The Bentway
On the 17th of November 2015, the City of Toronto approved a park initiative that would transform empty land beneath the Gardiner Expressway. Urban planner Judy Matthews had proposed the idea years earlier to turn vacant rail lines and parking lots into public space. She donated an unspecified amount from the Judy and Wilmot Matthews Foundation to fund the project. This gift became one of the most significant in Toronto's history. Waterfront Toronto joined the effort alongside Ken Greenberg Consultants Incorporated and Public Work to manage planning and design.
A public naming contest launched in March 2016 received 884 different name suggestions from residents. A panel of twelve artists and community leaders narrowed the list to four options: The Artery, The Bentway, The Canopy, and Gathering Place. Voting ran between April 28 and the 8th of May 2016 with The Bentway leading by ten percentage points over The Artery. In the final hours before closing, votes for The Artery surged dramatically. Officials questioned the legitimacy of these late submissions and held a runoff vote on the 6th of June 2016. The Bentway won as the new official name.
Construction of the Bentway proceeded through multiple phases rather than all at once. The first phase opened on the 6th of January 2018 and included a winter skating trail. The corridor stretches from Exhibition GO Station to Spadina Avenue across six neighborhoods. These areas include Liberty Village, Niagara, Fort York, Fashion District, CityPlace, and Harbourfront. The project serves approximately 77,000 residents living within its span.
Bentway Staging Grounds opened in September 2023 near Dan Leckie Way and Lake Shore Boulevard. Designed by Agency, Agency and SHEEEP, the space features ramps and elevated walkways for pedestrians and cyclists. Oversized planters collect runoff water from the highway above. These planters support diverse native plant species while reducing flood risks. The design blends art, public space, experimentation, education, and environmental regeneration into one infrastructure network.
During winter months, part of The Bentway converts into a public ice skating trail. Local artists display installations alongside the skating path each season. Shellie Zhang's Beacons installation appeared during the 2022-2023 season. Canadian artistic duo Yi Zhou and Carlos Portillo presented The Gateway during the 2023-2024 season. The trail hosts farmer's markets, gardens, performances, and festivals throughout the year.
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Common questions
When did the City of Toronto approve The Bentway park initiative?
The City of Toronto approved the park initiative on the 17th of November 2015. This decision transformed empty land beneath the Gardiner Expressway into a public space.
How was the name The Bentway selected for the new Toronto park?
Voting ran between April 28 and the 8th of May 2016 with The Bentway leading by ten percentage points over The Artery. Officials held a runoff vote on the 6th of June 2016 after questioning late submissions, and The Bentway won as the new official name.
Where does The Bentway corridor stretch from and to in Toronto?
The corridor stretches from Exhibition GO Station to Spadina Avenue across six neighborhoods. These areas include Liberty Village, Niagara, Fort York, Fashion District, CityPlace, and Harbourfront.
What features were included when the first phase of The Bentway opened?
The first phase opened on the 6th of January 2018 and included a winter skating trail. Construction proceeded through multiple phases rather than all at once.
When did Bentway Staging Grounds open near Dan Leckie Way?
Bentway Staging Grounds opened in September 2023 near Dan Leckie Way and Lake Shore Boulevard. Designed by Agency, Agency and SHEEEP, the space features ramps and elevated walkways for pedestrians and cyclists.