category, which recognizes newly constructed or renovated works of landscape architectural design.

“It is an incredible honour to have two of our projects recognized by the CSLA this year,” said John Campbell, Waterfront Toronto President and CEO. “With all of our projects we set out to achieve design excellence.  Canada’s Sugar Beach and the improvements to Marilyn Bell Park raised the bar by setting a new standard of creativity and delivered public spaces that were transformative, as well as beautiful and functional.”

Canada's Sugar Beach

Opened in August 2010, Canada’s Sugar Beach was the first new public space to open in East Bayfront, one of two new waterfront neighbourhoods currently under construction as part of Toronto’s waterfront revitalization. Designed by landscape architecture firm Claude Cormier Architectes Paysagistes Inc. with The Planning Partnership, Canada’s Sugar Beach transformed a lakefront parking lot and underused industrial area into an iconic waterfront attraction. The 8,500m2 (2 acre) park is Toronto’s second urban beach and it features bright pink umbrellas, white Muskoka-style chairs, sugar-like sand and iconic candy-striped rock outcroppings.

Designed by Victor Ford and Associates Inc. Landscape Architects, the Martin Goodman Trail improvements at Marilyn Bell Park just west of Exhibition Place transformed a neglected and inaccessible section of the Martin Goodman Trail into a vibrant multi-use waterfront promenade, creating a scenic destination that supports major pedestrian and cycling needs on Toronto’s western beaches. The improvements at Marilyn Bell Park were completed in 2007, and include the new waterfront promenade, boardwalk and cantilever deck.

The Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto created Waterfront Toronto to oversee and lead the renewal of Toronto’s waterfront. Public accessibility, design excellence, sustainable development, economic development and fiscal sustainability are the key drivers of waterfront revitalization.

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Media Contact:

Tari Stork, Manager, Project Communications, Waterfront Toronto, 416-214-1344 x279 www.waterfrontoronto.ca

Designed by leading landscape architects Janet Rosenberg and Associates, the newly created stretch of multi-use trail runs parallel to Lake Shore Boulevard through Ontario Place from Marilyn Bell Park to Coronation Park at Strachan Avenue. It creates a new “front door” to Ontario Place and it also enhances the everyday function of the major destination by providing a safe and direct route through the park for cyclists that is separated from car traffic.

“Martin Goodman Trail is a great resource for the people of the GTA and our government is proud to contribute to this project. It will improve both access to the trail and safety for the general population’s use of it,” said Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty. “This revitalization helps improve the beauty and quality of life in our already great region.”

Safety for users has been enhanced by visually separating pedestrian crossings from designated bike crossings using state-of-the-art bicycle signals. The attractive and functional trail is barrier-free and accommodates a wide range of recreational activities.

Waterfront Toronto’s redesign of the trail has converted 8,000 square metres of Ontario Place parking lots into green space for The Martin Goodman Trail. The new trail is 4.5 metres wide and framed by 161 newly planted native, hardwood trees.

“Today’s opening of the Martin Goodman Trail at Ontario Place marks another significant milestone for the redevelopment of Toronto’s waterfront,” said the Honourable George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. “We are reinvigorating a new gateway to one of Ontario’s most popular tourism attractions and at the same time, linking Torontonians to another avenue for active living. It is smart design with environmental benefits.”

Sustainability plays an important role in the new Martin Goodman Trail at Ontario Place. A storm-water management system was incorporated to allow run-off rainwater from the trail to irrigate adjacent green space and aid in the support of the growth of mature trees. Mature
trees help to create the desired park-like setting and reduce the heat island effect of adjacent paved roads and parking lots.

“Almost a quarter-century after his death at just 46 years of age, Martin Goodman’s name on this waterfront trail is synonymous with green and healthy urban amenities,” said Mayor David Miller. “This 1.3 kilometre upgrade will bring the western and eastern ends of the Trail together and will allow the City and Waterfront Toronto to ensure the Trail continues to be one of Canada’s premier public recreational and waterfront destinations.”

