A retired urban planner and philanthropist is donating $25 million to help transform a 1.75 kilometre stretch of largely unused land underneath the Gardiner Expressway into a public space project that’s being billed as an ‘outdoor living room’ for the entire city.

Temporarily called Project: Under Gardiner, the plan will involve the construction of a continuous walking and cycling path from just west of Strachan Avenue to Spadina Avenue and the creation of a number of public spaces that can be used for markets, performance halls, playgrounds and public gardens.

Other highlights of the plan include the construction of a winter skating rink and a series of fountains near Bathurst Street as well as the creation of large public space complete with a grand staircase where residents can look out on the activity below near Strachan Avenue.

The construction cost is expected to be entirely paid for with a $25 million donation from retired urban planner Judy Matthews and her investment banker husband Wil Matthews.

City council still has to vote to accept that gift at its December meeting.

If approved, city officials say construction would then begin this summer with the first phase of the project around Strachan Avenue expected to be completed sometime in 2017.

“I see it as setting a stage for a variety of activities for all kinds of people, whether it is the surrounding neighbourhoods or those across the GTA,” Judy Matthews told CP24 on Tuesday morning. “If we can create a warm, welcoming place for people to come and meet a friend, to cycle or walk, to eat different street food or to watch a performance we will be thrilled.”

Gardiner Expressway.

For a larger image of the proposal follow this link

The project, which will be built by Waterfront Toronto but owned and maintained by the city, would use the concrete pillars that support the Gardiner Expressway to loosely divide up to 55 “civic rooms” that would have different architectural elements and different cultural and artistic programming to give each a distinct feel.

The project is designed to connect existing landmarks along the route such as the new Fort York Library and green spaces like June Callwood Park, Coronation Park, Garrison Common and the Toronto Music Garden.

Future phases of the project also include plans for an outdoor fitness park, an off-leash dog park and a community centre closer to Spadina Avenue.

Discussing the plan with CP24 on Tuesday, the architect for the project said the hope is that it will truly provide something for everyone.

“Everything that you can imagine that we do in this city, all the daily life things and the really special things, will be available in this incredible city living room that will be under cover in a five-storey high space,” Ken Greenberg said. “I think a lot of people would say that it is a long time coming.”

Public consultations planned

Over the next few months, a number of public consultations will be held to seek public feedback on the project and input on a permanent name.

Funding will also have to be found to allow for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the project once it is constructed.

Speaking with reporters outside the Fort York Visitor Centre, where the project was announced, Mayor John Tory said the initiative could ultimately be replicated for the eastern portion of the expressway between Spadina Avenue and the Don Valley Expressway.

“I am very determined to animate that space in a similar manner, perhaps with the help of another generous partner,” he said.

A total of 70,000 people live in the immediate areas surrounding the proposed public space project, according to city officials.

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