Addendum #1 - Request for Proposals: 2027 Floating Public Art Harbour Square Park Basin
November 6, 2026
Enquiries
The following enquiries have been received, and responses have been provided for clarification and information purposes.
Question 1:
Can artwork be fabricated outside Canada, with Ontario-based specialists handling marine engineering, installation and removal? Or must fabrication take place in Ontario?
Answer 1:
The RFP requires artists to use Ontario-based contractors and strongly encourages the use of local subcontractors. For ready-made or pre-existing artworks, the artwork may have been created outside Ontario. Where new fabrication or adaptation is required for this opportunity, artists must use Ontario-based contractors and consider Waterfront Toronto’s sustainability practices when determining where and how the work will be completed, including the environmental impacts associated with materials, transportation and delivery.
Question 2:
Are existing lakebed anchors available for use, or should artists budget for new anchors and their installation and removal?
Answer 2:
Artists should budget for the anticipated anchoring system as part of the overall project budget, including associated engineering, installation and removal. The RFP anticipates that the anchoring system may consist of one or more solid concrete blocks with rebar loops, or a similar lakebed anchoring system. The final anchoring solution will depend on the proposed artwork and its associated loads.
Question 3:
What level of detail is required for the proposed anchoring approach at the submission stage, prior to the development of the final engineered design?
Answer 3:
At the proposal stage, engineered and construction drawings are not required. Submissions should provide sufficient information to understand the proposed anchoring approach and assess its feasibility. Relevant anchoring information should be included in the proposed artwork images and details, and the project budget should include a separate line item for stamped marine engineering and marine structure design.
If selected, the final anchoring system and stamped construction drawings will be developed with a marine engineer and approved prior to fabrication.
Question 4:
Can artists engage marine engineers or installation contractors familiar with the project site to obtain preliminary advice or cost estimates during the proposal stage?
Answer 4:
Artists are encouraged to engage a qualified marine engineer during the RFP stage where preliminary technical guidance would support the development of their proposal. Artists may research and engage firms of their choosing. To maintain a fair and impartial procurement process, Waterfront Toronto cannot recommend specific engineers or provide a preferred list.
Marine engineering for the project must be undertaken by a qualified engineer licensed to practise in Ontario. Waterfront Toronto will work further with the selected artist on technical and installation requirements following selection.
Question 5:
Can AI-assisted imagery be used to visualize an artist’s original concept, such as to demonstrate its proposed form or show it within the project site?
Answer 5:
Yes. AI tools may be used to assist in visualizing an artist’s original concept, including demonstrating its proposed form and representing it within site photographs, provided that any AI-assisted materials are clearly identified and accompanied by the disclosure required in the RFP.
Question 6:
If a proposed artwork incorporates pre-existing intellectual property developed by the artist, does the restriction on reproducing the commissioned artwork apply only to the specific commissioned work? Can the artist continue to use and develop their pre-existing intellectual property in other works, editions or products, and can this distinction be reflected in the final agreement?
Answer 6:
In accordance with Canada’s Copyright Act, copyright in the artwork remains with the artist. The restriction in Section 6.12 of the RFP applies to reproduction of the commissioned artwork and does not transfer ownership of an artist’s pre-existing intellectual property to Waterfront Toronto. Specific terms of the agreement cannot be confirmed at the RFP stage. However, any relevant pre-existing intellectual property can be identified and discussed with the selected artist as part of the agreement process.
Question 7:
Can a vendor or contractor provide Waterfront Toronto with information about their services for potential referral to artists applying to the RFP?
Answer 7:
Waterfront Toronto cannot recommend or direct applicants to specific vendors or subcontractors, and artists are responsible for assembling their own project teams.
Question 8:
Can an artist develop the concept and design for the artwork and engage a qualified team to undertake its fabrication and installation?
Answer 8:
This is a one-stage process, and the concept must be developed at the time of submission. Artists may work with fabricators and other subcontractors as part of their project team and are responsible for assembling the team required to deliver their proposal.
Question 9:
What is the approximate water depth at the project site, and what are the lakebed conditions, including the approximate depth of soft sediment or muck?
Answer 9:
The water in Harbour Square Park Basin is approximately 4 to 5 metres deep at the centre, with approximately 3 feet of soft muck on the lakebed. Water depth may vary depending on water levels.
Applicants should also refer to Appendix A of the RFP, which includes the Substrate and Depth Map showing recorded depths at various locations within the basin. These measurements are based on a May 2019 substrate and depth check, when water levels were higher than average.
Waterfront Toronto is working to obtain more current depth information and will provide updated information through an addendum, if available. Applicants are encouraged to check the Waterfront Toronto Public Art page for addenda throughout the RFP period.
Addtional Information
High Resolution Site Photos - 2027 Floating Art - November 6, 2026
Available via our Google Drive
Public Art Department, Waterfront Toronto
END OF ADDENDUM #1