A collaboration between The Bentway, Harbourfront Centre, OCAD University, and the Waterfront BIA, Public Pier is a public realm pilot that transforms Marina Quay West into a welcoming waterfront hub for arts and culture, gathering, and public life.
Public Pier is a collaborative public realm pilot exploring the potential of an underutilized waterfront site as a new destination for public life, arts and culture. Set against the distinctive backdrop of the Canada Malting Silos and beside Toronto Music Garden, the project transforms 539 Queens Quay West into a welcoming new hub for waterfront activity.
Over three weekends, Public Pier will come to life with day-to-night experiences including the participatory artwork Public Trust by Paul Ramírez Jonas , which invites Torontonians of all ages to make promises to themselves, to one another, and to the city they share. Along with vendor shops, music, food and beverage, public art, and Silo Nights, a landmark projection program on the Canada Malting Silos which includes Decomposition No. 7: Undergrowth by Ali Phi and will animate the site and surroundings, these experiences will explore how programming can bring people to the site and encourage them to enjoy the waterfront in new ways, as well as help shape the pier’s evolution into a future public park and cultural platform.
Public Pier is a collaboration between The Bentway, Harbourfront Centre, OCAD University, and the Waterfront BIA, the project is supported by the Toronto Port Authority as lead sponsor.
About Public Pier
Public Pier is a collaborative public-realm pilot exploring the future potential of Marina Quay West as a vibrant waterfront destination for culture, gathering and public life. Led by The Bentway, Harbourfront Centre, OCAD University and the Waterfront BIA, the project uses temporary placemaking and cultural experiences to test how an underused waterfront site can contribute to community life, economic activity and the future of Toronto’s public realm. The project is supported by the Toronto Port Authority as lead sponsor.
What is Public Pier?
It is a temporary placemaking project designed to test and showcase Marina Quay West’s potential as a thriving waterfront cultural destination through immersive events and public gatherings.
Is Public Pier permanent?
No. It is a temporary activation designed to activate the site before its permanent transformation into a public park. Insights and visitor feedback gathered during the pilot will directly shape the future design and programming of the space.
Is Public Pier free to attend?
Yes! General entry and all cultural programming — including DJ performances, dance workshops, art installations, and SILO NIGHTS — are completely free. Food, drinks, and market items are available for purchase.
What is SILO NIGHTS at Public Pier?
Curated by OCAD University, SILO NIGHTS uses the iconic Canada Malting Silos as a massive digital backdrop for six nights of light, sound, and storytelling. Featuring works by local and global artists alongside student showcases, the project culminates on October 3 for Nuit Blanche — partnering with the European Union (EU) Delegation to Canada on two projections centred on the theme “What We Carry Forward?”
What is Public Trust?
Presented by The Bentway, Paul Ramírez Jonas’ Public Trust invites Torontonians to make promises to themselves, to one another, and to the city they share. Visitors can contribute promises as part of a living portrait of the city.
Where and when is Public Pier taking place?
Location: Marina Quay West (539 Queens Quay West)
Dates: Sept 18–19 | Sept 25–26 | Oct 2–3
Hours:
- Fridays: 6 PM – 11 PM
- Saturdays: 1 PM – 11 PM
- Nuit Blanche (Oct 3): 1 PM – 2 AM (SILO NIGHTS projections run 7:30 PM – 7 AM)
Will food and drinks be available on-site?
Yes. You can sample local bites at the Super Yummy Market and enjoy craft beer and beverages provided by Great Lakes Brewpub.
