SLA Designs Public Spaces and Streetscapes for Toronto's New Island Community in the Port Lands
SLA, a renowned landscape and urban design firm, has presented the comprehensive plan for the public spaces and street network within Toronto's new 39.8-hectare island community, known as Ookwemin Minising. This transformative urban development is situated in the Port Lands, an area previously characterized by industrial activity and recreational facilities, located southeast of downtown Toronto. The initiative is a cornerstone of a larger urban revitalization effort, led by Waterfront Toronto, aimed at converting the former industrial landscape into a vibrant natural river valley, diverse mixed-use residential zones, and expansive public parklands. The overarching goal of this government-backed project is to re-naturalize urban areas while simultaneously increasing housing density. The phased redevelopment of Ookwemin Minising is projected to unfold between 2031 and 2040, marking a significant step towards a more sustainable and integrated urban future for Toronto.
The vision for Ookwemin Minising is to establish a pioneering model for high-density, environmentally conscious, and highly livable urban development, rivaling the scale and dynamism of downtown Toronto but with a profound emphasis on nature. The project brings together a diverse team of experts, including GHD for engineering, SLA for urban and landscape design, Trophic Design for Indigenous landscape design expertise, Allies and Morrison for architectural and massing strategies, Transsolar for low-carbon infrastructure, Monumental Projects for community engagement, and Level Playing Field for accessibility. At the heart of the design strategy are "Growing Streets," a concept that reimagines urban thoroughfares as integrated living systems. These streets are engineered to manage stormwater, mitigate urban heat, and foster biodiversity through embedded green infrastructure and carefully selected plantings. Mobility within this new community prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists, seamlessly blending natural elements and social spaces into the daily urban fabric, thereby creating a truly nature-based urban experience.
Transforming Toronto's Port Lands into a Green Urban Oasis
The design for Ookwemin Minising represents a significant step in transforming Toronto's Port Lands into a vibrant and sustainable urban environment. SLA's vision for this 39.8-hectare community focuses on integrating public spaces and streetscapes that are not only functional but also ecologically rich. The project, named "Ookwemin Minising" (meaning "place of the black cherry trees" in Anishinaabemowin/Ojibwemowin), aims to convert a former industrial zone into a thriving mixed-use neighborhood, complete with naturalized river valleys and extensive parklands. This redevelopment is part of a broader initiative by Waterfront Toronto to enhance the city's waterfront, emphasizing naturalization and increased housing density. The phased completion, anticipated between 2031 and 2040, underscores the long-term commitment to creating a dense, green, and highly livable urban center that coexists harmoniously with nature.
The ambition behind the Ookwemin Minising project is to set a new benchmark for urban development, blending the scale and activity of downtown Toronto with an innovative, nature-first approach. The multidisciplinary team, led by SLA for urban and landscape design and GHD for engineering, is implementing a design philosophy centered on "Growing Streets." This concept treats streets as dynamic, living systems capable of managing stormwater, reducing urban heat island effects, and supporting local biodiversity. Through integrated green infrastructure and strategic planting, these streets will capture and filter rainwater, while providing habitats for native species. The design also prioritizes active transportation, creating a pedestrian and cycling-friendly network that weaves green spaces and social interaction into the fabric of daily life, ultimately fostering a resilient and environmentally conscious community.
Innovative Urban Planning and Sustainable Infrastructure
Central to the Ookwemin Minising project are five core strategies: Living Legacy, Local Character, Prioritize Nature, Strategic Density, and Everyday Mobility, which are manifested across six distinct character areas. A key feature is the Centre Commons, a 760-meter-long pedestrian-only public space designed to be Canada's longest year-round car-free zone. This central spine, lined with approximately 400 trees, serves as both a social hub and an ecological corridor, running east-west across the island. Allies and Morrison's massing strategy has boosted housing density by 27% compared to previous plans, providing 12,000 housing units, with 3,000 designated as affordable. The master plan also integrates Indigenous knowledge through collaborations with Trophic Design, reflected in elements like Ookwemin Street and The Sandbar Trail, which evoke historical shorelines and pathways through material choices, alignment, and interpretive landscape features, ensuring a deep connection to the site's rich cultural and natural heritage.
The concept of "Growing Streets," developed by SLA and GHD, is a cornerstone of the project's innovative infrastructure. This approach views streets and public areas not merely as conduits for movement but as integral components of a larger ecological system. By embedding climate resilience, water management, and low-carbon strategies directly into the streetscape, the design creates infrastructure that is both high-performing and contributes to long-term sustainability and quality of life. Chris Hunter from GHD highlighted how this integration elevates functionality, making the infrastructure an active participant in enhancing everyday life. This thoughtful integration of infrastructure and natural systems distinguishes Ookwemin Minising as a leading example of urban development that prioritizes environmental well-being and community vibrancy, creating a sustainable model for future city planning.