TORONTO, Nov. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - Waterfront Toronto, together with our
government partners, officially broke ground today on a major
revitalization project that is transforming Toronto's main waterfront
street into a world-class boulevard.
Construction along the 1.7 kilometre stretch of Queens Quay from just
west of Lower Spadina Avenue to just east of Bay Street is completely
rebuilding and revitalizing the area both above and below ground.
When complete in early 2015, Queens Quay will be a waterfront showpiece
and a must-see Toronto destination. A generous granite pedestrian
promenade and off-street Martin Goodman Trail will create much-needed
public space by the lake. A new streetcar corridor and traffic lanes
with improved turning lanes and signal timing will keep people moving.
New granite sidewalks and landscaping improvements in front of
storefronts will stimulate ground floor retail activity and urban
vitality.
"This is the grand waterfront boulevard Toronto deserves," said John
Campbell, President and CEO of Waterfront Toronto, "today's official
construction start brings Queens Quay a huge step closer to becoming
one of the most beautiful waterfront streets in the world."
This important revitalization project is about much more than rebuilding
the surface of the roadway. Waterfront Toronto is leading a coordinated
construction effort that integrates improvements to the public realm
with much needed infrastructure and utility upgrades. Coordinating
these activities is ensuring that the project is streamlined and cost
effective. It also avoids the need for more construction on Queens Quay
in the near future.
When complete, Queens Quay will be both a beautiful and functional
waterfront street. This work by West 8 + DTAH, is the product of a 2006
international design competition, extensive public input and a
comprehensive environmental assessment.
"The Queens Quay revitalization project builds on the incredible
transformation that continues to improve Toronto's Waterfront," said
the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance. "The Harper
Government is pleased to have contributed to this significant project,
which will enhance the economic vibrancy of the area and create jobs
and growth."
"The Ontario government is proud to be a partner in the revitalization
of Queens Quay," said Dipika Damerla, MPP for Mississauga
East-Cooksville and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of
Infrastructure. "Infrastructure investments like this strengthen our
economy, create jobs, and build stronger communities."
"Toronto is fortunate to have a waterfront with such beauty and
potential," said Toronto City Councillor Karen Stintz (Ward 16
Eglinton-Lawrence) and TTC Chair. "Our waterfront is a jewel which
City Council agreed must be revitalized. On behalf of Mayor Rob Ford,
I thank my Council colleagues, our government partners and local
residents for their support of the Queens Quay Revitalization and for
supporting Toronto, a city which became Canada's largest city by
growing up and out from our waterfront."
Construction is unfolding in three stages and is being managed for
Waterfront Toronto by Eastern Construction. During stage one, crews are
upgrading all major utilities, building new storm and sanitary sewers
and demolishing and rebuilding the TTC corridor and tracks. Stage two
work, which begins in the summer of 2013, will build the new roadway
and granite curbs and sidewalks on the north side including tree
planting and finishes. By early 2014, stage three construction will
move to the south side where the granite pedestrian promenade and new
Martin Goodman Trail will be built.
Major works are expected to be complete in early 2015 with final tree
planting on the south side in the spring of 2015.
Every effort has been made to ensure the waterfront remains open and
accessible for residents and businesses during construction. Waterfront
Toronto has worked closely with area stakeholders including The
Waterfront BIA and local residents for almost two years to plan for
construction.
During construction, there will be changes in how the street operates
but access will be maintained to all businesses and residences at all
times. Construction impacts such as noise, temporary one-way traffic
alternating between the north and south sides of the street, and bus
service while the TTC infrastructure is rebuilt will be communicated
widely.
Waterfront Toronto's website www.waterfrontoronto.ca/constructingqq is the main hub for construction related information. Since the website
launched in mid-June, more than a thousand people have subscribed for
weekly construction notices.
The revitalization of Queens Quay is budgeted at approximately $110
million. The budget includes design, TTC corridor and track rebuild,
hydro work, storm and sanitary upgrades, roadway, public realm
improvements and other project related costs.
Waterfront Toronto and the City of Toronto initiated the Queens Quay
Revitalization Environmental Assessment (EA) in 2007. The EA included
public consultation, data collection and the identification and
analysis of planning solutions and design concepts. In April 2010,
Ontario's Ministry of the Environment concluded the EA process which
cleared the way for the project to proceed.
Waterfront Toronto
The Governments of Canada and 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.
Image with caption: "From left to right: Dipika Damerla, MPP Mississauga East-Cooksville, Government of Ontario; Karen Stintz, Toronto City Councillor, Ward 16 (Eglinton-Lawrence) and TTC Chair; Mark Wilson, Chair, Waterfront Toronto; Hon. Lisa Raitt, Minister of Labour, Government of Canada (CNW Group/Waterfront Toronto)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121116_C9030_PHOTO_EN_20853.jpg
SOURCE: Waterfront Toronto