Articles

Two Decades of Regeneration:
Making a Difference on the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River waterfronts
by Suzanne Barrett and Marlaine Koehler
April 2010

In 1990, the Royal Commission on the Future of Toronto's Waterfront published a report called Watershed that called for an integrated, ecosystem approach to waterfront regeneration.  In May 1995, the Waterfront Regeneration Trust and its then 27 community partners launched the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail from Hamilton to Trenton. Now, in 2010 the Waterfront Trail extends 740 km from Niagara to Quebec connecting 41 communities committed to regenerating their waterfronts. This article reviews the past two decades of work on the waterfront, describing some of the transformative projects underway by our community partners: the changing role of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust and the challenges we face as we enter the third decade of this incredible experiment.

A shorter version of this article appeared in the March- Apri l 2010 edition of the Ontario Professional Planners Journal. The cover of the OPPI issue appears left.

Excerpt from Ekistics: The Problem and Science of Human Settlements,
Lake Ontario Waterfront: Update Since "A Decade of Regeneration" by Marlaine Koehler
January to May 2004 issue

In this article, Executive Director Marlaine Koehler details the challenges and successes of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust in the years since the publication of "A Decade of Regeneration." She decribes the transition from a provincial agency to a registered charity and looks at the success of the waterfront partnership in bringing investment to the waterfront through the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure program. She also provides an overview of the marketing and promotion of the Trail as well as an examination of the future challenges and opportunities for regeneration along the Lake Ontario waterfront.

Four Articles by Ingrid Leman Stefanovic

The following four articles were written by Ingrid Leman Stefanovic based on a survey she conducted of end-to-enders and children on the Waterfront Trail. The survey looked at the way that people perceived their experience on the Waterfront Trail and explored the relationship between caring about a place and being a good environmental steward.

While all the articles pull observations from her research, each one is written for a specific audience. Pathways is directed primarily towards educators while "Integrating Natural and Built Environments" is geared towards trail designers.

1. Integrating Natural and Built Environments by Ingrid Stefanovic

2. Excerpt from Pathways: The Ontario Journal of Outdoor Education
From End to End on the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail by Ingrid Leman Stefanovic and Richard Oddie

3. Excerpt from Alternative Journal
On the Waterfront by Ingrid Stefanovic

4. Excerpt from Rethinking Nature: Essays in Environmental Philosophy
Children and the Ethics of Place by Ingrid Stefanovic

Toronto Star Series on the Waterfront Trail by Kate Harries

Kate Harries of the Toronto Star and members of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust completed the Trail in six trips during summer, 2002. Kate Harries documented the trips in a series of articles for the Toronto Star.

• May 20th
• June 17th
• July 22nd
• August 19th
• September 23rd.
• "Cycle Paths Lead to Adventure"

Excerpt from Ontario Planning Journal (18k pdf)
A Decade of Regeneration: Realizing a Vision by Suzanne Barrett

In November 2000, ten years after the publication of the groundbreaking report Watershed by the Royal Commission on the Future of the Toronto Waterfront, its successor—the Waterfront Regeneration Trust—published A Decade of Regeneration about the achievements and lessons of the past decade.

Through a series of community workshops, surveys and interviews, the Trust identified nine essential ingredients for successful waterfront regeneration. They are:

• Make the waterfront a community priority;
• Look beyond your boundaries;
• Set the stage with good planning;
• Use milestone projects to build momentum;
• Design with heritage in mind;
• Add value with connections;
• Make it happen with creative partnerships;
• Secure strategic public investment;
• Attract private resources.

This article summarizes these themes using a selection of case studies.

