New Waterfront Park Opens in Mimico

July 28, 2008 - Waterfront Toronto together with its government partners, Toronto and Region Conservation and the local community officially opened Phase 1 of Mimico Waterfront Park today.

Located on the shores of Lake Ontario and bounded by Superior Avenue Parkette in the east and Norris Crescent Parkette in the west, the park provides west end Toronto residents with a new lakefront public green space in an area that previously lacked public access to the waterfront.

Improving public access to the waterfront across Toronto is a key priority for Waterfront Toronto and its federal, provincial and municipal government partners who provided the $10.6 million to create the park.

“I'm pleased to be here on behalf of Minister Baird and our Government today. Since 2006, our Government has continued to deliver real results for the people of Toronto and all of Canada, said David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon on behalf of Canada's Environment Minister John Baird. “We look forward to seeing Canadians enjoying Mimico Waterfront Park, and indeed the entire waterfront from east to west in the GTA.”

The park re-establishes the Mimico community as a recreational destination and is expected to help re-invigorate the local economy.

“The opening of Mimico Waterfront Park is yet another important step in realizing our city’s lakefront potential,” said George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. “Along with our recent decision to end power generation on Mississauga’s Lakeview site, this new waterfront green space is an example of fulfilling our government’s commitment to re-connect our communities to our lakeshore.”

“Mimico Waterfront Park will provide a critical link allowing our Etobicoke-Lakeshore community to enjoy one of our city’s, and the province’s, most important natural assets – Lake Ontario – now and in the future,” said Laurel Broten, Etobicoke-Lakeshore MPP. “It has and will continue to be a key force driving the revitalization of the lakeshore and will no doubt have a positive impact on our community’s future prosperity and quality of life.”

Built in two-years, Mimico Waterfront Park was constructed through a lakefilling process along a narrow section of the existing shoreline in order to connect existing local parks. Restoration and shoreline enhancements to terrestrial and aquatic habitats are key elements of the park. The park also features a new section of the popular multi-use waterfront trail, a breakwater island to protect the new aquatic plantings, new sand dunes and cobble beaches for recreational enjoyment and optimal views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline.

“Toronto is committed to returning its spectacular waterfront to the people of this city,” said Mayor David Miller. "Facilities and parks like this one are how we are doing that. From Scarborough to Etobicoke, we have a remarkable natural asset that people should be able to access and enjoy.”

Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA), an integral partner in the revitalization of Toronto’s waterfront, was responsible for the planning and building of the new park.

“Building parks takes vision, time, money and most importantly the dedication of many individuals,” said Gerri-Lynn O’Connor, TRCA Chair. “The Mimico Waterfront Park project was lucky enough to have them all.”

Waterfront Toronto’s revitalization of the city’s lakefront includes the creation of more than 300 hectares of new and improved parks and public spaces –the equivalent of 750 football fields.

“The completion of this park is another milestone for Waterfront Toronto,” said Mark Wilson, Waterfront Toronto Chair. “Today’s opening represents progress in advancing the revitalization vision across Toronto’s waterfront from east to west.”

Since 2005, Waterfront Toronto has completed several parks and public spaces projects, including the Western Beaches Watercourse, York and John Quay promenades, Port Union Waterfront Park, Cherry Beach improvements and the Marilyn Bell Park promenade and trail. Next month, Waterfront Toronto will open phase one of the central waterfront at the Spadina Head of Slip and the new Cherry Beach Sports Fields.

Waterfront Toronto is working closely with TRCA and its government partners towards the implementation of Phase 2 of Mimico Waterfront Park.

The Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto created Waterfront Toronto to oversee and lead the renewal of Toronto’s waterfront.

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Media Contacts:

Tanya Bevington, Waterfront Toronto 
Amanda Galbraith, Office of the Minister, Environment Canada 
Laurel Ostfield, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Minister’s Office 
Don Wanagas, City of Toronto, Mayor's Office