In its dynamic approach to revitalizing large portions of Toronto's lakefront through creation of new spaces for residents, workers and businesses, Waterfront Toronto has sought to "lead with landscape", commissioning high quality designs for public spaces both large and small to support new development. HR&A has been proud to support Waterfront Toronto in these efforts. On a key section of the central waterfront, HR&A assisted in developing a concept for a new civic open space above an underground parking garage that would help to activate and financially sustain one of North America's unique cultural assets, Harbourfront Centre. Most recently, HR&A worked with a multi-disciplinary team including the Dutch landscape architect West 8 to test the feasibility of development strategies for the space. Final design and construction staging of the parking garage and open space is now underway.
York Quay is at the heart of Harbourfront Centre's physical precinct, where over 4,000 annual cultural events attract more than 12 million visitors every year. Based on a market assessment, HR&A tested the feasibility of underground parking, a civic open space to be known as Canada Square, and a program for a cultural village in a destination that would complement Harbourfront's current offerings. We developed capital investment options, created a financial model for ongoing operations, and supported additional design work for the new public plaza and complementary retail development. Waterfront Toronto recently commissioned Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates to design the parking and public park components of the plan recommended by HR&A, and help to secure approvals under Toronto’s Official Plan. Construction is slated to commence in 2011.