Excerpt from The Environmental Guide 2002 (page 52-55) (1m pdf)
Toronto's Waterfront Trail: Creating a Lasting Treasure by Suzanne Barrett

The waterfront could be one of Toronto’s greatest assets and an important part of the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail. It has been proven that, both in Toronto and in other communities around the lake, a beautiful waterfront pays huge dividends in terms of health, recreation, tourism and quality of life. In Toronto, railways, industry, and the elevated Gardiner-Expressway separate the community from Lake Ontario. This article indicates that improvements have been made to Toronto’s waterfront over the past 20 years, but many areas remain ugly, polluted and disconnected. New plans for Toronto’s waterfront include re-naturalizing the mouth of the Don River, improving transit, removing the barrier effects of the Gardiner Expressway, creating live-work communities, and adding new trails and parks. At the time of publishing, most of these plans were still conceptual, and the years following would be the real test of whether the “new” Toronto waterfront will be clean, green and accessible. The article indicates that public support and involvement are essential to ensure that these projects are completed.

Toronto and Region Progress Report 2001
Clean Waters Healthy Habitats Progress Report produced by the Waterfront Regeneration Trust (November, 2001)

Toronto’s waterfront and watersheds have been on the “black list” of Areas of Concern around the Great Lakes since 1987. This document reports on the work that has been done since 1987 to restore water quality and healthy habitats. It provides an in-depth assessment of progress, outlines the remediation activities that are underway, and establishes clear priorities for removing Toronto from the list of Great Lakes Areas of Concern.

Toronto’s Remedial Action Plan was published in 1994 and has provided guidance for a range of activities by watershed groups, municipalities, the conservation authority, provincial and federal agencies, and industries.
The six priorities outlined for removing Toronto from the list of Great Lakes Areas of Concern:

1. Wet weather flow management
2. Pollution prevention
3. Habitat restoration
4. Smart growth
5. Education
6. Monitoring

The work plan outlined in this report to restore clean waters and healthy habitats represents a major contribution towards the high quality of life that will attract new business investments and meet the needs of residents and tourists alike.


Clean Water Summit Bulletin, January 2002 (780k pdf)
Clean Waters for Toronto’s Waterfront
Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan Bulletin

At the fourth annual Clean Waters Summit, environmentalists, planners, engineers, government staff and elected officials gathered to discuss priorities for restoring clean waters and healthy habitats to the Toronto waterfront and watershed. The purpose of the Summit was to report on the progress and establish priorities for the Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan. The 4th annual Summit focused on the relationship between environmental quality and Toronto’s waterfront revitalization program. Participants at the Summit agreed that Toronto’s 2002 Wet Weather Flow Management Master Plan would provide important direction for the water quality improvements that must accompany the waterfront redevelopment process.

This article includes details of the plans that were discussed in regards to Toronto’s waterfront revitalization program, as well as Toronto’s Wet Weather Flow Management Master Plan’s objectives and processes. Also included were the opinions and suggestions of three guest speakers from Boston in regards to the improvement of water quality.

At the final plenary, Summit participants called for:

• Greater information sharing among all the players to coordinate effective restoration activities
• Creation of a linked system of parks and habitats that will contribute multiple benefits including environmental functions
• Development of a collaborative approach to implementing the City of Toronto’s Wet Weather Flow Management Plan and the Waterfront Revitalization Initiative
• Commitment by the City of Toronto and the newly created Waterfront Revitalization Corporation to invest in a clean environment, recognizing that it will pay dividends in quality of life and business investments

- Executive Summary (download 600k pdf)
- Section 1 (download 575k pdf)
- Section 2 (download 1.4Mb pdf)
- Section 3 (download 600k pdf)
- Section 4 (download 1Mb pdf)
- Section 5 (download 225k pdf)
- Back (download 360k pdf)

Brownfield's Publications

1. The Nature of Possibility: Experiences in Risk Based Decision Making (1.3m pdf)
   International Brownfields Exchange Report (2000-2002)
   

   In collaboration with Groundwork Trust UK, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Environment Canada, the Waterfront Regeneration Trust organized a series of seminars and workshops in 2000-01 to bring together practitioners and community leaders to consider questions about redevelopment initiatives in light of international best practice in risk-based decision-making.
   
   The first meeting was held in association with the EPA’s Brownfields 2000 conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey. A small group of practitioners there met to exchange expertise and ideas concerning best practice in the application of risk assessment and risk management methods in Brownfield redevelopment. A second seminar and site visits were held in Manchester, England in November 2001. This report presents the results of this exchange program.
   
