The Western Beaches Public Realm Plan will provide an updated vision for the Western Beaches in Toronto’s Western Waterfront, based upon the changing conditions and priorities since the completion of the 2009 Western Waterfront Master Plan.
The context of the Western Beaches has changed since 2009. Developments such as rising lake levels, shoreline erosion, an aging break water, the COVID-19 pandemic, the adoption of the Reconciliation Action Plan, and increased awareness of the historical and cultural significance of the mouth of the Humber River have influenced the implementation of the Western Waterfront Master Plan and resulted in the need for an updated plan.
This Western Beaches Public Realm Plan is being conducted by the Waterfront Secretariat, along with staff from City Planning, Transportation Services, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, Toronto Water, Corporate Real Estate Management and the Toronto Region and Conservation Authority.
The update to the 2009 plan will discuss progress made, as well as listing current initiatives, reconfirming project objectives, refreshing priority actions, and identifying new opportunities for improvements to the parks, trails, roads, and other facilities that support the Western Beaches.
The objectives for the Western Beaches Public Realm Plan:
The Western Beaches spans over four kilometers and covers an area of 120 hectares. It extends from the mouth of the Humber River in the west to the eastern end of Marilyn Bell Park. Its northern boundary follows the historic shoreline along the CN Rail Corridor embankment and The Queensway, while its southern boundary extends into Lake Ontario beyond the existing break water.
The Western Waterfront Master Plan (WWMP) was approved by City Council in 2009. Its purpose was to provide a vision for the Western Waterfront and guide future decisions regarding improvements to the public realm. The plan aimed to shape the development and transformation of the Western Waterfront over the next few decades. It has proposed several large initiatives such as north-south pedestrian and cyclist crossings, enhancements to the Martin Goodman Trail, expanded beaches with improved water quality, and increased opportunities for water-based recreation.
The findings and proposed implementation recommendations are anticipated to be reported to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee in late 2024.
The review will assess which initiatives should be advanced and will involve engagement with various stakeholders, the public, as well as Indigenous communities.
Thank you so much for your input! The comment period ended December 13, 2023.
Our online survey received over one thousand comments and points of feedback. Respondents shared their experiences on how they travel and use the Western Beaches area as well as their perspectives on improving the area.
The interactive map and the comments can still be viewed on Social Pinpoint. More information and details about the project is coming in 2024.