Return to Annual Report 2023/24
For winter 2023-24, we were pleased to welcome back neighbours and fun-seekers to The Bentway for ice skating, a new signature art installation, the return of Polar Bear Skate, free workshops, and more.
Winter @ The Bentway
“It was my first winter at The Bentway! Managing ice skating was a true highlight of the year, showcasing the power of collaboration and community joy. Seeing visitors embrace our vibrant outdoor space reaffirmed the importance of creating memorable experiences in our urban landscape.”
– Roger Kao, Facilities Supervisor (The Bentway)
Key stats from the season:
Northern lights transform the Skate Trail
Selected from a competitive national call for submissions, The Gateway, an installation by Canadian artist duo Yi Zhou and Carlos Portillo, brought the magic of northern lights into the city with a colourful procession of woven arches that stretched across our skate trail and accentuated the monumental architecture of the Gardiner Expressway.
The Gateway installation was a zero-waste project, with 100% of the materials rented or repurposed. There was a lot of love for the artwork from visiting skaters, too – so much so that three people chose to propose to their partners underneath (all said yes!).
Accompanying the installation, we hosted a series of free community workshops at the Bentway Studio that explored both astronomy and traditions of weaving.
“It was so moving to witness the collective experiences of collaborative tapestry-weaving with artist Colleen McCarten and stargazing with Dr. Laurie Rousseau-Nepton. The moments of creative and cultural exchange truly captured the spirit of The Gateway’s interest in fostering community connection.”
– Renee Castonguay, Programming Associate (The Bentway)
Local partner Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has supported The Bentway since Year 1
“Through the work of many organizations like The Bentway, the waterfront has become one of the best places to live, work, and play in Toronto.”
– Deborah Wilson (Ports Toronto) and Nadia Dzula (Nieuport Aviation)
Dave (Co-Executive Director) meets up with Deborah Wilson (VP, Communications and Public Affairs @ PortsToronto) and Nadia Dzula (Manger, Corporate and Community Programs @ Nieuport Aviation) to discuss our continued collaboration in the west waterfront neighbourhood.