Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Toronto Port Authority has issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking bids from firms or consortia to develop a new marine terminal and pier extending from the foot of Yonge Street on Toronto’s waterfront.
The RFP, released March 5, calls for teams with the experience, qualifications and resources to deliver a comprehensive business plan for a multi-use marine terminal at the Yonge Street Slip. Submissions are due April 2. View the RFP details on MERX.
According to Destination Toronto, the project would include a new marine terminal, a public plaza and a pier featuring a signature architectural landmark.
“This transformative infrastructure project would serve as both a multi-use marine transportation hub and an iconic gateway to the city,” Destination Toronto said in a statement.
Aligned with the marine transit strategy of the City of Toronto, the proposed facility is expected to accommodate Great Lakes passenger cruise ships, marine transit services and certain recreational boating activities. Officials say the development would help position Toronto as a premier regional port of call while improving waterfront connectivity.
The marine terminal project is among several investment opportunities Toronto representatives will highlight at the upcoming MIPIM, the world’s largest urban real estate conference.
Destination Toronto will lead a delegation that includes representatives from the City of Toronto, Toronto Global, CreateTO, Waterfront Toronto and the Toronto Port Authority. The group will present a portfolio of investment-ready waterfront and city-wide projects to international investors and development partners.
At MIPIM, Toronto will join other Canadian cities as part of Destination Canada’s first tourism-focused appearance at the event. The national tourism organization plans to showcase investment opportunities across the country while promoting Canada as a destination for tourism infrastructure and development.
Over several days, the Toronto delegation will participate in about 20 pre-arranged business-to-business meetings, host a roundtable with investors and potential partners, and take part in conference speaking engagements.
“Taking opportunities to a global audience helps generate new investment and interest to accelerate development,” Destination Toronto said. “It’s also a key action to attract the most innovative ideas and opportunities to our waterfront for the benefit of residents and visitors.”
Alongside the marine terminal proposal, Toronto will also promote redevelopment opportunities in the Port Lands, one of the largest contiguous areas of underdeveloped urban land in a major global city.
A $1.4-billion flood protection and river naturalization project — funded by the federal, provincial and municipal governments — has recently unlocked the area for large-scale mixed-use development.
At the centre of the redevelopment is Ookwemin Minising, a newly created island at the mouth of the Don River anchored by Biidaasige Park and planned to support a future community of more than 15,000 residents.