Waterfront Toronto has also enhanced access to Ontario Place for parking and passenger drop-offs, thereby improving safety for both users of the Martin Goodman Trail and vehicular traffic by constructing a new signalized entrance to Ontario Place and revamping two existing entrances.

“As part of our revitalization strategy, this project contributes to the beautification and greening of Ontario Place’s main entrances along Lake Shore Boulevard,” said John Tracogna, Ontario Place General Manager. “The expansion supports healthy and active living, while providing pedestrians, cyclists and joggers with safer routes that connect to the Martin Goodman Trail.”

Giving people more access to the waterfront is a key priority for Waterfront Toronto which has already made a number of improvements to the Martin Goodman Trail. Earlier enhancements include extending the trail from Lake Shore Boulevard to Commissioners Street and significant improvements through Marilyn Bell Park from Jameson Avenue to Ontario Drive.

“The Martin Goodman Trail is a great way to see our city and to experience the outdoors,” said Waterfront Toronto President and CEO John Campbell. “The trail creates a pathway for people to enjoy access to the parks and public spaces along Toronto’s waterfront.”

Waterfront Toronto’s plans include an additional 3,179 metres for the Martin Goodman Trail from Spadina Avenue to Parliament Street as part of the Queens Quay revitalization. Future plans also include extending the trail all along the revitalized waterfront.

The Martin Goodman Trail is part of the 730 kilometre Waterfront Trail that connects 41 communities from Niagara to Quebec along the Canadian Shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. It was named in memory of the former President and Editor-in-Chief of the Toronto Star who passed away in 1981.

Waterfront Toronto

Since 2005, Waterfront Toronto has completed several parks and public spaces projects. This year, the organization opened the Simcoe and Rees WaveDecks. Construction started on Sherbourne Park in July and will start on Canada’s Sugar Beach later this month. Construction is also underway to support new communities in the West Don Lands and East Bayfront.
The Governments of Canada and Ontario and the City of Toronto created Waterfront Toronto to oversee and lead the renewal of Toronto’s waterfront. Public accessibility, design excellence, sustainable development, economic development and fiscal sustainability are the key drivers of waterfront revitalization.

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Media Contacts: Sheri DeCarlo, Waterfront Toronto 416-214-1344 x279 or 416-414-1577
Chisholm Pothier, Department of Finance Canada, Minister’s Office 613-996-7861
Amy Tang, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Minister’s Office 416-327-6747
Stuart Green, Office of the Mayor 416-338-7119

The City of Toronto’s Urban Design Awards recognize and acknowledge the significant contribution that architects, landscape architects, urban designers, artists, design students, and city builders make to the look and livability of Toronto. This year’s competition drew 117 entries in seven categories.
The Vision and Masterplan category honours unexecuted visions for the city, studies and master plans of high inspirational value with the potential for significant impact on Toronto’s development. The Small Open Space category recognizes spaces that provide an extension and addition to the public realm in an exemplary way.

“We’re so pleased that the City of Toronto has recognized the inspirational and transformative qualities of these two important waterfront projects,” said John Campbell, Waterfront Toronto President and CEO. “The Master Plan for Lake Ontario Park and the Spadina WaveDeck are wonderful examples of how excellence in design can not only improve our public spaces, but the overall quality of life in Toronto.”

Designed by West 8 and duToit Allsopp Hillier, the Spadina WaveDeck opened in September 2008 and was the first wavedeck built along Toronto’s waterfront. Inspired in part by the Canadian cottage experience and the shorelines of Ontario’s great lakes, the Spadina WaveDeck was designed to give urban dwellers a feel for life at the lake.

“This project expressed a clear and powerful idea that seems effortless in doing something very big – extending the public’s imagination of what Toronto’ waterfront can become in future,” said the Toronto Urban Design Awards jury in it comments.

