Shaping the Future: Community Visions for Ookwemin Minising

Illustration of a lively green neighborhood with people walking, cycling, playing, shopping, and relaxing among trees, birds, and market stalls, blending nature with community life.

PUBLISHED: August 8, 2025

 

In this Blog

 

  • What we’ve heard so far as we begin design on the fundamentals needed to develop Ookwemin Minising: the public spaces, streets, stormwater and sanitary pipes, and utility ducts that support the building of new homes.   

  • A look at the "Growing Streets" design vision, which weaves nature into public spaces. 

  • How you can get involved

The future of Ookwemin Minising is taking shape and we're building it together! With flood protection work nearing completion, our focus has shifted to the foundational design elements that will support the island, including its public spaces, streets and utilities, and the final section of Biidaasige Park.

 

This summer, we began to form the Ookwemin Minising Advisory (OMA) Network  and we popped up at the opening of Biidaasige Park to get initial feedback on the design team’s “growing streets” concept.  

 

What is “growing streets”? 

 

“Growing Streets” is a living public realm where nature is woven into all spaces and where streets are more than just a way to get from one place to another.

 

This summer and fall, we’re exploring this concept by looking at what streets can do for a community. In this survey we explore how streets can: 

 

  • Connect nature 

  • Connect water  

  • Connect the city 

We want to hear from you! We welcome your feedback and ideas on how streets and public spaces can connect us to nature, to water and to each other. You can explore our information panels below and fill out the survey until the end of September.

 

Poster Connecting Nature illustrates nature-integrated street design. Shows how urban streets support ecosystems & improve spaces by integrating nature into infrastructure for healthier, sustainable environments. Highlights streets as public places fostering biodiversity, cooling urban heat islands with vegetation & shade, & features the Climate Positive Neighbourhood Ookwemin Minising. Green streets include soil, vegetation, bioswales, permeable pavements, & trees, supporting wildlife & reducing flooding.
Poster Connecting Water illustrates water-integrated street design and shows how urban streets reconnect people with water physically, emotionally, and ecologically by supporting rainfall and reintegrating water into the urban cycle. Streets celebrate water with features like splash pads, runoff channels, and floodable plazas. Bioswales and rain gardens slow runoff, filter pollutants, recharge groundwater, and promote healing, gathering, and community connection.
Poster Connecting the City shows how streets support vibrant neighbourhoods while serving as essential infrastructure corridors. Streets connect communities, house utilities, & include transit like bus routes & planned Waterfront East LRT. Complete streets balance all users and offer flexible public spaces like parklets and markets. Mixed-use buildings with active ground floors support daily life. Streets act as gateways, framing views and shaping the urban experience.

 

Picking up the Bundle

 

Our approach to building Ookwemin Minising begins with deep collaboration—honouring Indigenous wisdom through storytelling, ecological stewardship, and community-led design. From planting Black Cherry saplings to shaping public spaces, we’re picking up the bundle with care, ensuring Indigenous voices guide every step of the journey. 

 

Poster The Indigenous Pathway: Picking Up the Bundle outlines an inclusive design process for Ookwemin Minising, honouring Indigenous knowledge and world view. It follows phased design stages from concept to construction, involving community collaboration and Indigenous engagement. Guided by the Seven Grandfather Teachings, it emphasizes respect and generational wisdom, with ceremonies and plantings celebrating stewardship and renewal.

 

More Ways to Get Involved

 

Visit our pop-up events: We’re hosting pop-up events at the Visitor Centre at Biidaasige Park throughout the summer and fall. Come say hi and learn about the park's history and discover plans for the future of Ookwemin Minising. Check our opening dates on the Visitor Centre website. 

 

Join the Ookwemin Minising Advisory (OMA) Network: We’re still looking for individuals, organizations, and community groups to join our advisory network. This group meets several times a year to provide feedback, guidance, and advice to the project team. If you’re interested in learning more, please reach out to info@waterfrontoronto.ca.

 

Together, we’ll bring our shared vision for Toronto’s new island, Ookwemin Minising, to life!

 

If you’d like to stay up to date about what's happening on Toronto’s waterfront sign up for our Monthly Newsletter!

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