The Waterfront BIA Eases Construction Stress Through Several Initiatives on Toronto's Waterfront

The Waterfront BIA is making every effort to help ease the commute to Toronto's beautiful waterfront during construction season. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) May 01, 2013 - Spring has finally arrived and so has construction season in Toronto. Many Torontonians and tourists alike find it a challenge to navigate the streets for the best way to get to many of the amazing venues and events that this city has to offer. Part of an award-winning plan to make Toronto's Waterfront a world-class destination, the transformation of the central waterfront, is well on its way to becoming the grand waterfront boulevard Toronto deserves.

Construction along the 1.7 kilometre stretch of Queens Quay from just west of Lower Spadina Avenue to just east of Bay Street is totally rebuilding and revitalizing the area both above and below ground. When completed in early 2015, Queens Quay will be a waterfront showpiece and a must-see Toronto destination. In the meantime, The Waterfront BIA has created a number of initiatives to help Torontonians get around the waterfront during the ongoing construction to prove - It's better by the water.

"There is a lot of confusion for Toronto residents and visitors due to construction in Toronto," states Carol Jolly, Executive Director, The Waterfront BIA. "We are trying to make life easier through a series of initiatives that will make it simpler to get around Toronto's waterfront during the revitalization."

The Waterfront BIA has created comprehensive outdoor pillar signage that will be placed throughout the waterfront to clearly direct and assist pedestrians during construction, so they can focus on enjoying what the waterfront has to offer. The fifteen 12-foot tall, colourful pillars will include a detailed map of the waterfront including locations of public charter boats, and a complete retail business directory. The pillars will be regularly updated to include promotional information on the many exciting year-round events and activities.

From June through August, the lively Singing Waterfront Ambassadors will travel along Toronto's Waterfront offering personal assistance, directions and recommendations to visitors, as well as impromptu a cappella performances on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 11am to 6pm.

"There are many ways to get to Toronto's waterfront during the busy construction season without adding extra stress to your day," states Jolly. "We are encouraging visitors to take the short walk or cycle south from Union Station allowing them to explore areas that are likely to be missed while driving in a vehicle."

The TTC offers more frequent buses during peak periods and large festivals and events, which allows easy on and off access to the hot spots along the waterfront without having to worry about parking.

The waterfront is still accessible by car or taxi, though to keep traffic congestion to a minimum it is encouraged during the warmer months to take advantage of the weather and walk or rent a bicycle in the area. Bike racks are scattered along the waterfront, while parking lots can be found in a number of locations including Rees and Simcoe Street and taxi stands are located next to the Queen's Quay Terminal building at the foot of York Street. Traffic will flow one way westbound along Queens Quay until Spring 2014. Regular construction updates and road closures can be found on The Waterfront BIA Facebook page and Twitter.

"There is so much to enjoy on Toronto's waterfront." adds Jolly. "Stroll along the water's edge boardwalk, relax at HTO Parks, experience Music Gardens, or take a scenic harbour cruise aboard one of the many passenger vessels. Shop at the award-winning Queen's Quay Terminal, dine in a variety of spectacular restaurants overlooking the lake, participate in one of Harbourfront Centre's festivals, camps or shows, visit PawsWay and stay in one of our impressive hotels. Toronto's Waterfront offers something for everyone."

Events including Doors Open on Toronto's Waterfront, the Toronto on the Water historical photo exhibit, the Redpath Waterfront Festival when Tall Ships return and ongoing events at Harbourfront Centre offer families an opportunity to see the city from a unique perspective and explore areas that they may not have had a chance to discover before.

The My Waterfront Photo Contest returns for a third year to encourage people to come to Toronto's Waterfront and take pictures. Photos are entered in a contest and winners will be included in the My Waterfront Photo Exhibit that will be on display in Queen's Quay Terminal throughout the Fall. The contest will be promoted primarily through Facebook and Twitter.

There are many exciting events along the waterfront that encourage a day trip to the water and The Waterfront BIA is making every effort to help ease the commute to Toronto's beautiful waterfront.

Come 2015, the new Toronto waterfront will offer the quiet joy of mile long strolls, a generous granite pedestrian promenade and the off-street Martin Goodman Trail will create much-needed public space by the lake. A new streetcar corridor and traffic lanes with improved turning lanes and signal timing will keep people moving. New granite sidewalks and landscaping improvements in front of storefronts will stimulate ground floor retail activity and urban vitality. This revitalization will create more job opportunities and investments in Toronto, bringing the quality of life to a new level and making Toronto's waterfront an even larger magnet for tourists.

About The Waterfront BIA:
A stone's throw from Toronto's downtown and financial core, The Waterfront BIA encompasses the exciting heart of the City's central waterfront with Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands forming a spectacular backdrop for the area's countless attractions. Stay in one of our relaxing hotels, The Westin Harbour Castle or Radisson Admiral Hotel, take in a dynamic theatrical performance, wander through our galleries and studios or attend one of the vibrant cultural festivals year-round. Stroll Queen's Quay Terminal and visit our many unique shops, then enjoy a delicious dinner at one of our fabulous restaurants. Looking for recreation? Play in the parks, stroll the revitalized promenades, skate on the outdoor rink, rent a bicycle, canoe, kayak, sailboat or power boat. Indulge in a cruise on one of our fine charter vessels and enjoy Toronto's spectacular city skyline from the water. There is no end to the activity on the Waterfront!

For additional information or interview requests, please contact:
Peter Ashworth / Ashley Lloyd, Ashworth Associates Public Relations, 416-603-6005
peter ( @ ) ashworthassociates dot com / ashley ( @ ) ashworthassociates dot com

###

space

Other Related Press Releases