Over the summer, the Spadina WaveDeck was joined by two new wavedecks at the Simcoe and Rees slips. Together, the three wavedecks create more than 1700 square metres of new public space along one of the most heavily used parts of the Toronto shoreline. Planning is currently underway for the fourth wavedeck at the Parliament Slip in East Bayfront.

Designed by world renowned landscape architecture firm Field Operations, the Master Plan for Lake Ontario Park presents a bold vision for transforming 375 hectares (927 acres) of Toronto’s waterfront into an urban wilderness and recreational park. The proposed park assembles a series of underutilized industrial sites, existing parks and regionally significant ecological areas into one of the most significant and exciting open space urban projects in our country’s history.

“We are delighted with the recognition bestowed upon this very important project for Lake Ontario Park by the City of Toronto,” said James Corner, Founding Principal of Field Operations. “It marks not only a celebration of high achievement in design but also a desire to see the Park become a reality sooner rather than later – creating a dramatic new lake frontage and public realm for the City and its neighborhoods.”

In addition to Toronto Urban Design Awards, the Master Plan for Lake Ontario Park and Spadina WaveDeck are the recipients of several other prestigious design awards. Earlier this year, both projects were honoured by the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA). The Master Plan for Lake Ontario Park was awarded the CSLA’s highest prize, a National Honour Award and the Spadina WaveDeck earned a National Merit Award.

The Spadina WaveDeck also earned a 2009 Honor Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects and was the first Canadian project ever to be short-listed for the world-acclaimed Brit Insurance Design Awards.

Design excellence is a core priority for Waterfront Toronto. The organization’s goal is that everything built on Toronto’s waterfront — from buildings to streets to parks and public art — will set new standards for architecture and public space.

To help achieve and uphold its standards for design excellence, Waterfront Toronto hosts international design competitions, works with some of world’s top architects and landscape designers and incorporates urban design as an important component in its environmental assessment process. The Waterfront Design Review Panel, an independent body comprised of some of Canada’s most prestigious architects and planners also guides and informs the organization’s projects.

Since 2005, Waterfront Toronto has completed several parks and public spaces projects in addition to the wavedecks. The organization started construction of Sherbourne Park in July and will start building Canada’s Sugar Beach this fall. Construction is also underway to support new communities in the West Don Lands and East Bayfront.

The Governments of Canada and Ontario and the City of Toronto created Waterfront Toronto to oversee and lead the renewal of Toronto’s waterfront. Public accessibility, design excellence, sustainable development, economic development and fiscal sustainability are the key drivers of waterfront revitalization.

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For background information on the Spadina WaveDeck and the Master Plan for Lake Ontario Park, please visit www.waterfrontoronto.ca.

For more information about the landscape architects, please visit www.west8.com; www.dtah.com and www.fieldoperations.net.

Media Contacts:
Samantha Gileno, Waterfront Toronto 416-214-1344 x264 or 416-271-1316

Developed using input collected over months of public consultation, the proposed Terms of Reference define critical elements of the study, including its goals, alternatives for consideration, evaluation process and consultation plan.

“These Terms of Reference are a blueprint for an inclusive and transparent process that will consider key options and hear all viewpoints on the future of the eastern Gardiner,” said Waterfront Toronto President and CEO John Campbell.

“We are confident that this study will lead to an informed decision that supports the sustainable renewal of our lakefront and creates lasting value for Torontonians.”

The Gardiner environmental assessment process meets and exceeds the requirements of the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act by incorporating an urban design study that will consider the form and function of existing and planned public spaces that neighbour the expressway.

Four potential outcomes will be carefully examined, including removal, replacement, improvement, and maintaining the status quo. Each option will be weighed against criteria related to five overarching project goals: revitalizing the waterfront, reconnecting the city with the lake, balancing modes of travel, achieving sustainability and creating economic value.

