The Keating Channel neighbourhood, located in northern quadrant of the Lower Don Lands, is the first precinct being planned for the area. The neighbourhood runs from East Bayfront to the Don River and from the West Don Lands to Villiers Street.

The draft precinct plan for the area consists of 25 blocks that will feature a variety of built-forms and architecture that support a diversity of experience and uses.

The Keating Channel, a man-made 1,100-metres long by 36-metres wide channel, anchors the neighbourhood to the north and south and provides a unique waterfront setting.

Under that draft precinct plan, the Channel, currently one of Toronto’s least attractive areas, will be dramatically transforming into an upbeat, unique canal destination. It will be lined with public space and traversed by a series of four new bridges for vehicles, transit, cyclists, and pedestrians.

It will feature parks and promenades along its edge, water access for boats, plus it will have amenities such as shops and canal-side cafés.

Under the draft plan the Keating Channel neighbourhood will contain approximately 4,000 residential units.