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Waterfront news releases |
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June 20, 2002 - Revitalization of Toronto's waterfront underway
Robert Fung, Chairman of the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation, David Collenette, Federal Transport Minister and Minister responsible for the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario Minister of Finance Janet Ecker, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Chris Hodgson, and City of Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman today jointly announced that the first projects for the revitalization of Toronto's waterfront are now underway.
"These priority projects are the foundation for the overall renewal of Toronto's waterfront," said Mr. Fung, whose organization is mandated by the three levels of government to oversee waterfront revitalization. "Strong and committed political leadership as well as a high level of intergovernmental cooperation have made today possible."
The projects are the Front Street Extension, Union Station Subway Platform Expansion, Portlands Preparation Project and the Naturalization and Flood Protection for the Lower Don River.
"This is an important milestone in the realization of a renewed waterfront that will enhance Toronto's economic vitality, social development, transportation system, and environmental sustainability," said Minister Collenette. "This is an excellent example of all levels of government working together to revitalize Toronto's waterfront."
Waterfront renewal in Toronto represents a major investment in the future of Canada's largest city. The three levels of government have committed $1.5 billion, including $300 million for these first projects. This partnership among the three levels of government is expected to achieve key environmental, housing, transit, transportation and economic objectives.
"The extension of Front Street is a good start to the revitalization of Toronto's waterfront," said Hodgson. "It is a great example of co-operation among government."
"Ontario, through SuperBuild, is working with our partners to invest in Toronto's future," said Minister Ecker. "The waterfront is a network of dynamic new neighbourhoods, offering high-quality jobs and recreational access."
The four projects play an important role in the plan to revitalize Toronto's waterfront:
- Extending Front Street will improve transportation networks in the waterfront area;
- Constructing a second subway platform at Union Station will support public transit networks in the waterfront area;
- Preparation of the Portlands district for cultural, recreational, and commercial uses on what is currently underutilized and contaminated land;
- Formal environmental assessment and design work for the renaturalization of the mouth of the Don River, which would allow for the development of a vibrant community in the West Don Lands.
"For decades, Torontonians have been dreaming of a waterfront that they can live, work and play on," said Mayor Lastman. "That dream starts coming true today and I can't tell you how thrilled I am to see it happening."
Each priority project has a designated agency that is working in conjunction with the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation (TWRC) to carry out the work. The first phase for each project involves pre-design and environmental approvals.
TWRC and the designated agencies will keep the public informed as work progresses on Front Street and the other three projects and provide opportunities for public input.
The first public consultation meeting for the Front Street Extension is scheduled for June 22, 2002 at Trinity Community Centre, 155 Crawford Street, from 10 a.m. to noon.
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