The Port Lands encompasses a vast 400-hectare area created through the infill of Ashbridges Bay – once the largest wetland on the Great lakes in the early 20th century – to create a new district to serve the City’s growing industrial sector. Although adjacent to downtown, the Port Lands are relatively isolated and disconnected from the rest of the city. Site services were introduced over the decades; however, the quality and quantity of services are variable with some areas completely lacking full municipal services.

With an integrated team of transportation, stormwater and civil engineers, PUBLIC WORK co-developed a framework vision for the Port Lands as well as undertook the technical work required for the completion of the first two phases of the Environmental Assessment process. PUBLIC WORK’s contribution focused on delivering revitalization plans in which civic infrastructure is designed to reinforce the language of the working port, celebrating a new proximity to water and building upon the design excellence of previous waterfront planning. The result is a series of new directions for the integration of stormwater management infrastructure with streetscape and public space design to structure future precinct development. The character and function of infrastructure within the Port Lands takes its cues from the bold, industrial roots and qualities of an authentic working port.