The Trust has no regulatory power or authority. It is simply a broker or facilitator. It seeks to achieve consensus on what needs to be done and who does what on the waterfront. In turn, it relies on its public and private partners for project implementation and construction.
To achieve its goals the Trust depends on its good offices, good networks and good advice. David Crombie, our chairman and CEO, was the Royal Commissioner. He was also formerly Mayor of the City of Toronto and a federal Cabinet Minister. Our Board of Directors is well-connected with business, labour, environmental and community groups. And our staff combine experience working in all levels of government, academia and the private sector. Knowledge of the political process, sound policy and technical expertise, and sensitive, subtle negotiating skills are fundamental requirements.
The projects described below illustrate how the Trust works.
The Waterfront Trail
Access to the waterfront was among the Trust's first priorities for action, and it immediately began to plan the creation and implementation of the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail.
The Trail runs along the waterfront for 325 kilometres through the Greater Toronto area and is being extended eastwards to Kingston and southwards to Niagara. It has been open for a year now, and has attracted thousands of users some of whom have travelled its entire length.
The Trail links as many as 160 natural areas, 126 parks and promenades, 69 marinas and yacht clubs, hundreds of historic places, dozens of fairs, museums, art galleries and festivals, community neighbourhoods and industrial areas in a continuous ribbon along Lake Ontario's waterfront.
It connects inland watershed areas to the waterfront, along the river valleys, creeks and ravines and along the hilly slopes of the Oak Ridges Moraine to the north and the Niagara Escarpment to the west, thus forming part of a "green net" which influences the urban form of the whole region. The "green net" helps to maintain biodiversity and environmental health.
The Trail also contributes to economic vitality by stimulating small business creation and the revival of waterfront downtown areas through increased visitation and tourism; and it adds value to adjacent real estate.
The Trail extends into the port of Toronto and its associated industrial area as well as onto other industrial lands. It provides an environmentally friendly setting for 21st century enterprise, offering a positive image for attracting investment.
