Fact Sheet: Harbourfront Parks and Open Space System -- Phase I
The original Harbourfront Implementation Agreement encompasses approximately 40.5 hectares (100 acres) of prime land and water. In 1991, 16 hectares (40 acres) of this land were designated for use as parklands and water's edge promenades.
Harbourfront is bounded on the north by Lake Shore Boulevard and the Gardiner Expressway, on the west by Stadium Road, on the east by York Street, and on the south by Toronto's Inner Harbour on the north shore of Lake Ontario.
The focus of the Harbourfront Parks and Open Space System is to transform Toronto's central waterfront into a destination for international tourism, national celebration and local enjoyment.
In 2002, the City of Toronto undertook an extensive public consultation process that served to develop a vision for the parks and open space system and to guide next steps. From this consultation, the key themes, principles and objectives of the Harbourfront Parks and Open Space System were developed. They are:
Project a strong urban character and image, and strong commitment to design excellence;
Create a cultural and heritage destination;
Protect and enhance the natural environment;
Be physically connected to the larger community;
Offer continuity within the Harbourfront Parks system;
Create a destination that connects people to the water;
Balance the needs of both residents and visitors;
Add to the neighbourhood quality of life;
Encourage the year round use of the harbourfront;
Create flexible public spaces and facilities;
Emphasize landmarks and views;
Project a sense of safety and security; and
Accommodate and enhance existing uses.
The Phase I development of the Harbourfront Parks and Open Space System will focus on Maple Leaf Quay East, Maple Leaf Quay West, and their related slips. Together these parcels of land total approximately 1.7 hectares (4.2 acres). Prior to development, and as part of the detailed design, there will be additional public consultation. Construction is expected to begin in 2004 and be completed in 2005.
Phase I will cost approximately $7.5 million to develop. About $13 million are available for implementing parkland developments and improvements for all phases of the Harbourfront Parks and Open Space System.
In the fall of 2002, City Council established the Harbourfront Parks Steering Committee, chaired by Councillor Joe Pantalone, and approved the competition process in January 2003. The Steering Committee developed the competition process and will continue to assist with future phases of implementation.
Twenty responses were received for the initial Call for Expressions of Interest (Stage I) at the beginning of 2003. Expressions of interest were evaluated based on their commitment to design excellence and a proven ability to design, develop and construct significant waterfront parks. Also evaluated were team composition, and the general approach the team intended to bring to the project. Based on this, the evaluation team selected five firms for interviews. Following the interviews, three teams were selected to proceed to the Conceptual Design stage - Stage II.
Stage II, formally a Request for Proposals included a two-day workshop at which the three teams received all necessary background information for the project. Also at the workshop, the preliminary program, design framework and phasing priorities were refined. The three design teams that proceeded to Stage II were:
Janet Rosenberg & Associates, Landscape Architects Inc. (Toronto) / Claude Cormier Architectes Paysagistes Inc. (Montreal) with:
Hariri Pontarini Architects (Toronto)
Allen Kani Associates (Environmental Engineering - Toronto)
Susan Schelle, Artist, who in the last 25 years has shown both nationally and internationally. She has served on numerous boards including The Toronto Sculpture Garden, and the Powerplant.
The Harbourfront Park Steering Committee is comprised of:
Councillor Joe Pantalone, Councillor, Ward 19, Harbourfront Park Steering Committee Chair
Councillor Olivia Chow, Councillor, Ward 20
Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong, Councillor, Ward 34, Chair, Economic Development and Parks Committee, City of Toronto
Frank Kershaw, Director, Policy & Development Division, Economic Development Culture & Tourism, City of Toronto
Lynda Macdonald, Manager, Special Projects, Urban Development Services, City of Toronto
John Bessai, Harbourfront Resident
Cathy Connolly, Harbourfront Resident
Bill Boyle, CEO, Harbourfront Centre
George Dark, Design Community, Toronto Friends of Parks and Trees, OALA member
Carolyn Woodland, Design Community, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, OALA member