As with the development of the Terms of Reference, the Gardiner Environmental Assessment and Integrated Urban Design Study will feature a strong public consultation component, with opportunities for the public to be actively engaged and to provide input at every stage of the process. Public meetings will be held across the City and a dedicated website (www.gardinerconsultation.ca) will feature e-consultations that mirror face-to-face consultations.

“We are pleased that the environmental assessment is moving forward according to schedule and on budget,” said Campbell.

The draft Terms of Reference will be tabled with City Council’s Executive Committee on June 2 and City Council on July 6/7. Pending authorization from Council, the Terms of Reference will be submitted to the Ontario Minister of the Environment (MOE) for final approval in September. If the Terms of Reference are approved following the 12-week MOE approval process, the environmental assessment is expected to commence as early as January 2010 and be completed by the end of 2011.

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Media contact: Michelle Noble, Waterfront Toronto, 647-288-8048

Media Kit

News Release (pdf)
Draft EA Terms of Reference (pdf)
Backgrounder – Draft Terms of Reference (pdf)
Gardiner Expressway Fact Sheet (pdf)
Preliminary Record of Consultation – Terms of Reference Stage (pdf)

Located on the shores of Lake Ontario and bounded by Superior Avenue Parkette in the east and Norris Crescent Parkette in the west, the park provides west end Toronto residents with a new lakefront public green space in an area that previously lacked public access to the waterfront.

Improving public access to the waterfront across Toronto is a key priority for Waterfront Toronto and its federal, provincial and municipal government partners who provided the $10.6 million to create the park.

“I’m pleased to be here on behalf of Minister Baird and our Government today. Since 2006, our Government has continued to deliver real results for the people of Toronto and all of Canada, said David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister John Baird. “We look forward to seeing Canadians enjoying Mimico Waterfront Park, and indeed the entire waterfront from east to west in the GTA.”

The park re-establishes the Mimico community as a recreational destination and is expected to help re-invigorate the local economy.

“The opening of Mimico Waterfront Park is yet another important step in realizing our city’s lakefront potential,” said George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. “Along with our recent decision to end power generation on Mississauga’s Lakeview site, this new waterfront green space is an example of fulfilling our government’s commitment to re-connect our communities to our lakeshore.”

“Mimico Waterfront Park will provide a critical link allowing our Etobicoke-Lakeshore community to enjoy one of our city’s, and the province’s, most important natural assets – Lake Ontario – now and in the future,” said Laurel Broten, Etobicoke-Lakeshore MPP. “It has and will continue to be a key force driving the revitalization of the lakeshore and will no doubt have a positive impact on our community’s future prosperity and quality of life.”

Built in two-years, Mimico Waterfront Park was constructed through a lakefilling process along a narrow section of the existing shoreline in order to connect existing local parks. Restoration and shoreline enhancements to terrestrial and aquatic habitats are key elements of the park. The park also features a new section of the popular multi-use waterfront trail, a breakwater island to protect the new aquatic plantings, new sand dunes and cobble beaches for recreational enjoyment and optimal views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline.

“Toronto is committed to returning its spectacular waterfront to the people of this city,” said Mayor David Miller. “Facilities and parks like this one are how we are doing that. From Scarborough to Etobicoke, we have a remarkable natural asset that people should be able to access and enjoy.”

Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA), an integral partner in the revitalization of Toronto’s waterfront, was responsible for the planning and building of the new park.

“Building parks takes vision, time, money and most importantly the dedication of many individuals,” said Gerri-Lynn O’Connor, TRCA Chair. “The Mimico Waterfront Park project was lucky enough to have them all.”

Waterfront Toronto’s revitalization of the city’s lakefront includes the creation of more than 300 hectares of new and improved parks and public spaces –the equivalent of 750 football fields.

“The completion of this park is another milestone for Waterfront Toronto,” said Mark Wilson, Waterfront Toronto Chair. “Today’s opening represents progress in advancing the revitalization vision across Toronto’s waterfront from east to west.”

