The revitalization of Queens Quay is one of the most complex street reconstruction projects undertaken in the country’s history. Opening in 2015 after ten years of study, design, and construction, the project has transformed this much-maligned waterfront street into a destination boulevard and city landmark. Designed by DTAH in collaboration with West 8, the project is characterized by extensive public realm improvements and below-grade infrastructure upgrades, the project exemplifies thoughtful twenty-first-century urbanism and integrated public-space design.

Previously dominated by four lanes of vehicular traffic with narrow sidewalks and inadequate public transit facilities, the street arrangement acted as a barrier rather than a gateway to the City’s waterfront. After an extensive environmental assessment and years of public consultation, Queens Quay has been dramatically transformed into a landscape that directly reflects the needs and desires of those who live, work and play here.

Location

Toronto, Ontario

Client

Waterfront Toronto

Awards

Toronto Urban Design Award, Large Places and/or Neighbourhood Designs, 2017
Canadian Society of Landscape Architects, Honourary Mention, Q 2016
Ontario Consulting Engineering Awards, Award of Merit - Transportation, 2016
Canadian Urban Institute, Brownie Award in the category of Best Overall Neighbourhood Scale, 2015

The re-envisioned Queens Quay linear park connects various precincts and public spaces along the Waterfront.

Extensive infrastructure upgrades include new sanitary and storm sewers, an upgraded electrical power grid, and a reconstructed streetcar corridor. The street was reconfigured, reducing vehicular traffic to two lanes north of the reconstructed streetcar tracks and allowing space for a generous pedestrian promenade on the south side of the street. The promenade is defined by a double row of trees that line the Martin Goodman multi-use Trail, which is now connected along the full length of the waterfront for the first time. The successful implementation of complex transit corridors has been a cornerstone of our practice for decades.