About The Waterfront Regeneration Trust

Our Philosophy

We believe the Lake Ontario waterfront is not an isolated stretch along the shore, but part of a connected ecosystem, which includes the environment (air, land, water, and all living organisms, including humans), economy, society and history of every community that's involved.
We also believe we are responsible for our actions … both to ourselves and to other people, generations, and species.

Our Goal

Our goal is to make sure people can get to the water; and that the water is worth getting to.

Our Standards

We believe that the public wants the waterfront to be the following: clean, green, accessible, connected, open, useable, diverse, affordable and attractive. Therefore, everything that we - and our partners - do is measured against these standards.

Our Approach

We will integrate all elements of the ecosystem and involve all aspects of the community. We will take part in urban and rural activities at local, regional, national, and international levels. Respecting natural (rather than political) boundaries, we will acknowledge the waterfront's links to other Great Lakes, watersheds, homes, and businesses. The solutions we arrive at must work today, and a hundred years from today.

We will work with municipalities, conservation authorities, senior levels of government, community and service groups, landowners and homeowners to implement the Lake Ontario Greenway Strategy. The Strategy provides a context for setting priorities, guidance on ways to achieve a shared vision, and an information base to assist decision-making.

The Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail is backbone of the Strategy and its completion, enhancement and promotion are a priority for the Waterfront Regeneration Trust.

Our Mandate

1. Expand and enhance the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail and Greenway

• Complete 300 more kilometres of Trail so that it completely links waterfronts from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Brockville (and eventually connects the Waterfront Trail to Upper New York State's Seaway Trail!).
• Expand our Waterfront Network so its members can serve as local custodians of the Trail and Greenway.

2. Promote the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail and Greenway

• Promote the healthy lifestyle of the Trail to local residents and visitors alike by taking part in regional media and marketing efforts.

3. Develop a web-based regeneration resource centre, or "Regeneration Toolbox"

• Make our educational materials easier for communities to access, enhancing their ability to lead or participate in waterfront revitalization.