The Bentway Conservancy, in collaboration with the City of Toronto, has commissioned renowned New York-based design firm Field Operations, along with Toronto’s Brook McIlroy, to undertake an ambitious transformation of underutilized land under the Gardiner Expressway. This initiative marks the second phase of a broader development strategy aimed at revitalizing neglected areas along this critical urban corridor.
Key Takeaways
- Project Collaboration: Bentway Conservancy and the City of Toronto collaborated with Field Operations of New York and Brook McIlroy of Toronto to transform underutilized land under the Gardiner Expressway.
- Public Space Transformation: The initiative aims to enhance urban life by transforming three large traffic islands into 11,500 square meters of public space for recreation and community activities.
- Significance of the Gardiner Expressway: At 6.5 km long and serving more than 140,000 vehicles per day, the Gardiner Expressway is a crucial link connecting Toronto’s major civic areas.
- Aligned with Urban Planning: The project is aligned with the Under Gardiner Public Realm Plan, approved by Toronto City Council in April 2024, which focuses on accessibility, biodiversity and low-carbon landscape design.
- Enhanced Connectivity: The project will transform barriers into connections and gateways, improving access and mobility for pedestrians and cyclists while integrating the surrounding communities.
- Community Engagement: Bentway Islands will serve as a sister site to the existing Phase 1 location and will promote social interaction and community ownership through recreational opportunities.
- Environmental Sustainability: The initiative aims to promote biodiversity and contribute positively to the urban ecosystem by setting new standards in sustainable design.
- Global Urban Context: The project reflects a growing worldwide trend towards redesigning neglected urban spaces as active environments that foster community interaction and cultural engagement.
- Health and Wellbeing: The creation of new recreational areas is expected to encourage physical activity and improve the mental well-being of residents.
- Innovative Urban Design: The Bentway Islands project exemplifies a transformative approach to urban planning that integrates infrastructure with public life to improve the quality of life for Toronto’s citizens.
Transformation Goals
The focus of the Bentway Islands project is to transform three large traffic islands located between Dan Leckie Way and Spadina Avenue into 11,500 square meters of vibrant public space dedicated to recreation, community activities and cultural engagement. This transformation aims to create an inclusive environment that encourages social interaction and enriches the urban experience for residents and visitors alike.
Importance of the Gardiner Highway
The Gardiner Expressway is a vital component of Toronto’s transportation infrastructure, stretching 6.5 kilometers and accommodating more than 140,000 vehicles per day. It serves as an important link between future Ontario Line stations and prominent civic spaces, including major tourist attractions. Since the successful opening of Phase 1 of the Bentway in 2018, the highway has demonstrated its potential to support civic life while meeting transportation needs and has shown that public spaces can be integrated into urban infrastructure.
Vision and Planning
The Bentway Islands project is aligned with the Gardiner Six Public Realm Plan, approved by Toronto City Council in April 2024. This comprehensive plan envisions the transformation of areas adjacent to the Gardiner Expressway into accessible spaces that promote biodiversity, social interaction and environmental sustainability. The project aims to set new standards in low-carbon landscape design and ensure that development is both ecologically responsible and community-oriented.
Improving Urban Connectivity
The new spaces created by the Bentway Islands project will function as a sister space to the existing Phase 1 location of the Bentway, which has become a beloved public space in the city. The initiative aims to improve urban connectivity and enable easier movement and interaction between neighborhoods by transforming long-standing barriers into connectors and gateways. This transformation will not only improve access for pedestrians and cyclists, but also integrate the surrounding communities into the vibrant life of the city.
Statement from The Bentway
Bentway Co-Executive Director Ilana Altman articulated the vision behind the project:
Bentway Islands marks an exciting next chapter in our mission to cement a new future for the Gardiner Expressway. This area will provide new opportunities for recreation, play, culture and retail, promote biodiversity and set a benchmark for low-carbon landscape design. Most importantly, it will continue to transform a long-standing barrier into a better connection and gateway.
This statement emphasizes the commitment to create spaces that are not only functional but also enrich the community.
Global Context
Rethinking urban infrastructure is a growing trend worldwide, and cities are increasingly realizing the potential of formerly neglected areas. Projects around the world are engaging with neglected spaces to reimagine them as active and dynamic environments for local communities. This change often involves the integration of playgrounds, sports facilities and green spaces that contribute positively to the urban ecosystem. Such initiatives improve the quality of life of residents, promote social interaction and support cultural inclusion.
Environmental and Social Benefits
The Bentway Islands project is set to deliver significant environmental benefits by providing green spaces that support biodiversity and improve air quality. Furthermore, the creation of recreational areas will encourage physical activity and enhance mental well-being among residents. By fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the community, the project is expected to strengthen social bonds and encourage civic engagement.
The Bentway Islands project represents a transformative approach to urban planning and design in Toronto. By redesigning the areas under the Gardiner Expressway, the initiative aims to create a vibrant, accessible public space that enhances urban connectivity and encourages civic engagement. This project not only exemplifies a commitment to environmental sustainability, but also sets a precedent for future developments that prioritize the needs and well-being of urban residents.
As cities around the world continue to grapple with the challenges of urbanization, the Bentway Islands project provides an inspiring model for integrating infrastructure with public life, ultimately enriching the urban landscape and improving the quality of life for all citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bentway Islands project?
The Bentway Islands project is an initiative to transform idle traffic islands under the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto into 11,500 square meters of vibrant public space for recreation, community activities and cultural engagement.
Who is leading the project?
The project is led by Field Operations, a New York-based design firm known for their work on Seattle’s waterfront and New York’s High Line, in collaboration with Brook McIlroy of Toronto.
What is the significance of the Gardiner Expressway?
The Gardiner Expressway is a key component of Toronto’s infrastructure, stretching 6.5 km and serving more than 140,000 vehicles per day. It connects important civic spaces, including future Ontario Line stations and major tourist attractions, and has the potential to support vibrant civic life.
When was the Under Gardiner Public Realm Plan approved?
The Under Gardiner Public Realm Plan, which outlines the transformation of adjacent areas into accessible spaces, was approved by Toronto City Council in April 2024.
How will the project improve urban connectivity?
The project aims to transform long-standing barriers into connectors and gateways, improve access for pedestrians and cyclists, and integrate the surrounding communities into the urban landscape.
What social benefits will the Bentway Islands provide?
The Bentway Islands will create new opportunities for recreation, play, culture and retail, promoting social interaction and community ownership, while also supporting environmental sustainability.
What environmental objectives does the project aim to achieve?
The project aims to increase biodiversity and set new standards in low-carbon landscape design, positively contribute to the urban ecosystem and improve air quality.
How does the project fit into global urban planning trends?
The Bentway Islands project reflects a global trend towards redesigning neglected urban areas as active environments that promote community interaction, cultural engagement and environmental sustainability.
What recreational facilities will be included?
While specific facilities are still being planned, the project is expected to include green spaces, playgrounds and areas dedicated to sports and community gatherings.
My Thoughts on the Bentway Islands Project
The Bentway Islands project presents an exciting opportunity to transform underutilized urban spaces into vibrant community hubs. By redesigning the areas under the Gardiner Expressway, this initiative promises to enhance Toronto’s urban landscape, encourage community engagement and support environmental sustainability. The vision behind the project is laudable and reflects a growing recognition of the importance of integrating public spaces into urban infrastructure.
What are your thoughts on this transformative project? Do you believe it will effectively enhance community interaction and urban life? Share your views with us!
Architect: Field Operations and Brook McIlroy
Project Type: Urban Revitalization
Year: 2024
Location: Toronto, Canada