Since 2005, Waterfront Toronto has completed several parks and public spaces projects, including the Western Beaches Watercourse, York and John Quay promenades, Port Union Waterfront Park, Cherry Beach improvements and the Marilyn Bell Park promenade and trail. Next month, Waterfront Toronto will open phase one of the central waterfront at the Spadina Head of Slip and the new Cherry Beach Sports Fields.

Waterfront Toronto is working closely with TRCA and its government partners towards the implementation of Phase 2 of Mimico Waterfront Park.

The Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto created Waterfront Toronto to oversee and lead the renewal of Toronto’s waterfront.

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Media Contacts:

Tanya Bevington, Waterfront Toronto 416-214-1344 x239 or 647-267-5511
Amanda Galbraith, Office of the Minister, Environment Canada 819-997-1441
Laurel Ostfield, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Minister’s Office 416-327-4418
Don Wanagas, City of Toronto, Mayor’s Office 416-338-7134

Media Kit

News Release (pdf)
Parks and Public Spaces Framework Backgrounder (pdf)

The results of the environmental assessment will determine the feasibility and logistical requirements for removing the Gardiner from Jarvis east to the Don Valley Parkway. The environmental assessment process, expected to take several years to complete, will include a thorough public consultation component and an extensive in-depth technical analysis.

“We are delighted that City Council has approved our proposal to undertake a comprehensive environmental assessment of removing the Gardiner east of Jarvis,” said Mark Wilson, Chair of Waterfront Toronto Board of Directors. “Council’s decision advances the momentum for waterfront revitalization.

“No final decisions will be made about the Gardiner until the environmental assessment is completed and its recommendations considered by both the Board of Waterfront Toronto and City Council,” added Wilson.

Part of the environmental assessment process will include examining all alternative solutions. Development of an approved design, a construction management plan and an environmental management plan are also expected to be included in the process. A comprehensive study of both regional and local traffic impacts is anticipated.

The environmental assessment will also determine the cost of the proposed removal of the Gardiner east of Jarvis and replacing it with a waterfront boulevard.

The environmental assessment will begin with a year-long examination to determine its scope of work. The first step is for Waterfront Toronto to work with the City to determine the parameters of the assessment and urban design principals, and then undertake a request for proposal process to hire an environmental consultant to lead the project. Terms of reference for the assessment will be developed with input gained through public consultations. City Council and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment approval of the terms of reference for the environmental assessment are required.

“Undertaking an environmental assessment of removing the Gardiner is a first step towards reconnecting Toronto to its Lake, improving north-south routes, and strengthening transit-first approaches,” said John Campbell, President and CEO of Waterfront Toronto. “It also moves us closer to enabling the new communities and developments underway in East Bayfront and West Don Lands to become true waterfront communities. And it means we are all working towards making Toronto and its waterfront, more beautiful.”

After consideration and debate the board of Waterfront Toronto unanimously decided in June to recommend removing the Gardiner from Jarvis east to the Don Valley Parkway and replacing it with a great street similar to University Avenue. City Council was asked to approve the recommended approach and for the City to be a co-proponent with Waterfront Toronto in initiating an individual environmental assessment.

The Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto created Waterfront Toronto to oversee and lead the renewal of Toronto’s waterfront. Public accessibility, design excellence, sustainable development, economic development and fiscal sustainability are the key drivers of waterfront revitalization.

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Media contact:

Marisa Piattelli, Waterfront Toronto 416-214-1476 (office) or 416-561-1366 (mobile)

For more information on the Gardiner Expressway please click here.

