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Toronto's loved Waterfront — to live, play and work
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Harbourfront Centre

Harbourfront Centre

Will Skating Return to Harbourfront?

by YQNA February 12, 2023

Harbourfront Centre’s skating rink has been an iconic feature on the Waterfront for decades. Generations of skaters had their first steps on the ice here, and their memories of the beautiful setting by the lake remain strong. When Harbourfront Centre suddenly announced January 10 that the rink was closing for good, response was swift. A petition to restore this Waterfront gem got over a thousand signatures right away. Strong opinions followed on TV, newspapers and websites, pointing out that the rink had disappeared without public consultation.

Harbourfront Centre CEO Marah Braye said the board had made an irreversible decision and that equipment was ready to start demolition. The rink, which becomes a paddle pond in summer, could not be restored due to lack of funds, she explained. The Federal Government had recently donated $20 million for repairs on the ten-acre Harbourfront site, which includes the skating rink. But those repairs proved too costly, so it was scrapped. 

YQNA Chair Angelo Bertolas told CP24: “The skating rink is a wonderful place to spend some outdoor time getting exercise and fresh air along the water’s edge. The Waterfront desperately needs winter activation for the many condo dwellers, visitors and tourists.” Kevin Vuong, MP for the Waterfront, heard the outcry and called for a town hall meeting February 3rd. It took place in the Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre and confirmed public anger over the demise of the ice rink. Plans to turn it into “a completely updated new plaza” for staging events met with scepticism, because Harbourfront already has several outdoor event spaces. Vuong had talked with a corporate donor who was open to supporting the skating rink, news that was warmly received.

Bertolas says, “Harbourfront Centre is a crucial component of Toronto’s Waterfront, which attracts millions of tourists to the city and is a gathering place for residents from the entire GTA.” YQNA is the voice of the community, so he is establishing a Community Liaison Committee with Harbourfront to keep open communication that will protect gems like the skating rink and other attractions that draw the broader public to the Waterfront.

February 12, 2023 0 comment
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Harbourfront Centre

Pet Discovery Centre Coming to Harbourfront

by YQNA October 25, 2007

The vacant building on Queens Quay West that formerly housed the Bamboo will soon become a Pet Community and Discovery Centre. The building is owned by the City and managed by Harbourfront Centre. They have been looking for a suitable tenant for several years.

At a reception on September 11th in the York Quay Centre, Bill Boyle, Harbourfront Centre’s CEO, introduced spokespeople representing the Nestle-Purina Corporation. They announced their plans and enthusiasm to have an opportunity to “give back to the community”.

As the new tenants of this space, Nestle-Purina shared their plans to develop an animal hall of fame and to plan activities to help individuals and families learn more about how to care for and have fun with their pets. They asked people attending the reception to offer any ideas they might have and promised that they will welcome community input to their planning process.

Watch for signs of change as they begin to do extensive renovations to the building in the near future.

October 25, 2007 0 comment
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Waterfront Happenings

Learn about the grassroots volunteer group Repair Café Toronto.

Sign petitions to bring back Harbourfront Centre’s skating rink here and (thanks to MP Kevin Vuong) here.

Cruise ships in Toronto Bay?

Underground cable repairs along Queens Quay.

Narrower sidewalks by Love Park for a while.

Learn about traffic improvements on Queens Quay West.

Take a look at the fascinating history of Toronto's Waterfront.

Fill out a Waterfront BIA survey to help shape our public spaces.

Big Waterfront park can transform Toronto.

City Planner Tommy Karapalevski on development at 390-396 Queens Quay West.

Get your first, second or booster shot at the Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre’s COVID-19 vaccine clinic.

Senior City Planner Susan McAlpine on the latest developments at 200 Queens Quay West.

Recent Posts

  • FoSTRA – a vibrant voice for downtown

    March 10, 2023
  • Will Skating Return to Harbourfront?

    February 12, 2023
  • See Second City in Our Neighbourhood!

    December 31, 2022
  • New 22-Storey Fire Ladder

    December 19, 2022
  • Ontario Place Worth Saving

    September 18, 2022

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YQNA
  • HOME
  • About YQNA
    • YQNA Constitution
    • Mission Statement
    • Who We Are
  • Meeting Minutes
  • Documents
  • Important Links
  • Gallery
  • Donate
  • Join/Contact