New lighting installations intended to make areas more walkable in Toronto

Toronto is already a fairly walkable city compared to many, but there are always areas for major improvement. New lighting installations in one of Toronto’s least walkable areas are intending to transform the slice of the cityscape into a slightly friendlier place.

Walking around in the area under the Gardiner has always been an industrial experience, and in recent years a project called The Bentway has aimed to reclaim and familiarize this under utilized space.

Some areas under the Gardiner have suffered from poor lighting and low safety and walkability as a result, and now these new installations should make things better. The installations are being called Gardiner Gateways.

“Changes like this can have an outsized impact on how people move through the city,” says Ilana Altman, CEO, The Bentway.

“Thoughtful lighting and clear wayfinding make spaces easier to navigate and help people feel more confident and connected —something that is critical to creating a vibrant, thriving waterfront. This project reflects what The Bentway does best: testing ideas that strengthen Toronto today while helping shape a stronger urban future.”

“Gardiner Gateways shows us what is possible when Toronto plans public spaces designed for
people,” says Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, City of Toronto. “By transforming these underpasses into safer, more welcoming places to walk and gather, the project strengthens community-building in our downtown, improves waterfront connections, and creates a more beautiful city for everyone.”

The project is designed by Light Bureau, an internationally recognized lighting design studio that is well known for its civic and infrastructure work like the Espenes Rest Stop, Øresund Bridge, and the Fyllingsdal Tunnel.

“As CityPlace and Fort York continues to grow, strong connections to the waterfront are essential,” says Mary Fragedakis, Executive Director, CityPlace and Fort York BIA.

“This project reflects our Streetscape Master Plan’s priorities: enhancing safety, supporting placemaking, and creating more vibrant, connected streets. It also helps transform the spaces beneath the Gardiner into a more welcoming and accessible public realm.”

“Strong lighting and thoughtful design help make journeys to the waterfront more intuitive and enjoyable,” says Oliver Hierlihy, Operations Director, Waterfront BIA. “Building on progress along the corridor through our Waterfront ReConnect projects, this work shows how underpasses can be clearer, more inviting, and create memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.”

The installation of the lighting is soon to be complete at both Dan Leckie Way (bents 111 and 112) and Bathurst Street (bents 102 and 103).