

The most dramatic of the wavedecks along Toronto’s downtown waterfront, Simcoe has become a must see Toronto attraction.
The Simcoe WaveDeck, one in a series of uniquely Canadian urban docks, is as artistic as it is functional. Located just west of Simcoe Street, the wooden wavedeck features an informal public amphitheatre-style space with impressive curves that soar as high as 2.6 metres above the lake.
Inspired by the shorelines of Ontario’s Great Lakes, the Simcoe WaveDeck created new public space at the water’s edge by replacing a narrow sidewalk with a grand waterside gathering place. Its whimsical and dynamic design has made the wavedeck one of the waterfront’s most interesting new public spaces. People of all ages are enjoying views of the harbour from its 30 metre-long backless bench, using its steps as a place to eat lunch and taking pictures of themselves sliding on its graceful curves.
The 650 square metre structure is made of yellow glulam cedar and ipe wood. The wavedeck’s two large swells feature slender stainless steel railings that follow the undulations of the waves in the deck. These railings are designed to differentiate the curved portions of the deck and help visitors negotiate the slopes.
In addition to the railings the wavedeck includes several other health and safety features including antislip components at the edge of each step and a visual white band to provide contrast and help mark the edge of steps. To provide traction on the slopes, strips of abrasive material called carborandum inserts were used and the deckboards were angled to provide extra traction on the steepest slopes.
In the evening, the deck is lit from below with colourful LED fixtures mounted to the timber structure. These colourful lights cast a glow from beneath the deck creating a beautiful effect on the water and highlight the architecture of the wavedeck.
View photos of the Simcoe WaveDeck.
Simcoe WaveDeck
Simcoe WaveDeck
Simcoe WaveDeck
Simcoe WaveDeck
Simcoe WaveDeck
Simcoe WaveDeck
Simcoe WaveDeck
Simcoe WaveDeck
Simcoe WaveDeck
Simcoe WaveDeck
Simcoe WaveDeck
Simcoe WaveDeck
Simcoe WaveDeck
Simcoe WaveDeck
Simcoe WaveDeck
Simcoe WaveDeck
Simcoe WaveDeck
Simcoe WaveDeck at night
Simcoe WaveDeck
Simcoe WaveDeck
Simcoe WaveDeck
Simcoe WaveDeck
Simcoe WaveDeck
Simcoe WaveDeck
Simcoe WaveDeck Opening
Simcoe WaveDeck Opening
Simcoe WaveDeck Opening
Simcoe WaveDeck Opening
Simcoe WaveDeck Opening
Simcoe WaveDeck construction
Watch the Simcoe WaveDeck take shape by viewing the webcam footage of its construction.
Take a tour of the wavedecks with Christopher Hume of thestar.com
Simcoe WaveDeck is a hit with the public. Many people have posted videos on You Tube. Watch the video produced by TorontoHD.

Many people have shared their photos of the Simcoe WaveDeck on Flickr.
The Simcoe WaveDeck incorporates many features to ensure that people of all ages, including those with disabilities, have access to this unique public space.
The wavedeck is wheelchair accessible from all sides and includes a large barrier free zone at the east side of the deck. In addition, an accessible route between the two large swells in the deck leads users down toward the water.
Other accessibility features include:
In addition to the wavedecks, Waterfront Toronto is working to ensure that all of our projects help to create a waterfront that makes public accessibility a priority.

The wavedeck construction included the creation of new 650 square metre of high quality, diverse fish habitat. Riverstone shoals, tree logs and embankments were installed to provide shelter and increased feeding and forging opportunities for lake fish. Aquatic Habitat Toronto, of which Waterfront Toronto is a partner, has won a Public Sector Quality Fair award for the aquatic habitat enhancement work being done on Toronto’s waterfront. Learn more about our efforts to improve aquatic habitat.
The Simcoe WaveDeck is one in a series of wavedecks planned for the downtown waterfront area – three of which are now open including the Rees and Spadina WaveDeck. Planning is currently underway on the Parliament WaveDeck, an impressive 3,000m2 structure located in East Bayfront.