Government of Canada announces support for Toronto's waterfront revitalization

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May 20, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Government of Canada announces support for Toronto's waterfront revitalization

TORONTO, ONTARIO - The Honourable Joe Volpe, Minister Responsible for Ontario and Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced support to revitalize and rebuild Toronto's waterfront. The Government of Canada is taking action and moving forward with plans that will create and enhance public spaces that the citizens of Toronto and all Canadians can enjoy and share proudly with the world.

These projects, totalling $125 million, will accelerate the vision of continued revitalization and rebuilding of Toronto's waterfront. A vision Canadians can be proud of-sustainable communities, green spaces, culture, sport and recreational facilities. These elements combined will showcase Toronto's waterfront as a model for the world.

"The focus of our efforts must always be the people and places that represent the very best of Canada. In doing so, we will continue to demonstrate to one another and to the world at large the Canadian model for building healthy, green and sustainable communities," said Minister Volpe. "These Toronto waterfront initiatives are an excellent example of how our core values of cultural diversity, innovative spirit and environmental stewardship enable our communities to thrive."

The projects announced today are part of the broader Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Initiative which was set up by all three levels of government to rejuvenate the Toronto waterfront. These initiatives are in addition to and will build on other waterfront projects in West Don Lands and East Bayfront, and will give Toronto the world-class waterfront its citizens deserve.

"The revitalization of Toronto's waterfront provides the city, the province and the country with an excellent opportunity to ensure that Toronto remains among the best places in the world to live, work and visit," said Robert Fung, Chair of the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation (TWRC). "Revitalization is a significant key to our future prosperity and Canada's much-envied standard of living."

These projects comply with all departmental administrative rules governing grants and contributions, and provisions of the Financial Administration Act, and are subject to review to ensure compliance with the objectives of the program.

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For more information:

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
(819) 994-5559

For more information on these projects, please see the attached backgrounder :

You can also visit the TWRC Web site at www.towaterfront.ca.

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TORONTO WATERFRONT REVITALIZATION
PROJECT BACKGROUNDER

The Government of Canada will direct $125 million in necessary investments to accelerate plans in support of world-class public spaces, sport and recreational facilities along Toronto's waterfront. These investments will achieve the federal vision of continued revitalization of Toronto's waterfront.

Working with our partners-the Province of Ontario, the City of Toronto and the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation, the Government of Canada's investments announced today will significantly advance the plans we have developed together to rebuild Toronto's waterfront.

1. Lake Ontario Park
   
   Working with our partners- including the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Parks Canada will bring its world-wide reputation for park planning and ecological integrity to the creation of Lake Ontario Park. Parks Canada will assist in park planning and development, and will develop and operate a state-of-the-art multi-media Discovery Centre to bring all of Canada's national parks and historic sites to Torontonians and tourists alike. (Associated costs: $4 million for park planning and scoping; $8 million for implementation of Tommy Thompson Park Master Plan)
   
   
2. Commissioners' Park
   
   Commissioners' Park, located in the Portlands, is currently in the development stage (TWRC). A firm federal commitment to funding and prioritization will permit early land acquisition, development work, including an environmental assessment, and site preparation. (Associated costs: estimated total cost is $20-30 million, federal share up to $10 million)
   
   
3. Recreation, Sport and Tourism Initiatives
   
   Government of Canada funding will provide for the development of sports and recreational facilities in the Portlands area. This initiative is consistent with the recommendations of the Building on the Green Footsteps report which highlights the role these facilities will play in drawing visitors to the waterfront. The challenges facing the Canadian tourism industry in a post-SARS environment clearly demonstrate the need for strategic and compelling solutions that will restore, enhance and protect the vital tourism industry. The Government of Canada will work with the Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto to build on the existing Tourism Action Plan to ensure Toronto, Ontario and Canada are positioned to welcome the world. (Associated costs: $27 million)
   
   
4. Portlands Beautification
   
   The Portlands Beautification initiative supports the immediate implementation of clean-up and site preparation projects in the Portlands area. It includes improvements to the Leslie Street Base Lands and improvements to major corridors such as Cherry Street and Unwin Avenue. (Associated costs: $8 million)
   
   
5. Rowing and Paddling Course
   
   The Government of Canada's contribution to this initiative provides immediate funding for the planning and engineering work required for the creation of a rowing and paddling course capable of hosting major international events such as the Club Crew Dragon Boat Racing World Championships. Following completion of this work (estimated to take six weeks), funding has been earmarked for the construction of the facility, pending required approvals. (Estimated total project cost: $15 million)
   
   
6. Protecting our Investments
   
   Public Trust and Investment Safeguards totaling $50 million will enhance and support the Government of Canada's commitment to ensuring public spaces, green spaces and citizen-focused spaces on the waterfront. This initiative will allow the Government of Canada to secure and remediate the necessary property on the waterfront. These resources will safeguard existing green spaces from encroachment and additional development pressures.
   
   
7. United Nations Peace University
   
   The Government of Canada's contribution to this project will begin the preparation and launch phase for the potential creation of a UN Peace University campus in Toronto. (Estimated federal contribution: $3 million)