forward motion: a note from our leadership
2023-24 saw Toronto stepping into a new era of urban optimism, as we pushed through recent challenges together to embrace new leadership, new partnerships, and new civic potential. We’re so proud that The Bentway continued to shine as a beacon of our city’s imagination, inviting Torontonians to look beyond the Gardiner’s imposing columns and concrete to discover a much more exciting future for the Expressway’s elevated 6.5km stretch.
Last year, we worked with artists, ecologists and educators to untangle the city’s complex relationship with infrastructure and nature. We convened cultural leaders from across the country to collaboratively develop more responsible production practices in public art programming. And we assembled specialists in sustainability, technology, design, and horticulture – alongside multiple levels of government – to reveal a new connected vision for the Gardiner corridor.
Together with you, we’ve built a forward-motion that is truly changing the urban fabric of our city.
Alongside this momentum, though, The Bentway is navigating a dangerously vulnerable economic period like many of our peers across the not-for-profit sectors.
Looking ahead, Toronto can’t lose sight of the spaces and experiences that make our city truly special. The Bentway will meet this moment with the agility, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit that have defined us since day one. We are entering a new chapter poised for growth, and hungrier than ever.
But don’t just take our word for it. Here are some of our favourite recent press hits, which confirm that the world is watching Toronto and the impact of all our work together is getting recognized:
We invite you to relive some of this energy here in our 2023-24 Annual Report, and to consider getting more deeply involved in The Bentway in the year ahead. Thank you for your continued support!
Ilana Altman, Co-Executive Director
David Carey, Co-Executive Director
highlights from a great year
transforming the gardiner
Fueled by recent successes like the completion of the Under Gardiner Public Realm Plan (UGPRP), The Bentway is leading an exciting next chapter for the Expressway. Check out this recap of progress in 2023-24.
moving beyond concrete
For Summer 2023, The Bentway invited the city to explore the overlooked nature of the Expressway through a constellation of free installations, performances, conversations and events.
working more sustainably
Our work brings a regenerative lens to help offset and repair the environmental impact of the Gardiner. As public space operators, public art practitioners, and urban builders, we made great strides last year to reduce our environmental footprint.
celebrating together
There was a lot to celebrate last year, including at some marquee events for Bentway friends, our neighbours, and our supporters. Here’s a look back at some of our favourite days and nights.
winter colours
We were pleased to welcome back 65,000 fun-seekers last year to The Bentway for ice skating, a new signature art installation, the return of Polar Bear Skate, free workshops, and more.
our financials
This year, the organization navigated a challenging financial environment with resilience and determination – while building a clear path towards future expansion. See how we closed out.
our team
A big Bentway-sized thank you to the growing family of city-builders who support us year-round.