Waterfront Toronto Seeks Partial Removal of Gardiner Expressway

Toronto, May 29, 2008 - Waterfront Toronto’s Board of Directors, at its June 12th meeting, will formally consider the partial removal of the Gardiner Expressway.

Waterfront Toronto, working with City officials, undertook a technical study of the Gardiner Expressway/Lake Shore Boulevard Corridor in 2006. Waterfront Toronto is recommending removal of the Gardiner from Jarvis Street to the Don Valley Parkway. The approach is consistent with Waterfront Toronto’s vision to reconnect the city to its waterfront, develop better north/south pedestrian connections and improve the quality of place in the new communities under development in East Bayfront and the West Don Lands. The approach balances public and waterfront benefits with financial viability.

"It’s time to address the long standing issue of the Gardiner", said John Campbell, President and CEO of Waterfront Toronto. "Waterfront Toronto is advancing planning and implementation of new communities around the Gardiner. The challenge is to find realistic options that address revitalization objectives and intelligent, sustainable city-building principles including looking to transit to accommodate future growth. Ultimately, any option should help us build a more beautiful city and waterfront."

With Waterfront Toronto Board approval, the recommendation will be submitted to City Council for final decision.

"This is the most practical approach and offers the greatest public benefits," said Mayor David Miller, a member of Waterfront Toronto’s board, "Removing the eastern section of the Gardiner is an affordable step that will allow us to develop the East Bayfront, Lower Don Lands and West Don Lands properly while enhancing the public realm along Lake Shore and improving access to our waterfront. We have already seen what can be done."

Following Council approval, a full Environmental Assessment will be undertaken before any work begins.

Waterfront Toronto will be holding a briefing for media on Friday, May 30th at 11:30 a.m. at Waterfront Toronto offices at 20 Bay Street, Suite 1310 – Main Boardroom.

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. Public accessibility, design excellence, sustainable development, economic development and fiscal sustainability are the key drivers of waterfront revitalization.

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Media contact:

Marisa Piattelli, Waterfront Toronto

Stuart Green, Mayor’s Office, City of Toronto