   In this report, Jody Kass, part of the delegation from the United States that participated in the workshops, offered her observations and conclusions as a platform for continued international exchange of ideas and expertise. These are, briefly:

1- There is a need to integrate soft and hard issues to achieve balance;
2- Greenspace should be integrated into the planning process upfront, and not as an afterthought;
3- There is a need to link long-term environmental sustainability with long-term economic sustainability;
4- There is a need to build leadership; and
5- Strong linkages between brownfields regeneration and pollution prevention is needed.


2. Transforming the Landscape – Hamilton, Ontario: Windermere Basin Design Workshop (2.7m pdf)
   International Brownfields Exchange Report (2001-2002)
   
   Situated between the head of Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment, Windermere Basin is an ecological and cultural basin. The Windermere Basin Steering Committee was established in order to facilitate development of the Windermere Basin in accordance with the City of Hamilton’s Official Plan. Members included representatives from government, environmental institutes and community groups. The Committee focused on the basin’s wildlife, history, and industrial use in compliance with restoring habitat and implementing passive recreational use. This article describes the workshop that was held for these representatives to generate preliminary design concepts that could be used to develop more detailed plans for the restoration of the basin.
   
   Air pollution, possible soil contamination and poor habitat quality were noted as the environmental concerns, together with the overall quality of the basin. Five conceptual designs were developed that reflect an interactive landscape with a strong link to its history, ecology, and cultural features and to the surrounding landscape and community:
   

1 – Create a “front door” with connections to the surrounding landscape;
2 – Make the Basin aesthetically pleasing and inviting;
3 – Establish green infrastructure;
4 – Use the Basin for education/interpretation; and
5 – Consider alternate ways to manage dredging.

Workshop results illustrated potential for a new image for Windermere Basin. The article concluded stating that the results from the workshop would be used to develop a Request Proposals for detailed designs and implementation plans for the revitalization of Windermere Basin.

3. Transforming the Landscape- Queens, New York: Willets Point International Design Workshop ( 2.7m pdf)
   International Brownfields Exchange Report (2001-2002)
   
   Willets Point is an industrial area in northern Queens, New York. The area lacks sanitary and storm sewer systems, and the illegal disposal of industrial waste by local businesses contributed to the environmental degradation of the soil and adjacent Flushing River. The City of New York recognized the area’s potential to establish better uses and advance economic development initiatives in surrounding neighborhoods. As part of this effort, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, in collaboration with the office of Queens Borough President and the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, organized a 3-day international design workshop in October 2001 in Willets Point. The workshop was the first step towards the revitalization of Willets Point. This article describes the ideas developed at the workshop for the future of the area.
   
   Revitalization of Willets Point offers an opportunity to address several related problems concurrently, including high unemployment, lack of green space, degraded environmental conditions and deteriorating public infrastructure. The result of the workshop was a mixed-use site plan that incorporated culture, commerce, entertainment, open green space, increased accessibility, and significant architecture. Both incremental and comprehensive implementation strategies were developed.
   
   
4. Port Colborne Waterfront Seminar Summary, November 20, 2001- Port Colborne, Ontario
   
   On November 24th, 2001, landowners, local businesses, representatives of community groups and various government agencies gathered in Port Colborne to hear from the Waterfront Regeneration Trust about progress in waterfront communities around Lake Ontario and abroad, about tourism opportunities in Port Colborne, and to learn more about City Council’s “Port Colborne Harbour Revitalization” initiative. The article outlines information discussed at the seminar.
   
   The Port Colborne waterfront is transforming from a predominantly industrial area to a public one. Efforts to revitalize the Port Colborne waterfront have been undertaken on the West side of the Welland Canal. Additional opportunities were identified on the east side of the Welland Canal by the Niagara Economic and Tourism Corporation, including future parkland and residential areas, a golf course, sports fishing, protection of Nickel Beach and improved pedestrian access. The City of Port Colborne announced its commitment to develop a community based waterfront revitalization strategy. It is working with the Waterfront Regeneration Trust and other professionals to prepare plans and an implementation strategy that considers the many opportunities for the City’s waterfront and also ways of managing challenges including soil contamination, existing planning designations, current land ownership and inadequate infrastructure.
   
