Construction in Toronto’s Port Lands kicks off!
By Newinhomes on Jan 15, 2018
Remember back in June 2017 when all levels of government announced more than $1 billion in funding for Toronto’s Port Lands Flood Protection project? Well, construction has commenced!
Julie Dabrusin, Member of Parliament for Toronto–Danforth, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Ontario Minister of Children and Youth Services Michael Coteau (on behalf of Minister of Infrastructure Bob Chiarelli), and Toronto Mayor John Tory joined Chief of the Mississaugas of New Credit First Nation, Stacey R. Laforme, and CEO of Waterfront Toronto, Will Fleissig, to announce the start of construction on the Cherry Street Stormwater and Lakefilling project.
“The start of construction in Toronto’s Port Lands marks an important milestone in the City’s vision for a vibrant, clean Toronto waterfront,” says Tory. “This is the beginning of unlocking the potential of our underutilized waterfront lands, protecting the area from flooding and supporting new places to live, work and play in Toronto.”
This $65 million project will work towards flood protection and optimizing water and stormwater infrastructure, allowing this area of the city to adapt to climate change and form a foundation for future complete communities.
“We know infrastructure is about more than buildings and roads. It’s about improving lives and creating opportunities for the people of Ontario,” says Chiarelli. “This project will lead, over time, to increased access to the waterfront and successful new communities where families can thrive and businesses can grow and create new jobs.”
The project will also realign Cherry St. to allow for the development of new roads and transit into the Port Lands. Eventually, the Port Lands will be able to support new parks, residential buildings, and commercial space, allowing Toronto to better accommodate its rapid growth and population influx.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform an underused resource in the heart of downtown,” says Fleissig. “Flood protecting the Port Lands will make way for sustainable new communities that deliver affordable housing and job opportunities. This project will enhance Toronto’s resilience to extreme weather, while also restoring a natural environment for all Canadians to explore.”
We understand the Port Lands area is far from ready for development, but it truly is exciting to see this neighbourhood of the city being primed for a bright future.
There’s so much going on along Toronto’s eastern waterfront that there’s a ton of potential for developers already in the area to get involved in the future of the Port Lands.
Tridel is developing Bayside, Menkes just unveiled the name of their master-plan at 100 Queens Quay East, and Daniels is super busy at Daniels Waterfront – City of the Arts. With all these big names already in the area, we’re excited to see what the future of the Port Lands holds!
