Statement from Waterfront Toronto Board Chair, Stephen Diamond

June 30, 2020, Toronto, ON – Waterfront Toronto’s Board of Directors met last week and set a course for the revitalization of the Quayside property.  

Quayside is one piece of our larger vision to move Toronto’s shores out of an industrial shadow and build a world-class waterfront for people to live, work, and enjoy for generations. We garnered the world’s attention with Quayside, and we look forward to Quayside becoming a part of a waterfront that welcomes the world to our city.  

Since the withdrawal of Sidewalk Labs from the planning of the 12-acre Quayside property, Waterfront Toronto committed to realize the development of a next-generation community that addresses the most pressing urban issues of our time. Today, our Board stands by that commitment.

Recognizing the considerable experience gained from the planning and analysis already done for Quayside, the Board is committed to a thorough, transparent, and inclusive process that is expected to secure a development partner for Quayside by the summer of 2021. 

Shortly the Corporation will lead consultations with the public and community stakeholders, involve real estate developers through Market Soundings and, as always, ensure governments’ priorities are reflected in a Request for Proposals to be issued in early 2021.

The world has changed a great deal in the last few months and in our consultations we will determine how our original goals for Quayside can address current shortcomings in long-term care and affordable housing made so apparent by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As a report from the University of Toronto released recently observed, Waterfront Toronto is positioned to effectively coordinate action between levels of government and the Corporation will work to accelerate public funding for housing options for every stage of life at Quayside. 

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Media Inquiries: 

Andrew Tumilty
Media Relations
Waterfront Toronto