The redevelopment of Toronto's waterfront is bringing updated infrastructure and new public spaces, but also thousands of new residents to formerly industrial areas. While the Queens Quay Revitalization will be complete by next Spring, streetcars are already running again along the water's edge west of Yonge. East of Yonge, in an area bounded by Sherbourne Common, Queens Quay, and the Parliament Slip, the master planned East Bayfront community is just beginning to emerge on a street to be called Merchants' Wharf.

Aquavista, Waterfront promenade and Aitken Place park looking north-east, image courtesy of Tridel

After the successful launch of Aqualina at Bayside, Tridel and Hines have introduced Aquavista at Bayside, the next phase at this rising neighbourhood. Designed by New York City's Arquitectonica, the 12-storey high development will offer its residents a resort-like lifestyle with extensive amenities such as a pool located on top of the building's podium terrace. The U-shaped design aims to offer lake views to as many residents as possible, while the owners of east-facing suites will have the chance to enjoy a park view as well.

Eastern facade of Aquavista, image courtesy of Tridel

With a series of terraces dropping the height of the structure as it gets closer to the water, the eastern facade—facing the future Aitken Place Park—is carved with triangular alcoves, maximizing views over the park, Lake Ontario, and the Toronto Islands. 

Lake views at Aquavista, image courtesy of Tridel

Aitken Place Park will be one of several other spaces to bring greenery to the developing waterfront neighbourhoods. The mid-rise, mixed-use buildings surrounding the park will all feature retail on the ground level to provide an optimal pedestrian realm. Aquavista, given its premium location fronting Merchants' Wharf and the waterfront promenade to the south, will be no exception, and we can expect the patios and public spaces around it to be vibrant whenever the weather permits. Expect Aquavista to be complete in the Summer of 2018.  

Aerial rendering of the East Bayfront community, image courtesy of Tridel

The East Bayfront and other neighbouring communities are planned to be connected by a new branch of the Harbourfront LRT that will run from the foot of Parliament Street, along a reconfigured Queens Quay East, and then north on Bay Street, ending at Union Station. The environmental assessment is complete, a plan has been recommended, and the project is now looking to be funded. Aquavista will soon become a major component of an area that will itself become a major element of our city, giving the waterfront back to Torontonians.

Additional information and renderings can be found in our Aquavista at Bayside dataBase file, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum threads, or leave a comment using the space provided at the bottom of this page.