Winter wonderland under the Gardiner
Skating trail at The Bentway opens in January
Hang out under the Gardiner for fun? Might be hard to imagine, but come January, that’s exactly what Torontonians will be doing when a 250-metre-long skating trail – the first public phase of The Bentway – opens next to the Fort York Visitor Centre.
“What we’re doing is reimagining this area as a destination as opposed to something that people travel through,” said Julian Sleath, CEO of The Bentway Conservancy, the non-profit founded to maintain, operate and program the space. In its full expression, the 1.75-kilometre Bentway will turn the stretch of unused land between Strachan Avenue and Bathurst Street into a vibrant public space.
The project is made possible through a $25 million donation by the Matthews Family Foundation, and a partnership with the City. Construction is being managed by Waterfront Toronto, with design by urban designer Ken Greenberg and the landscape architecture firm PUBLIC WORK.
“The skating is my favourite piece,” said Judy Matthews. “Skating at The Bentway will be different than anything you have done before, and will give all of us a wonderful and welcoming chance to gather and connect.”
A video installation by Public Visualization Studio will be projected on the bents and interact with skaters as they glide by. (Bents are the support structures that hold up the elevated expressway.) There will also be an ice village with snacks, beverages and skate rentals.
What’s next for The Bentway? An outdoor amphitheatre will open next June and feature dance, music and visual art installations. Residents, including the estimated 75,000 Torontonians who live within a 10-minute walk of the site, will also be able to participate in recreation programs and celebrations.
Skating trail hours: Come January, the trail will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Find out more at thebentway.ca.