Winners announced in waterfront design competition

Waterfront Toronto, in partnership with the City of Toronto’s Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division, have announced the winners of the York Street Park and Rees Street Park design competition. A timeless and elegant concept called Love Park by Claude Cormier et Associés was selected for York Street Park, while wHY Architecture and Brook Mcllroy took the top slot for Rees Street Park with their bold multi-functional design named Rees Ridge.

The competition was launched in February 2018 to solicit striking plans from leading international design firms, integrating the parks with existing vibrant public spaces along Toronto’s waterfront. More than 40 design teams from 18 cities submitted proposals during the pre-qualification stage. In May, five teams were shortlisted for each park and invited to participate in the design phase, which included an intensive six-week exercise to develop their conceptual proposals. 

The jury appreciated the timeless nature of the Love Park design, unanimously agreeing that its natural elements and elegant forms would create an inviting space. A central water feature and lush perimeter will appeal to visitors, while establishing attractive views for the occupants of the nearby office and residential towers.

Rees Ridge was also a unanimous selection, impressing the jury with a bold design that uses a large ridge to change the relationship between the waterfront and downtown areas. The team’s multi-functional concept allows for year-round activity, with potential for future programming and events. 

“The jury was thrilled with the quality and effort reflected in the design submissions for both York Street and Rees Street Park,” said Chris Glaisek, Chief Planning and Design Officer at Waterfront Toronto. “The winning designs best responded to the design requirements for each space, and we’re very excited to see these visions come to life.” 

Construction of York Street Park is expected to commence in 2019 with a budget of approximately $7 million, while Rees Street Park is scheduled for a start date in 2020 with a budget of approximately $10 million.

Lucy Nordberg
TenderStream Head of Research

This competition was first published on 01.03.2018 by TenderStream here

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