Toronto Waterfront Will Get a Major Makeover: Lakeside Pools, Kayak Launches + More

Toronto Waterfront Will Get a Major Makeover: Lakeside Pools, Kayak Launches + More

March 8, 2021 ctn_admin

Waterfront Toronto announced its plan to develop the Parliament Slip into a waterfront destination where people can enjoy new access to the water.

“Parliament Slip is our chance to create an exciting experience on the water for all types of marine activity. Our plan promises to deliver new kayak and canoe launches, lakeside pools and open water swimming opportunities, a floating restaurant, new mooring facilities with charging stations for electric marine craft, and a waterfront amphitheatre for people to enjoy views of the harbour activity,” said Waterfront Toronto CEO George Zegarac.

Editor’s note: This will probably take considerable time, but in the long term it sounds like a great addition to the city’s waterfront, and that can only help with future tourism spending.

The vision for the Parliament Slip grew from Waterfront Toronto’s 2020 Marine Use Strategy update—a plan to create an active, safe and accessible harbour. The strategy provides a complete view of harbour activities, with recommendations that encompass the movement of people onto and around the water, mooring opportunities for recreational and commercial vessels, and management that will meet the needs of all users.

“Toronto was born on the waterfront but industry forced it to turn its back from the lake. With today’s announcement we are fulfilling our promise to reorient the city back to the water,” Zegarac added.

“Great waterfronts around the world have distinct defining features. Memorable design, welcoming public spaces, the ability to serve recreational and transportation needs, waterfront dining and retail options, and cultural attractions,” said Chris Glaisek, Chief Planning and Design Officer for Waterfront Toronto.

“Parliament Slip is where we can bring all of these features to life, create a more active and inclusive destination for everyone, and build a lasting connection between Toronto and the waterfront that we can showcase to the world,” he said.

In June 2019, Waterfront Toronto, in partnership with City of Toronto, PortsToronto, and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, began the work which resulted in the 2020 Marine Use Strategy update.

Waterfront Toronto will continue to work with residents, business owners, Toronto’s Indigenous community, as well as environmental and recreational groups to implement the strategy’s recommendations.