Arrival of new bridge marks milestone in Port Lands Flood Protection project

artist rendering of bridge and river in the winter

December 8, 2021, Toronto, ON – Waterfront Toronto, joined by MP Julie Dabrusin, MPP Amarjot Sandhu, Mayor John Tory, and Toronto City Councillor Paula Fletcher, marked the arrival of a colourful new bridge that will become a landmark on Toronto’s skyline, connecting the future Villiers Island to surrounding revitalized Port Lands.

The 110-metre long bridge will span the future mouth of the Don River, where Cherry Street currently meets the Polson Slip. This is the third bridge to be delivered as part of the Port Lands Flood Protection project, with the final Cherry Street North vehicular bridge scheduled to arrive in Spring 2022.

The Port Lands Flood Protection project is jointly funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto and will provide flood protection for areas east of the Don River and Port Lands, with the south side of Villiers Island to be bounded by a new naturalized river valley featuring extensive open green space and new public amenities.

Villiers Island is also anticipated to become the first climate-positive community in Canada. Its future development, along with the McLeary District, the Unilever Precinct, and more, is made possible through the Port Lands Flood Protection Project.

Quotes:

“The arrival of the Cherry Street South Bridge is a key milestone in the transformation of Toronto’s waterfront. This bridge is vital to connecting Villiers Island and is an instrumental part of our work to provide flood protection to southeastern portions of downtown Toronto, while also creating public and green space that everyone can enjoy. Our Government is proud to work with our partners to invest in infrastructure that creates jobs and improves the quality of life of all Torontonians.”

Julie Dabrusin, Member of Parliament for Toronto-Danforth, on behalf of the Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

“The arrival of this bridge is a huge milestone for Toronto’s waterfront. We’re pleased to celebrate this step toward completion of essential flood protection efforts that will contribute to unlocking the area’s potential for future green space, and residential and commercial development.”

The Hon. Kinga Surma, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure

“The arrival of the second Cherry Street bridge marks an exciting milestone in our city’s plan to build up our waterfront and turn it into an accessible new mixed-use community. This specific bridge will provide much-needed walking and cycling paths for those who live in and around the area or those who are looking to visit the new Villiers Island once it is complete. I want to thank the Federal and Provincial governments for working with us on the Port Lands Flood Protection project and for ensuring that the investments we are making in Toronto now will serve generations to come.”

John Tory, Mayor of Toronto

“This bridge will connect Toronto with its bright and promising future, advancing our goal of making our waterfront one of the world’s very best. The future Villiers Island will be one of the most exciting new places to live and work in Canada, with new parks and access to Lake Ontario.”

Stephen Diamond, Chair, Waterfront Toronto