The Villiers Island (formerly Cousins Quay) Precinct is one of the premier redevelopment sites on the waterfront, providing exceptional views of the Toronto skyline. It is expected to form a gateway from the West Don Lands and the East Bayfront to the rest of the Port Lands. The precinct has an area of approximately 54.28 acres (21.96 hectares) and is bounded by the Keating Channel to the north, Toronto Harbour to the West, Polson Slip to the south and Munition Street to the east. West of Cherry Street, the precinct includes both Essroc and Cousins Quays. Essroc and Cousins Quays are landfilled piers that are entirely publicly owned, but are currently utilized by Essroc, Toronto Port Authority, and GFL Environmental. The lands east of Cherry Street have a mix of public and private ownership with ongoing industrial uses, restaurant uses and sound studios. The scope of work may include but is not limited to; residential and commercial buildings, public buildings, walking paths, secondary streets and blocks, linkages between local parks and open spaces. It is expected that there will be TIMELINE:
Owner is proceeding on construction of the Port Lands Flood Protection and Enabling Infrastructure completion expected mid-2024. Private development is proceeding as the 3C Waterfront Development, followed separately.
Construction of flood protection works began in 2021 way and will proceed through 2024 through the River Valley, to install cut-off walls, for dewatering and excavation and demolition and site preparation and excavation. The owner has completed a Business and Implementation Plan for Villiers Island to describe the overall development concept and phasing plan, program requirements such as affordable housing and climate positive design, funding and financing, infrastructure costs and various asset management considerations.
The owner is refining the scope of work. A Public Information Centre was held mid-March 2024. In Q3 2024, the project team will recommend to City Council a preferred approach for increasing densities on Villiers Island. The Council-endorsed preferred approach will inform an update to the 2017 Precinct Plan, resulting in more housing and affordable rental homes while respecting the overall vision for this new community.
Future projects will be impacted by Council approval of zoning bylaw changes for Villiers Island and future recommendations of staff for the developable lands. Developers for future projects will be selected through Request For Proposals, timing is undetermined.
Further update late 2024. *The Villiers Island Precinct Plan was approved by Toronto City Council in 2017.
Environmental Assessment (EA) for this project was completed as part of the Lower Don Lands EA.
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