A series of new public spaces have replaced the surface parking lot which used to cover about a third of Harbourfront’s site. The three spaces, designed by renowned landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh and Associates, work together to give public access to the water’s edge and programming options for Harbourfront Centre:

Canada Square: a plaza space at the south east end of Harbourfront Centre’s site overlooking Lake Ontario.

Ontario Square: a large public plaza facing Queens Quay located directly above the parking garage along the north west end of the site.

Exhibition Common: An interim landscaped activity north of Canada Square to Queens Quay.

When financing and designs are in place, Exhibition Common is expected to become Harbourfront Centre’s Cultural Village. The Cultural Village, a Harbourfront Centre-led initiative, is a low-scale development with cafés, restaurants, shops, artist studios and architect offices located north of Canada Square to Queens Quay.