“2023 was a year of true momentum for us; The Bentway has hit its stride.” – Daniel Shearer, Board Chair
Jessie, our Manager of Fundraising & Partnerships, recently sat down with Daniel to talk about what makes The Bentway so special to him.
JF: Can you start by telling us why you got involved with The Bentway in the first place?
DS: I joined The Bentway team because I believe in a better Toronto; a more ambitious Toronto; and a more inclusive Toronto. Projects and organizations like ours are leading new kinds of conversations about our city and what it can achieve. So, to me, while the physical space itself is engaging and exciting and wonderful to be a part of, at a macro level the real work is in actually pushing Toronto’s imagination forwards.
I love that as an encapsulation of the “big idea” behind our work. Why do you think that matters for Toronto right now?
One of the greatest epidemics we’re not talking about enough is the quiet crisis of loneliness. Toronto was recently named as the loneliest place in Canada – imagine this wonderful, warm city of ours and we’re not even speaking to our neighbours.
And maybe public space can be part of the antidote here?
Public spaces like The Bentway have a unique ability to bring people together – at the very small intimate scale (one-on-one connections) all the way up to gigantic, shared experiences at events that welcome thousands of Torontonians together. You can hold hands at The Bentway, and you can feel the heartbeat of the city alongside a colossal crowd. You can feel together; feel that you’re part of something.
Speaking of shared experiences, tell us about your favourite Bentway memory from the past year. When did you feel us find that rhythm, that heartbeat?
One of my favourite times of the year, every single year, is our Summer Opening Night Party. It’s amazing to see Toronto show up in the biggest of ways. The energy of the night is palpable; you can feel it in the vibe, in the fashion, and in the mix of cultures all coming together to celebrate what we are as a city. That’s always a high point for me – I’m always extraordinarily proud in that moment.
Proud and excited for what comes next, I hope.
Exactly! I love that we’re able to program in the now while dreaming of the future, and to mix and bake those together in real time. While we’re showcasing art installations, and eco-workshops, and roller skating, we’re also premiering offsite projects that test out new ideas along the Gardiner. And, by the way, concurrently we’re releasing this wildly magnificent plan to transform the entire Expressway all the way to the Don River. We’re driving in so many lanes. 2023 was a year of true momentum for us; The Bentway has hit our stride.
Yes, let’s keep that momentum going! Any parting words for readers of this report? What do you want them to know or do?
The best way to get to know us is to come and experience some Bentway magic in person! Come on by anytime.
