A revitalised foreshore featuring a continuous waterfront pathway, an expanded playground, a new town green, improved connections and an expanded cafe area is a step closer for Toronto, with Councillors resolving to adopt the Toronto Foreshore Master Plan on Monday night.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Cr Kay Fraser said the revitalisation of the foreshore will help to connect the main streets of Toronto to the lake’s foreshore while providing opportunities for people to get outdoors and enjoy an active lakeside lifestyle.
“The Master Plan provides the blueprint for a significant transformation of the Toronto foreshore into an attractive and vibrant recreational destination,” Cr Fraser said.
“This plan was developed in partnership with our community over the past three years. I am confident this plan will enhance Toronto’s natural beauty, achieve a reasonable balance between transport requirements and greenspace, and accommodate the growing needs of the Toronto community well into the future.”
Asset Manager Brendan Callander said more than 180 responses were received during the final round of community consultation for the Master Plan.
“The community was generally supportive of the new Master Plan, which will see the expansion of the playground, a new town green to support daily use and events, improved pedestrian cycle links, and enhancements to the natural and heritage features of the foreshore,” Mr Callander said.
“Parking supply in the broader Toronto area was one of the key issues identified by the community. The parking identified in the Plan is consistent with the Lake Mac Parking Strategy. We’ll continue to look at parking in Toronto and surrounds through the development of a Transport Management Plan for the area.
“We anticipate some initial works on the town green will begin in mid-2021, with majority of the works to be completed in 2022-2023.”
Some of the improvements featured in the plan include:
- an expansion of the existing playground including water play and learning features
- new pathway along the lake’s edge and improved pedestrian connections
- an expanded cafe area with shaded pavilion
- a new town green area with a pavilion, terraces and open foreshore space
- flexibility to host major cultural events and smaller event site activations
- new barbecue and picnic facilities
