In most cases, the word ‘terraforming’ is understood within a destructive context, expressing the unique ability of man to manipulate their environment for their own interests. This definition is accurate, more often than not, but looking at the redevelopment of the Lower Don Lands, the project has put a remarkably eco-conscious spin on the idea of terraforming, dramatically altering the landscape to restore the natural flow of the Don River. In the last few months, the new riverbed has seen exciting progress with planting and landscaping advancing well, while some realignments of the existing road network remain ongoing. 

Looking east at the completed design of the Lower Don Lands Redevelopment, image from submission to City of Toronto

The latest update from Waterfront Toronto who are overseeing the massive works here offers a full overview of the site, documented in an aerial video captured in mid-November. With a lot of progress to unpack, we are taking a look at the different aspects of the project that are making advances, but first, enjoy the tour. 

One of the project’s key elements that the video captures in detail is the new river valley, which is central to the larger plan to create new parkland that is vibrant and ecologically diverse. Carving out a significant span of previously lake-filled land, the valley will eventually connect from the Don River where it currently makes a hard turn into the Keating Channel and redistribute the flow of water through a meandering path that ultimately meets Lake Ontario to the south and west. 

Looking west over the new central river valley feeding into Lake Ontario, image by UT Forum contributor Nwalsh

With excavation completed in the central river valley, which runs east-west, and creates the south border of the newly carved out Villiers Island, the landscaping of the valley has transformed the site from a daunting industrial expanse to a promising green space. During the peak planting season, nearly 20,000 plants were being delivered to the site daily, with a focus on native species that will facilitate biodiversity. With extensive areas already fully planted, stakes are driven in and lined with coloured ribbon to deter birds and other creatures from disturbing the young plants during their development.  

Looking southeast at the various plantings along the edge of the river, image by UT Forum contributor achender

Another area slightly to the north, referred to in the site plan as the ice management area, is seeing a different landscaping approach. The future river bed is being lined with cobblestone pavers that can now be seen covering a significant amount of their north-south spanning area.  

Looking south at the pavers lining the river bed of the ice management area, image by UT Forum contributor achender

Referring back to the video, we can see that some large-scale excavation is still required to complete the new river valley, namely, at the northernmost part of the site. The existing roadway, Villiers Street, remains operational, providing east-west access while construction of Commissioners Street around its new bridge continues. Villiers Street will eventually be cut in two, however, as excavation moves into the last stretch of future riverbed to finally connect the new valley to the existing river.

Plan view of the completed road network for Villiers Island, image courtesy of Waterfront Toronto

Meanwhile, the other key aspect of the project at this point is the reconfiguration of the road network and infrastructure. A highly anticipated milestone was celebrated in October when the Cherry Street South bridge was owned for public use. The bridge guides vehicles and cyclists, in separate lanes, onto a newly realigned Cherry Street, which is now in operation south of Commissioners Street. 

Looking through the newly opened Cherry Street Bridge, image by UT Forum contributor Northern Light

North of Commissioners Street, the construction of this new section of Cherry Street is making progress, but does not appear close to completion yet. The Cherry Street North Bridge has been in place for some time, but as the image below shows, the roadway leading up to it is still to be formed.

Looking north at the current state of New Cherry Street, image by UT Forum contributor achender

UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on this development, but in the meantime, you can learn more about it from our Database file, linked below. If you'd like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.

* * *

UrbanToronto has a research service, UrbanToronto Pro, that provides comprehensive data on construction projects in the Greater Toronto Area—from proposal through to completion. We also offer Instant Reports, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter, New Development Insider, that tracks projects from initial application.

Related Companies:

GeoSolv Design + Build , LEA Consulting, Tarra Engineering & Structural Consultants Inc