There have been many announcements regarding projects occuring in the Port Lands area: a gas fired power plant, a relocated industrial area, a film studio complex, a big box store. All of this has been proceeding without a chance for residents to have input into what the waterfront will look like in the Port Lands area. There has not yet been a precinct plan drawn up that will guide development in this area.

The Port Lands is a stretch of the waterfront from Cherry Beach to Ashbridges Bay. Along the water's edge is a green natural area with wonderful views of the Leslie Street Spit. Cyclists know this area well, as the Martin Goodman Trail meanders through this urban oasis. North of the water is former industrial land in need of rejuvination. The Waterfront Plan has been proposed with parks, homes and commercial areas for the Port Lands. The problem is that the process to craft the Port Lands precinct plan has yet to be started. The precint plan is to set out what uses will occur in what area. Consultations on this plan would allow to residents have a role in shaping the waterfront. The major industrial projects listed are proceeding in spite of the fact, or perhaps because of the fact that the precint plan has yet to be developed. The precint planning process is now getting underway. Now is your opportunity to get involved.

Councillors Paula Fletcher and Sandra Bussin are hosting a public meeting on November 25th to discuss what has happened in the Port Lands till now and what is coming in the future. Hopefully this signals that the precinct planning process will now be getting underway. The details of the meeting are below.

The Port Lands and the Challenge of Waterfront Revitalization

When:
Thursday, November 25, 2004, 7 - 9 pm

Where:
Riverdale Collegiate Institute, Auditorium
1094 Gerrard Street East

Who:
Toronto Waterfront Secretariat & City Planning Division
Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation (TWRC)