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TORONTO – The new Keating Channel Pedestrian Bridge is being described as a structure that will “stand as a striking gateway to Toronto’s next chapter of waterfront revitalization.”

Its final design was recently unveiled and shows an “S” shaped suspended arch bridge connected by an array of fanning cables.

According to a release, it is meant to evoke the sun’s path during solstices and equinoxes. Its form was shaped by Indigenous design principles and engagement with Indigenous communities.

The design team for the project includes WilkinsonEyre (design architect), Zeidler Architecture Inc. (local architect), Arup (engineer), Two Row Architect (Indigenous consultant) and PLANT Architect Inc. (landscape architect).

But getting to this final bridge design was no easy feat.

Waterfront Toronto and the project team engaged advisory bodies, including the Accessibility Advisory Committee, Community Advisory Committee, Design Review Panel, Indigenous communities and talking circle to gather feedback as an initial design competition concept was advanced.

“As this work was underway, deeper insights were gained into the costs, technical demands and delivery strategy required to construct the bridge in its unique waterfront location,” states the release. “These insights led the project team to engage Cherubini Metal Works, a trusted and experienced Canadian bridge fabricator, who worked with the designers, constructors and other stakeholders to further refine the design.”

Three refinements were introduced: resizing the deck width to four metres; removing the lookout points; and adjusting the bridge orientation to be perpendicular to the channel instead of crossing on an angle.

“These changes shortened the total bridge length and reduced the amount of steel required by 25 per cent, and vastly simplified transportation and installation by allowing the bridge to be delivered in one piece by barge along the St. Lawrence Seaway,” the release explains. “This transportation method follows the same approach as the new bridges installed in the Port Lands, supporting the project’s sustainability goals.”

The project is a partnership between Waterfront Toronto, the City of Toronto and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

When complete the new bridge will connect downtown to the new island (Ookwemin Minising) and Biidaasige Park in the Port Lands.

It is anticipated to open in mid-2028.