A political economy of the waterfrontier: Planning and development in Toronto

Abstract

The process of redevelopment of Toronto's water-frontier during the past quarter century is the theme of this article. The analysis of this process of change is guided by temporal and spatial dimensions: the current phase of redevelopment is presented in its historical context, and the waterfront is viewed as an integral part of the urban area. Following a review of early twentieth century waterfront development, this article identifies major discrepancies between an elaborate planning process intended to guide redevelopment and the de facto reality of developers. Subsequently, the focus is on the praxis of change on the water-frontier. Three main conclusions are reached. First, planning has been ineffectual in resolving the objectives of fragmented and conflicting interest groups. It has been forced to play catch-up, reacting to politically influential developers' initiatives and using them as the basis of policy formation. Second, while the current redevelopment of the waterfront represents a dramatic transformation, it is, nevertheless, the latest of a series of adaptations. Finally, the praxis of change on the water-frontier is best understood as a function of structural economic change, in which the pace, extent and composition of redevelopment are mediated by the local political system and the corporate interests of major landowners.