   The described next steps for the City of Port Colborne included presenting a report to Council outlining the process for a detailed community based planning initiative to revitalize the waterfront lands. Participants at the seminar were encouraged to get involved in the planning process and to provide their ideas for the future of the Port Colborne waterfront.
   
   Contact information is provided.
   
   
5. Transforming the Landscape – Brooklyn, New York: West Bushwick International Design Workshop
   International Brownfields Exchange Report (2000-2001)
   
   As part of the City’s ongoing effort to revitalize and advance economic development initiatives in the Bushwick neighborhood, an international design workshop was organized by the Waterfront Regeneration Trust’s International Brownfield Exchange Program and the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) in association with the Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Citizens Council (RBSCC). This workshop brought together architects and urban planners from Germany, Northern Ireland and Canada with experience in transforming Brownfield sites into new uses, with local community leaders, elected officials, city staff and professionals in the redevelopment field. It provided an opportunity to share international experiences and best practices, to participate in creating new ideas and principles to guide redevelopment, and to establish consensus regarding future objectives and design options for the former Rheingold brewery site. The article describes the ideas developed at the workshop.
   
   The design concept that emerged was a product of consensus and reflects the community’s desire for action, specifically regarding greenspace and housing development. Many public actions would be required before approval of the design concept. The implementation strategy mapped out during the workshop described the public review process and identified several financing mechanisms that could be used to develop the different phases of the plan. Workshop participants proposed the creation of a task force that will help to advance the project through the public review process. The task force will include members of City agencies, the New York City Housing Partnership and Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Citizens Council.
   
   
6. Cities Exchange: A Meeting of the International Brownfield Exchange, June 2000
   Offices of Expo 2000 – GmbH Dessau, Germany
   
   This article outlines the presentations by speakers at the an International Brownfield Exchange meeting for project leaders around the world in June, 2000. It was an exchange of ideas and practical experience by project leaders involved in the redevelopment of derelict lands. It was also an opportunity to establish an international network of contacts. All of the presenters noted the important leadership role that cities must play to ensure that redevelopment of brownfields happens - and that it happens in a way that shapes change to benefit those who live, work and visit the city. The ideas of key speakers such as Jerilyn Perine from New York City, Luc Piccionin from Hamilton, Edwin Saphar from Rochester, Malcolm Barton from the UK, and Evert Verhagen from Amsterdam, are included.
   
   
7. The Nature of Possibility: Toronto Portlands Design Workshop, October 29, 1999
   International Brownfields Exchange Report (1999-2000)
   
   The Portlands in Toronto is a large industrial area that is now in transition to recreational, commercial and other uses. On October 29, 1999, the International Brownfields Exchange brought together local and international leaders involved in the regeneration of former industrial areas. Teams of architects, urban designers, landowners, technical experts and community representatives interpreted the principles of the City of Toronto’s draft Part II Plan, "Unlocking the Portlands" into design concepts. Four areas were considered in the article: The Quays, Mouth of the Don River, Cherry St. Corridor and the area South of the Ship Channel. The challenge for the Workshop was to prepare design concepts for the four sites in order to:
   

• create better connections;
• establish a "sense of place";
• introduce multi-functioning green infrastructure;
• celebrate both the natural and built heritage of the area.


8. The Nature of Possibility: South Buffalo Design Workshop, November 1, 1999
   International Brownfields Exchange Report (1999-2000)
   
   The Waterfront Regeneration Trust and the Buffalo Economic Renaissance Corporation (BERC) developed a progressive series of public meetings to emphasize the importance of a comprehensive vision and implementation strategy for the South Buffalo Project. The emerging vision integrated environmental restoration, new public amenities, and meaningful job creation that reflected Buffalo’s rich industrial and natural heritage. In November 1999 the Trust’s International Brownfield Exchange Program and the BERC hosted a design workshop to bring together local and international representatives interested in redevelopment of derelict land. The objective was to further develop and test specific design ideas to help communicate new opportunities and a new image for the former industrial lands in South Buffalo.
   
