March 27, 2006

Remarks for the West Don Lands Announcement
by David Caplan, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal

Check against delivery,

Good morning ladies and gentlemen.

It is an understatement to say what a pleasure it is to be here.  Today’s event is undoubtedly the turning point that will lead to the renaissance in Toronto’s waterfront.

At long last, Toronto, as a world class city will boast a waterfront precinct that will rival the likes of London’s Canary Wharf and New York City’s Battery Park.

Where these derelict buildings now stand, will be Toronto’s first major sustainable community in years.  This affordable, accessible community will attract families from diverse backgrounds and will provide a mix of commercial and public spaces.

The McGuinty government has long viewed the waterfront development as an integral part of its plan to strengthen Toronto and to secure the future prosperity of Ontario. 

Since being elected to government two and half years ago, we have been working with our partners, to advance the provincially owned West Don Lands, from the planning stages to implementation.

Last September, the province, along with the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation, and the Ontario Reality Corporation, signed the West Don Lands Memorandum of Understanding.  This unprecedented agreement established the TWRC as the master developer and set out the important collaborative role with the ORC.

So today not only marks the beginning of construction of the West Don Lands…it also signifies tangible progress on Ontario’s top waterfront revitalization priority. 

And our work does not end there.  As outlined in last week’s budget, the province will be introducing legislation enabling tax increment financing to assist with brownfield redevelopment.  If passed, the West Don Lands will be one of the first pilot projects to benefit from this new fiscal tool.

The West Don Lands will also be exemplary of complete, compact communities outlined in my ministry’s Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

No doubt as we shape the West Don Lands with the broader principles of brownfield redevelopment, affordable housing, sustainable, and transit-oriented development…the West Don Lands will in turn, shape Canada as a leader in growth management.

This kind of undertaking is driven by the determination and perspiration of many people.  To all of you, thank you.

I’d also like to recognize my colleagues who are here today:

Today’s announcement makes me tremendously proud - it is indicative of what can be done when we dream and when we work together. 

Our continued partnership will ensure that our collective vision of a liveable, accessible waterfront will be fully realized.

And by renewing Toronto’s waterfront, we can ensure that the Ontario we leave to future generations is a better, stronger, more prosperous and civilized place.

Thank you.