Ground breaks on Queens Quay revitalization

Ground was recently broken on the Queens Quay revitalization in Toronto where a 1.7-kilometre stretch along Lake Ontario is being completely rebuilt and revitalized above and below the ground.

When complete in early 2015, Queens Quay will be a waterfront showpiece and a must-see Toronto destination, says Waterfront Toronto.

A granite pedestrian promenade and off-street Martin Goodman Trail will create public space by the lake. The revitalization includes a new streetcar corridor, traffic lanes with improved turning lanes and signal timing, new granite sidewalks and landscaping improvements in front of storefronts.

“This is the grand waterfront boulevard Toronto deserves,” said John Campbell, president and chief executive officer of Waterfront Toronto.

“Today’s (Nov. 16) official construction start brings Queens Quay a huge step closer to becoming one of the most beautiful waterfront streets in the world.”

The revitalization project coordinates construction efforts that integrate improvements to the public realm with much needed infrastructure and utility upgrades.

Coordinating these activities ensures that the project is streamlined and cost effective. It also avoids the need for more construction on Queens Quay in the near future.

This work by West 8 + DTAH, is the product of a 2006 international design competition, extensive public input and a comprehensive environmental assessment.

The three-stage construction project is being managed by Eastern Construction for Waterfront Toronto. 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.

Waterfront Toronto says every effort has been made to ensure the waterfront remains open and accessible for residents and businesses during construction.

The Queens Quay revitalization is budgeted at approximately $110 million, which includes the 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 process, clearing the way for the project to proceed.

DCN NEWS SERVICES