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Plans for Infrastructure Ontario (IO)'s new Toronto courthouse, immediately northwest of City Hall at 11 Centre Avenue, are progressing as an archaeological dig on the site has been completed, and the selection of AECOM to lead a consortium to do the planning, design and compliance (PDC) was announced in December. The 135-metre (approximately 22-storey) structure will rise from a 1.7-acre site which was once part of the St. John's Ward, the site of our city's first immigrant settlements and migrant communities. The specific parcel of land was founded by Toronto's early African-Canadian community, and was home to a community of refugee slaves who escaped into Canada in the mid-1800s, as well as Irish, Chinese and Russian-Jewish communities in the early 20th century.
To celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the new courthouse site, a commemorative art installation will soon grace the construction hoarding surrounding the site. Award-winning public arts organization The STEPS Initiative is set to manage the design and installation of the piece through their public arts consultancy, PATCH, while Canadian artist duo, PA System, will design the art.
The installation will be inspired by the archaeological remains discovered on the site, many dating from the late-1800s. Some of the many artifacts found during the archaeological dig including children's toys, dentures, glass soda bottles, ceramic pitchers, shoes, perfume bottles, dice, and dominoes. Installation of the artwork is expected to begin in May, well in advance of the planned 2017 start of construction.
"It's wonderful to see the amount of care and attention being given to extracting the heritage and history from this archaeological site before the important work of building a new Toronto courthouse begins", reads a statement from Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure. "Infrastructure is a key element to a strong economy, but it can also serve to highlight and celebrate significant historical events. This project will be a welcome addition to Toronto's streetscape."
The site was used as a public surface parking lot for many years prior to the start of the archaeological excavation. Over the next few months, analysis of the archaeological findings will continue as the site is prepared for the official start of construction activity. Once completed in 2021, the new facility will bring together several courts across the city under one roof.
We will continue to provide updates on the project as new information continues to emerge. In the meanwhile, you can follow the project by visiting the associated Forum thread, or you can join the conversation by leaving a comment in the field provided below.
