The Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation (TWRC) today laid out the welcome mat for a 10-day event in August that showcases a vibrant new design for transforming Toronto's waterfront. The event, called Quay to the City: Summer '06, runs over two weekends from August 11-20, and features activities intended to immerse Torontonians in the winning design that affords everyone a taste of Ontario's popular cottage life without leaving the city.

"As the Waterfront Corporation has made clear from the beginning, this transformation process is about Torontonians taking back their waterfront," said John Campbell, President and CEO, TWRC. "Quay to the City will give people of all ages from across Toronto the ability to access the waterfront in an entirely new way."

What may be the largest art installation ever in Toronto, the transformation calls for the closure of the south side of Queens Quay to traffic between Spadina Avenue and York Street. Car traffic will be replaced with bicycle lanes and a kilometer-long stretch of 12,000 red geraniums and picnic grass. Two four-storey sculptures built with bicycles will highlight the temporary new section of the popular Martin Goodman Trail.

Free events will include waterfront tours aboard a tall ship, canoeing and kayaking lessons, as well as outdoor movie nights and live concerts. Highlights include a kid's bike decorating event and parade, professional sand sculpting and "rock art", as well as a 5K family fun run. Visit www.towaterfront.ca for downloadable event listings or call 416-214-1480 for daily event updates.

The temporary installation is part of a permanent design that will transform Queens Quay by providing continuous public access along the water's edge and extending the Martin Goodman Trail. The design was the unanimous winner of a juried competition won in June by a team led by West 8 urban design & landscape architecture, which includes Toronto-based firm du Toit Allsopp Hillier.

TWRC's Campbell says Quay to the City ensures Torontonians receive a taste of the new design, while also providing valuable usage data that can be incorporated into the final design. The design is one of several waterfront revitalization projects supported by the three levels of government.