Royson James’ column today is with Robert Fung, the now deposed head of the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation. James reveals Fung’s desire to rid the waterfront of the Gardiner. But the decision to take it down needs political will, which Fung points out, Toronto is sorely lacking. Form the column:
Detailed studies show the Gardiner Expressway could be torn down and replaced with a prettier thoroughfare for about $750 million, but city hall is sitting on the recommendations because the project doesn’t have political support, says Robert Fung, ousted waterfront czar. Simulations conducted at the University of Toronto showed the tamed roadway would add just three to four minutes to the morning rush-hour commute. In turn, Lake Shore Blvd. would become a gussied up University Ave. and help reconnect the city to the waterfront. The takedown, from Spadina Ave. eastward, would cost $500 million, plus another $250 million to extend Front St. “You can do it, and we absolutely recommend doing it, as part of the revitalization effort,” Fung said yesterday.”It’s one of the big moves that got sidetracked. We were told it could not be done. They didn’t think the mayor could get it through council.”
image from Cohos Evamy waterfront proposal
2 comments
I’ve alway kinda felt that the Gardiner did the most damage not east of Spadina where downtown is already cut off by a wide rail yard but further west in Parkdale and through High Park. The former was once more similar to the Beaches, and High Park apparently was once a waterfront park, who knew?
$500MM? I’ll start taking it down now, for free! Who’s with me?