Originally the commercial centre of one of Toronto’s oldest neighbourhoods, the Riverside Business Improvement Area blocks of Queen Street East remain an exceptionally vibrant and urbane part of the city. The BIA’s last full streetscape master plan dates from 1983, and many of its implemented elements are due for replacement or a refresh. In 2018 the BIA commissioned PLANT to develop a new streetscape master plan that would underscore Riverside’s rich history and help preserve the liveability of a neighbourhood where large-scale residential development is springing up around the many intact heritage buildings.
Over the past 200 years, the neighbourhood’s name and many of its street names have changed several times. PLANT’s streetscape master plan highlights this palimpsest through new artwork and heritage commemorations. Improvements will strengthen existing gateways, augment greenery, update street furnishings and lighting, and expand the public realm north and south of Queen.