New design for Toronto ferry terminal revealed

TORONTO — A warm, sunny day at the Toronto Islands is arguably one of the best parts of summer in the city, and Waterfront Toronto has chosen the winning design to upgrade your departure.

The Jack Layton Ferry Terminal and Harbour Square Park Innovative Design Competition winner boasts a completely revamped ferry dock, with a green roof which does double duty as a footpath.

Underneath the green roof, glass and wood features make up an airy and open docking area. The surrounding parkway will also get a facelift.

The total overhaul is considered a long-term plan, to be phased in as funding becomes available. The winning design still needs to be approved by Waterfront Toronto’s board and the City of Toronto.

An estimated 1.3 million ferry trips are taken annually.

“On behalf of City Council, I would like to congratulate KPMB Architects + West 8 + Greenberg Consultants on their winning design that will create a beautiful gateway to the Islands for residents and visitors,” said Deputy Mayor Pam McConnell in a statement. “The transformation of the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal and Harbour Square Park will play an important role in the larger revitalization of the waterfront.”

A competition for the design was launched in the fall of 2014, with 33 design teams from a dozen countries submitting initial proposals. A shortlist of five design teams then took part in an eight-week competition. A  “stakeholder advisory committee” of local residents, businesses and neighbourhood groups also got a chance to provide advice and feedback through the design and selection process.

“We were extremely pleased with the incredible level of engagement that the design competition garnered, involving the entire city in a dialogue about this critical waterfront asset,” said Christopher Glaisek, vice president of planning and design with Waterfront Toronto.