Fireside Chat: Past, Present and Future of Toronto's Waterfront, September 19, 2024

On September 19, 2024, we launched our 2023-2024 Integrated Annual Report: Our New Waterfront to a group of stakeholders and community leaders at The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery. The event featured Chris Glaisek, Waterfront Toronto’s Chief Planning and Design Officer, in conversation with Steve Paikin, host of TVO’s The Agenda.

View this recording for a lively discussion about the past, present and future of Toronto’s downtown waterfront. Waterfront Toronto has accomplished a great deal in its 20 plus years – delivering flood protection, housing, transit, beautiful parks and public spaces – and there is more to be done for our waterfront to reach its full potential.

[cmtvqgo]

This is the most important construction planning project for the entire country as Toronto is our largest city on a global scale.

[adjmm]

With the housing ghetto on Villiers Island the eastern waterfront will become an enclave for a privileged few and in 25 plus years those still alive will weep at how we could have turned over precious waterfront lands to developers.

[G]

7:48 The Gardener Hyrbid Solution of moving it to being over the rail lines sounds like a great idea. In addition to all the mentioned benefits it would likely reduce weather impacts in blocking snow and ice effects on the interchanges.

[rolandtb]

Accessibility, year round attractions, multiple activities, safety, holiday options - stay, fish, photography, sail, ride, walk, canoe, shopping, multiple transport modes.

[ETRdotTV]

Great to see this discussion of what should probably be the highest priority project in central Canada now. In addition to fostering support by all levels of government, the opportunity is to build political capital with every political stripe. This project is far too important for anything less. While Waterfront Toronto has not achieved perfection - not even close - it is the best chance we've had yet at success. Kudos to your efforts.

[jules]

Yes please build the LRT in its own lane! I live in the area and even the sidewalks are too small with how many people use them, especially in warmer months. Transit may take some of this congestion.