Role: Co-designer with Vineetha Sivathasan

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Green Wave_ Proposed Gardiner Plan

Exploratory Concept for use of the Gardiner Footprint focused on 7 city building priorities, created in collaboration with Vineetha Sivathasan. May 2015

Background:
Based on the initial 2km study area and an average lot depth of 25m, the plan calls for adapting the Gardiner Expressway footprint to create:

(1) East-West Waterfront Subway
– Lengthy tunnel boring / EA process would be sidestepped by building subway into foundation excavation across waterfront, creating new high speed transit within years rather than decades.
– Subway line initially from Union to Don, expanding east Woodbine Beach on the surface, utilizing old rail beds and west to High Park / Ontario Food Terminal with full Gardiner removal.
– Transit pressures would be alleviated for all waterfront developments, facilitate eastern development opportunities and greatly accelerate creation of the Downtown Relief Line.

(2) Utility / Sewer Relief Trunk
– Utility and sewer line relief trunk for all downtown / waterfront towers added in excavation, stretching east to Woodbine Sewage facilities and west to the Humber Treatment Plant.
– Currently downtown utilities are close to breaking point due to development pressure.

(3) Underground Parking or Below Grade Roadway
– 250 000 sq. m (+/-) of parking space for additional City revenue or roadway with deeper excavation.

(4) Traffic Lanes Including Dedicated Commercial Lane
– 2-4 vehicle traffic lanes at ground level with at least 1 priority truck / commercial lane.
– Possibility of reverse flow depending on the time of day and green wall to filter noise and air pollution.

(5) Active Living Deck
– Elevated active living deck / bike highway facing waterfront, with patio space for stores below.

(6) Commercial / Retail / Non profit / Culture space
– Commercial / retail and non profit / art space for sale or rent, including waterfront views.

(7) Mixed Income Residential / Family Housing topped with Terraced Green Roof / Park
– 1 875 000 sq meters (+/-) of prime residential and commercial space for the City to sell with a focus on adding mixed income and family dwelling space to downtown.
– Full Gardiner demolition will add considerable value to all waterfront developments.
– 9 ha / 5km sq. (+/-) of public parkland would be added via terraced green roof.