Learn about the many ways infrastructure can serve our city! The Bentway engages planners, artists, educators, and local communities as active participants in the creation of new public spaces below the Gardiner Expressway and healthy communities across Toronto.
During this informative afternoon session students will encounter the Gardiner Expressway as never before, and learn how an environment built for cars is being reimagined as a vibrant public space. Through a guided walking tour of The Bentway’s existing and future sites and hands-on activities, students will learn about the value and importance of adaptive reuse and environmentally-responsive public space design, as well as how it inspires cultural and recreational programming.
Key topics include:
- civic engagement
- urban ecology
- creative placemaking
- public space advocacy and stewardship
- arts and culture
By the end of the visit, students will:
- Understand the history and potential futures of The Bentway and the larger Gardiner Expressway corridor, and be able to identify the surrounding communities, urban ecologies, and local waterways.
- Develop a working definition of adaptive reuse and civic engagement, and learn how to become more involved in the development of public space through a hands-on activity and group discussion.
- Complete a sitewide walking tour, identifying the features, facilities, and programming considerations that continue to inform a community-based, shared public space, like The Bentway.
Booking Details and Fees
- This program is suitable for Grades 4-8.
- Flat fee of $250 for a class visit (approximately $8 per student up to 30 students). All materials provided.
- Available all year, Wednesdays and Thursdays: between 10am-4pm. The program runs for 2 hours.
- Booking requests must be made at least four (4) weeks in advance by emailing hello@thebentway.ca and completing the School Visit Request Form shared with you.
- School bus drop-off / pick-up locations and parking are available onsite.
- The Bentway’s communal picnic tables at Strachan Gate or The Bentway Studio atrium are available for lunch and snack breaks.
Payment and Cancellation Policies
- Once The Bentway confirms availability, booking requests are confirmed once a 50% deposit ($125) is received.
- No deposit is required for schools paying through the purchase order process. A purchase order request made in the full amount owing confirms the booking.
- Cancellation requests must be made in writing via email at least two (2) weeks in advance with the option to reschedule at no additional charge. The deposit will be applied on the new booking date.
- Cancellation requests made at least two (2) weeks in advance are eligible for a refund, as applicable, if it is not possible to reschedule.
- Cancellation requests made less than two (2) weeks in advance will be charged the full amount owed.
- Booking change requests made less than two (2) weeks in advance will be charged an administration fee of $50 and subject to The Bentway’s availability.
This program is generously supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
