Ken Greenberg and PUBLIC WORK have been retained by the Waterfront BIA at a critical moment in the evolution of Toronto’s  Central Waterfront to come up with strategies for  improving eight critical north-south connections at Yonge, Bay, York, Simcoe, Rees, Spadina, Dan Leckie Way and Bathurst. Taken together these  interventions have  the potential when realized to powerfully reshape perceptions and use of the entire area on both side of the barriers currently formed by the combined transportation corridors of the rail and Gardiner/Lakeshore. 

As the city grows and changes, so too do the demands on its public realm and people’s perceptions about place are rapidly altering.  This initiative called ‘Waterfront Reconnect’ initiative will play a critical role in the emerging network of vital links emerging across the entire waterfront. The BIA is playing a leadership role working closely with the City and Watefront Toronto to harness the combined energy and resources of a number of key public and private sector actors in this endeavor drawing on recent collaborative models like the Bentway.  

Beginning in October 2019, a first “Waterfront ReConnect” improvement is occurring under the Gardiner at Rees Street and Lakeshore, including: 

• “Framing the room” – painting of bents and girders with reflective gold to enhance and brighten the space.

• Vision Zero pedestrian marking enhancements from City of Toronto Transportation to make the space feel safer and separated from vehicles.

• “Whispers” – quotes including wayfinding elements leading pedestrians north and south and welcoming visitors.

The Waterfront BIA is also working on additional underpass options in 2020 including lighting enhancements. 

The improvements are being made by the Waterfront BIA in partnership with the City of Toronto’s Economic Development and Culture and Transportation Departments with Waterfront Toronto as project manager with  strong support from City Councillor Joe Cressy. 

Waterfront ReConnect improvements are intended to be temporary over the next 5-8 years as the Gardiner Rehabilitation is completed through the downtown core. The precedent has been set in Toronto to take the lead in maximizing underpasses as welcoming public spaces with the world-class Bentway and Underpass Park. Additional planning is underway with the City of Toronto and Waterfront Toronto preparing plans for more substantial permanent public realm enhancements following the Gardiner East realignment. The long-term vision of ‘Waterfront ReConnect’ is to combine with those other visionary plans and have a new type of enhanced, people-first public space. This is the City of Toronto’s opportunity to turn the Gardiner into one of its greatest assets.