PUBLISHED: FEBRUARY 27, 2025

In This Blog: 

• ​Waterfront Toronto is working to create a vibrant, connected waterfront that belongs to everyone. That vision is only possible through a strong commitment to accessibility in everything we make and do. 

• This vision has underpinned our long-standing commitment to accessibility and has guided the last year of work with our Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC).  

• Over the past year the AAC has reviewed five of our new public realm projects plus the Waterfront Accessibility Design Guidelines, applying the principles and technical requirements of the Guidelines, as well as lived experience. 

• Some core themes emerged around delineating spaces, wayfinding, amenities, and access.  

• In 2025 the AAC will review more public realm projects, while Waterfront Toronto will continue to raise awareness about the Guidelines and build connections in the accessibility community. 

Waterfront Toronto’s Commitment to Accessibility 

In the introductory letter to our Waterfront Accessibility Design Guidelines (Version 1.0) (Guidelines), President and CEO, George Zegarac writes, “Waterfront Toronto is working to create a vibrant, connected waterfront that belongs to everyone. That vision is only possible through a strong commitment to accessibility in everything we make and do.” ​This vision has underpinned our long-standing commitment to accessibility and has guided the last year of work with our Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC).

Formed in December 2023, the AAC brings together individuals with lived experience, professional expertise, advocates and caregivers – all of whom have a passion for an accessible and inclusive waterfront. It was one of the main commitments arising from the process creating our Guidelines: to maintain a steadfast commitment to ongoing engagement with individuals with disabilities.

An artist’s rendering of the 13 Moons Ceremonial Shade Structure. 

 
Accessibility Advisory Committee Year in Review 

Over the past year the AAC reviewed several of our new public realm projects that are currently in the design phase. Through these reviews, committee members applied the principles and technical requirements of the Guidelines, as well as lived experience, and advocated for accessible and inclusive public spaces on the waterfront where everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate. The five projects presented to the committee were Quayside Infrastructure and Public Realm, Queens Quay East Extension, Keating Channel Pedestrian Bridge (Equinox Bridge), Sherbourne Common Public Art (Unfinished Arch), and the 13 Moons Ceremonial Shade Structure being built as part of Biidaasige Park. They also reviewed the Guidelines themselves, providing us with valuable feedback that will inform an update to the Guidelines.  

Several common themes emerged over the course of four meetings, including the importance of: 

• Delineating space: Clearly distinguishing between different modes of travel (i.e. bikes, pedestrians and vehicles) and indicating changes in grade or hazards. 

• Wayfinding: Providing below eye-level lighting, tactile signage and audio options.  

• Furniture and Amenities: Ensuring public furniture (i.e. benches, picnic tables, etc.) is accessible and provides options for companion seating. 

• Access: Designing pick-up and drop-off areas to accommodate Wheel-Trans, and including seasonal maintenance strategies in all public space. 

Waterfront Toronto participated in Evergreen’s Annual Conference on city-building, sharing information about the Guidelines and profiling two Accessibility Advisory Committee Members, Roman Romanov and Chris Stigas. 

During the review of Sherbourne Common Public Art (Unfinished Arch), Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, the internationally-renowned Mexican-Canadian artist creating the piece, commented: “I’ve been making public art around the world for 30 years, but I had never been through such a thorough accessibility process. I have family members with special needs who have benefited greatly from thoughtful design and accommodations, so I’m really proud to be a part of this process because I get to learn, and it’s very exciting. Thank you for the work that you guys do. It’s fabulous." 

This heartfelt and powerful statement deeply resonated with the committee members, sparking a renewed sense of purpose and emphasizing the meaningful impact of the work we're accomplishing together. 

What’s Next? 

It has been a rewarding year of building relationships, learning and growing together. In addition to working with the AAC, we’ve been raising awareness about the Guidelines with sector-wide colleagues, including hosting a panel discussion at the Evergreen Conference. We have also focused on building stronger connections with the accessibility community. Waterfront Toronto joined ULI’s Accelerating Accessibility Coalition, with a clear declaration of our corporate commitment to advancing accessibility. And, we were pleased to have Park People profile the Waterfront Accessibility Design Guidelines and the AAC in its 2024 Canadian City Parks Report. 

In 2025, more public realm projects will be presented to the AAC for review, and Waterfront Toronto will continue raising awareness and strengthening connections within the accessibility community. We look forward to building on the work we have done and creating a vibrant, connected waterfront that belongs to everyone. 

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