Today, Mayor Mel Lastman released the City's draft plan to renew the central waterfront. Making Waves: Principles for Building Toronto's Waterfront puts forward "23 Big Moves" for successful renewal of the 10-kilometre area between Dowling and Coxwell Avenues. The Big Moves include a grand waterfront boulevard for Lake Shore Boulevard, a series of new waterfront communities, a spectacular pier and public plaza at the foot of Yonge Street and new parks for the East Bayfront, Port Lands and Fort York.

"Waterfront renewal is a great opportunity for our city – economically, socially and financially," said Mayor Mel Lastman. "We have started down a road that is going to make a difference to people for generations to come. The Central Waterfront Plan is the next step on this exciting journey."

Renewing Toronto's waterfront represents an investment in the future of Canada's largest city and an important means of achieving key social, economic and environmental objectives. Each of the three levels of government has committed $500 million – $1.5 billion in total – to the initiative.

"Toronto is demonstrating the smart sustainable way to grow urban centres in this plan," said Councillor Joe Pantalone, chair of the City's Planning and Transportation Committee and Waterfront Reference Group.

Members of the public are encouraged to comment on the Central Waterfront Plan in community meetings to be held in November. Following public consultation, the report will be presented to the Waterfront Reference Group, the Planning and Transportation Committee and Council for approval.

While City Council maintains authority over all land use decisions, the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation headed by Robert Fung is responsible for overseeing the renewal of Toronto's waterfront over the next 20 years in consultation with the three governments. In the coming months, the corporation will develop a comprehensive business strategy for waterfront renewal that is consistent with the Central Waterfront Part II Plan. The City will then work with the corporation, major stakeholders and the public to develop area-specific precinct development strategies that detail street and block patterns, building heights, urban design and housing targets.

Community meetings are scheduled for November 5, 13, 15 and 17, 2001 in each of four city districts. The location of the meetings will be announced shortly.