Toronto’s Bentway names designers for second hub site

The Bentway Conservancy, in partnership with the City of Toronto, has announced the launch of design work on a new site called The Bentway Islands.

Field Operations and Brook McIlroy have been appointed as the design team working to transform three large-scale traffic islands, which span 11,500 square meters between Dan Leckie Way and Spadina Avenue into vibrant public space.

Field Operations, a landscape architecture and urban design firm known for projects such as Waterfront Seattle and High Line in New York, along with Brook McIlroy, a Canadian expert in planning and architecture, were chosen from a competitive international call for proposals. A jury, featuring representatives from The Bentway, the City of Toronto, the local community, and an Indigenous engagement advisor, all oversaw the selection process.

The Bentway Islands will act as a “sister site” to The Bentway’s existing Phase 1 location, and will provide additional outdoor space for the fast-growing population.

“The Bentway Islands marks an exciting next chapter in our ongoing mission to solidify a new future for the Gardiner Expressway,” said Ilana Altman, co-executive director of The Bentway. “This site will offer new opportunities for recreation, play, culture, and retail, promote biodiversity, and set a benchmark for low-carbon landscape design. Most importantly, it will continue to transform a long-standing barrier into a better connector and gateway.”

This is the first physical realization of the Under Gardiner Public Realm Plan, a vision for underutilized spaces below and adjacent to the Gardiner, developed by The Bentway with the City of Toronto, and approved by Toronto City Council in April 2024.

“The Bentway’s innovative approach to transforming public spaces is exactly what Toronto needs. Over 100,000 residents within a 10-minute walk will enjoy this future space and new gateway to the waterfront. I’m proud of The Bentway and City of Toronto’s partnership and initiating this exciting phase of work that begins to make our Under Gardiner Public Realm Plan a reality,” said Ausma Malik, Councillor (Ward 10 Spadina – Fort York) and Deputy Mayor, City of TorontoThe Bentway Islands design will integrate findings from The Bentway’s six years of experience at its Phase 1 site, and from several off-site demonstration projects along the Gardiner.

The design will also incorporate insights from local residents, Indigenous communities, and technical experts from the City of Toronto.

Funding for this early design has been provided by the City of Toronto, with support of The Bentway from its family of supporters including Manulife. Future financing is expected from a range of both public and private sources.

Initial concepts are expected to be unveiled in 2025, with construction following the multi-year rehabilitation of the Expressway planned for the area.