Report Assesses Expressway Removal Options for the Toronto Waterfront

A recently released report makes the case for removing, in part or in full, an elevated span of roadway along the Toronto Waterfront.

1 minute read

April 19, 2015, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


David Rider reports on the recently released environmental assessment (EA) released by Waterfront Toronto, a public organization tasked with revitalizing Toronto waterfront, that recommends removing part of all of the Gardiner Expressway.

The EA considers options for full or partial (called a "hybrid" plan by the report) removal of the elevated span. Full removal would entail "[r]emoving the entire 2.4 kilometre expressway east of Jarvis St., and replacing the stretch to the Don Valley Parkway with an eight-lane, street-level boulevard," according to Rider. The hybrid plan would "[leave] the elevated Gardiner in place between Jarvis and the Don River, and replace the ramp between the Don and Logan Ave. with a six-lane boulevard."

Rider lists out the benefits of each plan, as stated in the EA, and also notes that the cost of simply maintaining the span as it is would require $864 million over the next 100 years. The article includes "swipe" frames of renderings used to compare each of the two options.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015 in The Toronto Star

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 30, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

The mayor of Baltimore speaks into a microphone in front of a rally for more state transportation funding from Maryland.

‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan

Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.

October 2, 2026 - Baltimore Sun

A rendering of the waterfront development, which shows a lit-up stage by the waterfront and people walking about.

Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment

Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.

October 2, 2026 - ABC 7

Gavin Newsom gesturing with both hands out behind a podium.

Newsom vetoes high-speed rail supervision bill after agency receives condemnatory audit

The audit found the CHSRA approved almost $600,000 in unallowable travel expenses.

October 4 - Cal Matters

The Seaglider, a plane-shaped vehicle with four wings that curve sharply towards the sea after a few feet.

Nation sees first electric plane-boat hybrid take off in public demo

The Viceroy Seaglider can fly at speeds of 180mph for up to 180 miles.

October 4 - Smart Cities Dive

A data center. It is a low, white building, seen from above.

One of nation’s poorest counties to receive $6 billion data center

The developers estimate the project will create 200 permanent jobs and 1,000 temporary construction jobs.

October 4 - Mississippi Today

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.

Senior Planner

City of Thousand Oaks

Community Development Director

City of Wisconsin Rapids

Professor of Urban Planning

Harvard University Graduate School of Design