News Release (pdf)

• The Board of Waterfront Toronto moved today to recommend to City Council the initiation of an Individual Environmental Assessment to consider the partial takedown of the Gardiner Expressway from Jarvis Street to the Don Valley Parkway and to replace the structure with a“great street”.
• Waterfront Toronto will seek Council approval for the recommended approach and for the City to be a co-proponent with Waterfront Toronto in initiating an Individual Environmental Assessment.
• In moving this motion, the Board of Waterfront Toronto is expressing its belief that the time has come to deal with this long-standing issue and to redefine the Gardiner’s role in a revitalized waterfront.
• We are also expressing our belief that the future growth and vitality of the waterfront, and of the City of Toronto more broadly, will be based on enhanced transit initiatives and transit infrastructure sol utions including those being implemented by the City, GO Transit and Metrolinx.
• Our decision today is consistent with Waterfront Toronto principles of sustainable, intelligent city building. It is consistent with a global movement that seeks to put the environment and transit increasingly at the forefront of solutions to urban growth challenges.
• The Board’s discussion and decision today represent, fundamentally, an approach focused on the future and the vision of the kind of city and waterfront we want to build.· It will enhance the sustai nable communities that Waterfront Toronto is building in the West Don Lands, East Bayfront, and Lower Don Lands.
• The EA will be the opportunity to go beyond examining road alternatives – it should define a transportation strategy for the area and an achievable plan for distributing demand among all available modes. This is an opportunity to facilitate discussion of multi-directional accessibilityby all modes – vehicles, pedestrians, transit, cyclists – within the area and to the adjacent areas.
• And, as always, Waterfront Toronto will commit to ensuring full, timely engagement by the public on this issue.

Media Kit

News Release (pdf)
Proposed Motion (pdf)
Chair’s Summation (pdf)
Traffic Study Backgrounder (pdf)
Presentation – June 12, 2008 (pdf)
Executive Summary (pdf)
Fact Sheet (pdf)
Backgrounder (pdf)

Waterfront Toronto, working with City officials, undertook a technical study of the Gardiner Expressway/Lake Shore Boulevard Corridor in 2006. Waterfront Toronto is recommending removal of the Gardiner from Jarvis Street to the Don Valley Parkway. The approach is consistent with Waterfront Toronto’s vision to reconnect the city to its waterfront, develop better north/south pedestrian connections and improve the quality of place in the new communities under development in East Bayfront and the West Don Lands. The approach balances public and waterfront benefits with financial viability.

“It’s time to address the long standing issue of the Gardiner”, said John Campbell, President and CEO of Waterfront Toronto. “Waterfront Toronto is advancing planning and implementation of new communities around the Gardiner. The challenge is to find realistic options that address revitalization objectives and intelligent, sustainable city-building principles including looking to transit to accommodate future growth. Ultimately, any option should help us build a more beautiful city and waterfront.”

With Waterfront Toronto Board approval, the recommendation will be submitted to City Council for final decision.

“This is the most practical approach and offers the greatest public benefits,” said Mayor David Miller, a member of Waterfront Toronto’s board, “Removing the eastern section of the Gardiner is an affordable step that will allow us to develop the East Bayfront, Lower Don Lands and West Don Lands properly while enhancing the public realm along Lake Shore and improving access to our waterfront. We have already seen what can be done.”

Following Council approval, a full Environmental Assessment will be undertaken before any work begins.

Waterfront Toronto will be holding a briefing for media on Friday, May 30th at 11:30 a.m. at Waterfront Toronto offices at 20 Bay Street, Suite 1310 – Main Boardroom.

The Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto created Waterfront Toronto to oversee and lead the renewal of Toronto’s waterfront. Public accessibility, design excellence, sustainable development, economic development and fiscal sustainability are the key drivers of waterfront revitalization.

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Media contact:

Marisa Piattelli, Waterfront Toronto, 416-214-1476
Stuart Green, Mayor’s Office, City of Toronto, 416-338-7119

Media Kit

News Release (pdf)
Executive Summary (pdf)
Fact Sheet (pdf)
Backgrounder (pdf)
Presentation – May 30, 2008 (pdf)
Images (pdf)