Waterfront Toronto

Waterfront Toronto Breaks Ground on River Valley of Port Lands Flood Protection Project

Flood Protection Essential to Waterfront Redevelopment and Revitalization

Toronto, ON – Nov 28, 2018

In the Port Lands, Waterfront Toronto and all three orders of government took another important step for waterfront revitalization by breaking ground on a new river valley as part of the Port Lands Flood Protection project, one of the most ambitious construction projects in Toronto’s history.

Waterfront Toronto’s Board Chair Helen Burstyn and Chief Project Officer David Kusturin joined Chief Stacey LaForme of the Mississaugas of New Credit First Nation, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities François-Phillippe Champagne, and Toronto Mayor John Tory for this milestone.

This winter, Waterfront Toronto will start excavation on a kilometre-long river valley, a natural spillway and new mouth for the Don River. Along with other critical infrastructure to protect the area against flooding, this work will create the foundation for a future island community on the waterfront. Once developed, Villiers Island will provide homes to thousands of people and economic opportunities to thousands more.

Flood protection in the Port Lands means that 290 hectares or more than one third of Toronto’s waterfront will be unlocked for revitalization. This next phase of waterfront revitalization will not only bring thousands of new residents and jobs, but will also provide more access to the waterfront for everyone and create a globally-significant destination where people can experience the natural wonder of the waterfront.

In June 2017, all three governments announced $1.25-billion in shared funding for Port Lands Flood Protection after Waterfront Toronto completed extensive study and consultations.

A third-party economic impact study conducted by urbanMetrics (2016) estimates Port Lands Flood Protection and future development in the Port Lands will generate approximately: