City to build 'cultural spaces' under Gardiner Expressway

A concept sketch of the area under the Gardiner Express way is seen as part of Project: Under Gardiner.

The City of Toronto has announced it will use a $25-million donation from two local philanthropists to build a new trail and “cultural spaces” on the unused land under the Gardiner Expressway.

The initiative, called “Project: Under Gardiner,” is a partnership between the city and Waterfront Toronto that aims to transform approximately 10 acres of unused land under the expressway into “vibrant community spaces that will play host to a range of cultural programming.”

The city also plans to build a 1.75-kilemtre multi-used trail under the highway, between Strachan and Spadina.

“(The Gardiner) is the equivalent of five storeys high,” said Coun. Joe Cressy who is helping to oversee the project. “We have a space the size of a full street five storeys in height that we have the opportunity to animate.”

Cressy said this will include “little markets, arts and cultural spaces. In the winter, it’s skating rinks. We’re talking about a continuous, new urban playground for people in Toronto.”

In a statement released Tuesday, the city called Judy and Wil Matthews’ donation an “unprecedented philanthropic partnership.”

“What excites us, really, about this project is not just building a space, but creating a space with all kinds of activities for all kinds of people where they can gather and feel a sense of community and belonging,” Judy told reporters on Tuesday.

Once complete, Project: Under Gardiner will connect approximately 70,000 residents across seven neighbourhoods including Fort York, Niagara, Liberty Village and CityPlace.

“The project will knit these communities together with innovative programmable spaces that will showcase Toronto's unique cultural and related offerings: music, food, theatre, visual arts, education and civics, dance, sports and recreation,” the statement said.

City planner and urban designer Ken Greenberg will lead the project. Waterfront Toronto will build and manage the area on behalf of the city.

Construction is set to begin in the summer. The city said it is aiming to have the initial phase of the project completed by 2017.

With a report from CTV Toronto’s Natalie Johnson