Toronto Waterfront Enabling Initiative (TWEI)

Summary

The Toronto Waterfront Enabling Initiative (TWEI) builds on more than two decades of revitalization work led by Waterfront Toronto (WT), aimed at transforming the city’s waterfront into a resilient, inclusive, and climate-adaptive urban landscape. With renewed tripartite investment, WT is poised to enable the delivery of climate-resilient infrastructure, affordable housing, and inclusive public spaces—supporting a green economy and equitable urban growth.

Key components include the large-scale, mixed-use developments Quayside and Ookwemin Minising. These developments are expected to deliver thousands of new housing units, a portion of which will be affordable rental housing. The TWEI also includes the Broadview Eastern Flood Protection (BEFP) project, a critical piece of flood resilient infrastructure that complements the near-complete Port Lands Flood Protection (PLFP) project.

The TWEI is grounded in environmental sustainability, climate resilience, Indigenous engagement, and inclusive economic development.

Key findings from the strategic environmental analysis

Environmental risk/effects

The TWEI offers substantial environmental benefits and is being implemented with a clear strategy to actively manage and minimize potential environmental risks, particularly during the construction phase. These risks include temporary disturbances to urban wildlife, the possibility of introducing invasive species, and increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to construction and ongoing operational activities. To address these challenges, WT has embedded robust mitigation measures into its planning, including the use of low-carbon construction methods, habitat protection protocols, and stringent environmental management practices.

Recognizing the sensitivity of ecosystems along the Toronto waterfront and Don River, WT is applying a comprehensive Performance Measurement Framework to closely monitor cumulative environmental effects. This includes real-time tracking of biodiversity impacts, careful oversight of landform alterations under the BEFP project, and adaptive management strategies that allow for immediate adjustments based on observed data. These efforts ensure that the health of aquatic systems and shoreline habitats remains a priority throughout all stages of development.

By taking a proactive and integrated approach to risk management, the TWEI not only mitigates environmental impacts but also maximizes opportunities for climate adaptation and urban resilience.

Environmental opportunities

The TWEI represents a significant opportunity to model low-carbon, climate-positive urban development. The enabling infrastructure that will be supported through this project will lead to the creation of a new mixed-used, high density community that has the potential to be one of Canada’s first climate-positive communities. The development will result in the creation of over 10,000 new housing units on public and private land, which could include net-zero carbon buildings, powered by a zero-carbon district energy system, and constructed using low-carbon materials and renewable energy technologies.

The TWEI promotes green building standards, supports active transportation  and limits urban sprawl. These efforts contribute to improved air quality, reduced emissions, and healthier communities. The inclusion of expanded green spaces, permeable surfaces, and restored natural areas will enhance stormwater management, support urban biodiversity, and offer significant co-benefits for public health and recreation.

Ongoing monitoring of key indicators—such as GHG emissions, habitat restoration, and green space development—will ensure continuous performance assessment. WT’s adaptive management approach ensures that projects evolve in step with environmental data and remain aligned with sustainability objectives over time.

Key findings from the cross-cutting considerations

Implications for Indigenous Peoples

The Government of Canada will engage with Indigenous peoples as appropriate and fulfill any legal duty to consult obligations. The objective is to engage with Indigenous peoples with ties to the waterfront including Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) and the broader urban Indigenous population to ensure that future waterfront revitalization acknowledges and celebrates Indigenous culture, history, and presence in the area.

Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS)

The TWEI is directly aligned with the FSDS and supports a number of federal priorities, including:

• Climate action, through zero-emission buildings, green energy systems, and large-scale flood protection infrastructure like BEFP. Aligned FSDS goals:
• Goal 13: Take action on climate change and its impacts
• Affordable housing and livability, via the creation of accessible, inclusive communities rich in green space and public services. Aligned FSDS goal:
• Goal 11: Improve access to affordable housing, clean air, transportation, parks, and green spaces, as well as cultural heritage in Canada
• Innovation and reconciliation, through support for cleantech commercialization and active engagement with Indigenous communities. Aligned FSDS goals:
• Goal 4: Promote knowledge and skills for sustainable development
• Goal 9: Foster innovation and green infrastructure in Canada