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Construction Starts on New Waterfront Park in Mimico
Toronto, July 24, 2006 - The Honourable John Baird, President of the Treasury Board of Canada and the federal Minister responsible for the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Initiative, The Honourable Laurel Broten, Ontario Minster of Environment and His Worship Toronto Mayor David Miller, today joined Peter Smith, interim chair of Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation and members of the Mimico community to officially launch the start of construction on the Mimico Waterfront Linear Park project.
One of the strategic projects identified in TWRC's Business Plan, Mimico Waterfront Linear Park stretches from Humber Bay Park in the east and Norris Crescent Parkette in the west. A key goal of this project is to provide the community with access to this section of the Lake Ontario shoreline, which currently does not exist for residents.
"Improving public access to the waterfront and giving more people reasons to use it are key priorities for waterfront revitalization," said TWRC interim chair Peter Smith. "This is why we are leading revitalization with projects like the Mimico Waterfront Linear Park. This project also shows that our waterfront is a city-wide resource."
"Canada's new Government supports the development of the Toronto waterfront from east to west," said Minister Baird. "We are excited that, soon, Torontonians will be able to enjoy a new waterfront park, beaches and extended trails along the western waterfront."
Key features of this project will include the creation of a new section of the Waterfront Trail, the formation of a sheltered embayment, the installation of a sand dune feature and cobble beaches, as well as further enhancements to terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
"This is an exciting time for revitalizing Toronto's waterfront because we're seeing plans coming off the drawing boards, and shovels going into the ground," said Minister Broten, MPP for Etobicoke-Lakeshore. "This new Mimico park will provide environmental benefits, attract tourists and give our community and other residents of Toronto better access to one of the city's best natural assets."
"Today's event signifies another important step forward in the on-going revitalization of Toronto's waterfront," said Mayor David Miller. "The Mimico Waterfront Linear Park is evidence that we are working to create clean, green public spaces along our entire shoreline from the Rouge River in the east to Etobicoke Creek in the west. I'm pleased that my mandate - to make our waterfront more accessible to all Torontonians as a place to live, work and play - continues to be realized through projects like this one."
Toronto Region and Conservation is carrying out the $6.5 million project on behalf of TWRC in a phased approach, with Phase 1 scheduled to be complete and open to the public in 2008.
Construction activities underway in 2006/07 include: lakefilling from Superior Avenue to Amos Waites Park; shoreline protection work at Amos Waites Park; and the beginning of lakefilling to form the headland beach system in the west end of the project area.
"The Mimico Waterfront Linear Park project is a great example of what can be achieved by establishing partnerships with community groups in the early planning and environmental approval years of a project," said Dick O'Brien, TRCA chair. "This project will significantly add to a healthy, accessible Lake Ontario shoreline in the west end of the city while improving habitat for fish and wildlife."
Phase 2 of the project extends from Superior Avenue Parkette to Humber Bay Park and requires property that is now privately owned. Phase 2 will start once the necessary property has been acquired.
The Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto established TWRC in 2001 to oversee and lead the renewal of Toronto's central waterfront and sites at Mimico Creek and Port Union.
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Media contacts:
Kristin Jenkins,
TWRC
416-214-1479
Mike Van Soelen,
Office of the President of Treasury Board
613-952-5051
Stuart Green,
City of Toronto, Mayor's Office
416-338-7119
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