The proposed plans include an expansive off-leash park, a range of sport courts to facilitate recreation, and new trails and improved connectivity
Design work continues on Bentway Islands, an upcoming “sister site” to The Bentway’s beloved location between Bathurst St. and Strachan Ave. The design team of Field Operations (New York) and Brook McIlroy (Toronto) presented preliminary ideas to Waterfront Toronto’s Design Review Panel, an independent advisory body that reviews proposals for projects near the waterfront, on January 29. The proposed plans include an expansive off-leash park, a range of sport courts to facilitate recreation, and new trails and improved connectivity.
About the Islands site
First announced in 2024, Bentway Islands will transform three large-scale traffic islands spanning 11,500 square metres of underutilized lands under the Gardiner Expressway, between Dan Leckie Way and Spadina Avenue, into vibrant public space.
The project site is within a 5-minute walk to Toronto’s waterfront at Lower Spadina and Dan Leckie Way and acts as an extension of Canoe Landing Park to the north. The site will become an important link between western and central waterfront destinations.
Expanding amenities for waterfront communities
Providing new amenities to the CityPlace and waterfront neighbourhoods is a central goal of Bentway Islands. The current design proposal includes a 2,000m2 square metre off-leash dog park, sports courts, and spaces designed for all-season active living.
Strengthening connectivity through enhanced paths and landscapes
Building on the recommendations in the Under Gardiner Public Realm Plan, which was endorsed by Toronto City Council in April 2024, the proposed Bentway Islands design features a multi-use path traversing the site, connecting to the City’s bicycle network. Additional priorities include improving adjacent intersections to provide protected crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, and introducing new landscaping that draws inspiration from the diverse and vibrant natural landscapes of southern Ontario, improves storm water management, acoustics and creating an immersive environment.
Next Steps
The Bentway is undertaking additional consultation processes as plans progress, including convening a Community Advisory Committee, meeting with First Nations and urban Indigenous communities, and members of the unhoused community. Additionally, The Bentway is working closely with the City of Toronto on further reviews and approval of the design proposal.
In November 2023, the Government of Ontario and City of Toronto reached a New Deal which included the potential upload both the Gardiner Expressway and the Don Valley Parkway (DVP) to the Province, subject to completion of a third-party due diligence process. Information about this work has been shared with the Province for awareness.
Further updates will be shared on blue-green infrastructure plans, Indigenous-led site features, and more.
The Bentway, Field Operations, and Brook McIlroy will present to the Waterfront Design Review Panel again in the Spring, 2025.