   The article outlines the purpose of the workshop, in which participants were to illustrate the qualities of a Livable Community using three sites: the Union Ship Canal and two properties located in the Buffalo River Corridor - the Cargill Superior Elevator Shoreline and the Concrete Central property. All of the design concepts captured the need and the opportunity for improved connection. Ideas for each site demonstrated how connections could be established or enhanced using design features to help overcome the prevailing sense of physical and psychological isolation.
   
   
9. The Nature of Possibility: City of Niagara Falls, NY Design Workshop, November 2, 1999
   International Brownfields Exchange Report (1999-2000)
   
   In November 1999, the International Brownfield Exchange brought together a team of planners and architects from abroad with local architects, residents, students, City officials and business leaders to test ideas for transforming the industrial image of the City of Niagara Falls and to consider the best options for revitalization. The results provided a valuable contribution to the community development initiatives now underway. Participants focused on three different Brownfield sites:
   

• Buffalo Avenue Industrial Shoreline;
• Highland Avenue Redevelopment Plan;
• The Browning Ferris Industries Niagara Recycling Landfill.

This article describes the design concepts created for each of the three sites examined. Workshop participants re-interpreted existing features, and through the introduction of several innovative design elements, transformed empty lots and barren land into vibrant and productive places.

10. Redeveloping Brownfields: A Different Conversation
    Proceedings of an International Symposium (April 7-8, 1998)
    Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corporation
    
    In April 1998, participants representing Canada and the United States, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and Italy, and included landowners, investors, banker, regulators and community development specialists gathered in Toronto for a different conversation about the redevelopment of brownfields. This group shared a belief that the technical challenges and financial risks so long associated with brownfields can now be seen in a different way — as opportunities for economic and environmental revitalization. Long dormant sites are being revitalized as owners, investors and regulators find new ways to regenerate old industrial areas. The result is a new “can-do” attitude that is improving the investment climate and establishing the partnerships needed to ensure the environmental and economic health of cities around the world. To build on this momentum, the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, Environment Canada, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, the United States Environmental Protection Agency and
    other partners were pleased to present this forum that brought together leaders from the community, the banking, insurance, land development and government sectors. Participants were allowed to relate their experiences, and in doing so, describe ways to unlock the environmental, economic and social potential of Brownfield sites. This record of the proceedings is based on the speakers’ presentation notes, where those were available, and on notes taken by Waterfront Regeneration Trust staff throughout the Symposium.
    
    The results of the Symposium suggested several important lessons that can be passed on to others engaged in Brownfield redevelopment:
    

1. There is no single generic approach.
2. A project is nothing without a vision.
3. Integration makes it happen.
4. A diverse set of players is needed.
5. Partnerships enhance project viability.
6. Innovative, proactive local agencies play a lead role.
7. Those who understand and communicate risk and can measure it in their own terms are likely to yield the greatest rewards.
8. Effective communication is essential.
9. Public education and community-based redevelopment projects build ecological literacy and community capacity.
10. Public sector financial assistance can be used creatively to lever private investment.


11. The Nature of Possibility
    International Brownfield Exchange (1998-1999), December 1999
    
    Brownfield redevelopment is one of the most pressing urban issues of our time - and one of the biggest opportunities to curb urban sprawl, to reconnect neighborhoods, improve public transportation, create meaningful jobs and restore and protect greenspace.
    
    The Nature of Possibility presents an overview of the state of the art Brownfield redevelopment initiatives from the international arena. Results of workshops held in five city regions - Amsterdam, Leuna, Buffalo, Chicago and Toronto - highlight best practices and innovative design concepts that are transforming derelict land into new places of vitality and possibility.
    
    More than 500 people participated in the 1998-99 program of the International Brownfield Exchange. The Nature of Possibility captures their experience and their vision for the sustainable city.
    
