The eastern shore of Toronto Harbour will gain a new lease on life as a $61-million project is initiated to clean up and service valuable land in the Port Lands district that holds great promise as a significant residential community and a node for new economy businesses.
Many sites contained in the Port Lands, East Bay Front and West Don Lands are a prime target for redevelopment. Environmental remediation will be a key component in this effort. Using a mix of full-scale remediation, bioremediation and risk management approaches based on future uses, human health hazards and ecological risks will be eliminated or contained so that the lands can be used for a variety of purposes. The project will be overseen by the Waterfront Toronto and managed by Canada Lands Company, Ontario Realty Corporation and City of Toronto Economic Development Corporation (TEDCO).
The Central Waterfront Plan prepared by the City of Toronto proposes a wider range of commercial/ industrial uses for the area in recognition of the changing nature of the new economy. This would include a future centre for mixed residential and business uses, particularly high-tech companies. The Plan is currently the subject of City-wide public meetings.
The three levels of government through the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation will lay the foundation for a revitalized Port Lands district by removing the most obvious impediments to new public use and private sector investment. Specific initiatives will include:
- introducing new economy business opportunities
- developing an overall land management strategy for the area
- remediating soil and groundwater
- improving access to and from transportation routes, including transit, in the area
- implementing a sanitary sewer separation program
- enhancing recreational opportunities and waterfront access.
This Port Lands preparation work is one of four projects to be addressed on a priority basis. Plans for environmental remediation, transportation routes, infrastructure servicing and land preparation are an integral component of the business strategy and development plan to be prepared by the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation for the Port Lands and the Toronto Waterfront as a whole. The project is to be launched early in the new year.
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