Flux

The naturalization of Toronto’s Don River mouth is integral to a resilient vision for the city. Prior to European settlement, Toronto’s Don watershed was composed of complex and biodiverse forests and marshland that purified water and mitigated flooding. Lake filling, shoreline alterations and the introduction of industry transformed the Don River’s Mouth to a highly industrialized artificial shoreline with little public value and low ecological diversity. High concentrations of hardscape, increased storm intensity due to climate change and seasonal fluctuations in the lakes water level leave 290 hectares of urban land around the mouth of the river subject to flooding every year.

Our project creates a vision of the Don watershed that embodies the values of its ecological significance, potential resiliency and its industrial heritage. The edges of industrial infilled landforms to the south are softened to embrace fluctuating water levels in their use and architecture. The rise and fall of the lake creates engaging, ecologically significant and aesthetic moments both within the landscape and built form. Recreational areas, campgrounds, an elevated boardwalk and an aquarium are concentrated here. Marsh habitats take root in carved shallow bays, they filter pollutants and provide protected areas for the sensitive bird and reptilian species who call this place home. Much of the industrial artifacts are preserved on site as recommissioned buildings, crumbling foundations subject to flooding, and relics overtaken by vegetation. Creating sublime landscapes, they serve as a reminder of the possibility of incredible transformation in resilient landscape design.