Toronto is on a Mission…
…to beautifying its waterfront; taking its former industrial roots to a vibrant area that connects its people to Lake Ontario
Why? Because We Have Fallen Way Behind.
As a notable global city, Toronto’s waterfront is highly underrated. New York, London, Miami, Dubai all use their waterfronts as a “crowning jewel”; their shores a beacon for strong, economic growth and community hubs. In this regard, Toronto is still seriously lacking.
Our First Efforts
In 1972, Toronto made its first step towards gaining better use of its waterfront when we launched the Harbourfront Project that gave us Queens Quay Terminal and Harbourfront Centre.
Other projects have included cleanup and revitalization of areas such as Cherry Beach, York, Portlands, several promenades and the Martin Goodman Trail.
But…I Thought We Were Doing Pretty Good
Our ranking comes as a surprise as we Torontonians traverse along our 46km trails that stretch and hug the northern shores of Lake Ontario…from Etobicoke Creek to the Rouge River.
Surely we’ve made an impression with the addition of parks such as HTO, Ireland Park, Bathurst Street Common and let’s not forget Sugar Beach with treelined interlocking paths, boardwalk additions, restaurant patios and tributary waterways.
So Why Are We Falling So Short on the Global Measuring Stick?
With 18th century military roots and then a booming industrial era, Toronto still has a long way to go to separate itself from its utilitarian history.
Waterfront Toronto is Moving Things Forward
A driving force for a better waterfront future is “Waterfront Toronto” established in 1999. Including Federal, Provincial and Municipal funding and developers, the shaping of this essential task force is why we have an exciting future.
This task force identified 6 key areas that have become central to forming new ideas:
- Character and Identity
- Arts and Entertainment
- Marine Activity
- Sustainability
- Parks and Public Space
- Community and Equity
Today, We Highlight One of Toronto’s First Projects in This Mission: The Wavedecks
The Wavedecks were a visible sign of Waterfront Toronto’s ongoing promise and were constructed between 2007 to 2009, its designs marking our uniquely Canadian heritage.
Going back to our 6 key areas above, The Wavedecks hit the mark in all six:
- Character and Identity: The unique wooden design is akin to cottage life that truly marks Canadian life.
- Arts and Entertainment: Their stage like appearance and spacial design allow for performances, buskers and other artful spaces.
- Marine Activity: With removable pieces, they allow smaller boating vessels to be boarded. They also act as urban docks.
- Sustainability: The underlying areas and Riverstone shoals provide fish habitats.
- Parks and Public Space: Replacing previous narrow sidewalks, they allow for seating, pedestrian accessibility and gathering spaces.
- Community and Equity: Many features speak to their accessible routes and easy traversing for all.
These 3 wavedecks (Spadina, Rees and Simcoe) will be joined by a 4th near Parliament Street for future construction.
What Other Waterfront Projects Are on the Horizon?
my-toronto.ca will continue to highlight Waterfront Toronto’s upcoming projects as their exciting features elevate our shores to new heights:
- Quayside Development: Mixed-use neighbourhood. Construction in 2026
- Ookwemin (formerly Villier’s Island): Many features, parklands, amenities
- Biidaasige Park: 62-acre waterfront park, attracting 1 million annual visitors
- Lakeshore Blvd. East: Enhanced Cycling and Pedestrian networks
- Port Lands: Public and Natural parks
- Waterfront LRT: Transit connections
- Keating Channel: Environmental and beautification initiatives
- The above initiatives include striking features such as Wooden Foot Bridges, a Signature S-Shaped Bridge, Art Trails, roadways, flood protection features, parks, plazas and mixed-use buildings.
As we respectfully move from our industrial beginnings to a more community-centric shoreline, Toronto’s Waterfront promises an energetic and lucrative future for our community and economic growth.