    

Heritage Niagara

• Rethinking Niagara: Heritage Tourism on the Bi-national Regional Agenda (1,840k pdf)
  Oct 23-24, 2001
  
  This Rethinking Niagara symposium was the third in a series of bi-national meetings to bring attention to the opportunities that exist for heritage tourism development around Niagara Falls, and to put the spotlight on current work and best practices. In New York State, tourism is already the second largest industry, but heritage tourism provides an opportunity to achieve even more. To do that, symposium organizers said there needs to be investment into stories of world-significance and to preserve and develop the sites that best tell those stories. The conference organizers explained that arranging the diverse array of heritage attractions by theme could simplify the picture for tourists, assist with innovative and engaging interpretation and make the region more accessible. Themes included: The Landscape, The Bounty of Nature; Stories of War, Peace, and Freedom; The Wealth of Region; and Enterprise in the Arts.
  
  The Symposium demonstrated that many people are already involved and committed to heritage development initiatives in the bi-national region. Political leaders on both sides of Niagara have Heritage Tourism on the bi-national agenda. To conclude the symposium, the co-chairs of a bi-national tourism committee would be reporting back Governor Pataki and Premier Harris with recommendations for advancing the cause of heritage bi-national tourism development, building on the thematic framework presented at the symposium and recognizing the many new projects now underway.
  
  
• Rethinking Niagara: a report on the bi-national forum (260k pdf)
  March 30 and 31, 2000
  
  The forum featured small group discussions on heritage and cultural tourism; trade and transportation; brownfield redevelopment; the natural and built environment; and knowledge-based industries. In part of the forum, participants worked to define strategies for capitalizing on the region’s opportunities and set some priorities for immediate action in five topic areas:
  • Heritage and Cultural Tourism;
  • Trade and Transportation;
  • Brownfield Redevelopment;
  • The Natural and Built Environment; and
  • Knowledge Based Industry.

  The discussions on these topics are briefly described, as well as the themes common to all of them: Great Potential; Change is Possible; Economy and Ecology Together; and Just Connect.
  

• Rethinking the Niagara Frontier: A Report on the November Roundtable (440k pdf)
  November 20, 2000
  
  Participants in the on-going bi-national collaboration known as Rethinking Niagara met in Lewiston, NY to sharpen the focus on what they could do together to help the region meet the complex challenges of their common future. They agreed the focus should be on working to improve quality of life for all by preserving, repairing, enhancing, and interpreting the things they have received from the past, both natural and of human creation. The November Roundtable was the latest step in a bi-national collaboration coordinated by the Waterfront Regeneration Trust and The Urban Design Project at the University of Buffalo. The discussions involved the goals of heritage development in Western New York and Fort Erie and included the tourism development experiences in the Ruhr Region and Alps in Europe.
  
  
• Lake Ontario: changing for the better over twenty-five years
  International help for a "magnificent river" (October, 1997, Vol 3, No. 3)
  By Don Williams
  Head of Aquatic Science and Reporting with Environment Canada's Ecosystem Health Division
  
  In 1973 the International Joint Commission designated both the Niagara River and nearby Buffalo River as two of forty three "Areas of Concern." These were problem spots where the goal of "protecting the most sensitive beneficial use of the water" was not being met. Both nations immediately started preparing Remedial Action Plans (RAPs) for these areas all aimed at restoring the beneficial uses that had been impaired. Nearly a decade later the state, provincial and two national environmental agencies worked together on a comprehensive three year study of toxic substances in the river. The resulting report led to the development of the Niagara River Toxics Management Plan (NRTMP) and the signing of the Niagara River Declaration of Intent by the 'four parties' in February 1987. The overall goal of this Declaration of Intent is to "achieve significant reductions of toxic chemical pollutants in the Niagara River." A sub-objective was a 50% reduction in the loading of toxic chemicals of concern (such as PCBs, mirex and dioxins) by 1996. Resultant successes are described in the article.
  
  The article explains that the successes that have been achieved to date have been due in no small way to the spirit of co-operation that continues to exist between Canada and the United States. Those successes are also a result of unique institutional arrangements like the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.