City
Sugar Beach Park opens on Toronto's waterfront
Although it hasn't officially opened, Toronto's newest park is ready for the public. Canada's Sugar Beach is one of Waterfront Toronto's many projects aimed at revitalizing the city's shoreline. Along with the recently finished Corus Quay, Sugar Beach is one of the few "completed" projects (it's not entirely finished) in the East Bayfront portion of the entire Waterfront plan.
Sugar Beach is located at the foot of Jarvis on Queens Quay East.The design of the park was chosen through a contest held in 2008. The design by Claude Cormier Architectes Paysagistes Inc. won because it made reference to an existing neighbour on the waterfront: the Redpath Sugar Refinery on the other side of the Jarvis Street Slip. Anyone who has visited the area has likely noticed the sweet smell the plant produces.
The park's features echo the sugar theme. Not only does the white sand on the beach looks like sugar, there are pink candy-coloured umbrellas. And large granite rocks - similar to the one in Yorkville's park - have red and white candy stripes. Katy Perry would feel right at home.
The park also features a path that will eventually run uninterruptedly along the entire central waterfront. Bordered on either side by mature trees, it runs diagonally across the park toward the shoreline behind Corus Quay.
The path splits the park in two between the triangular shaped beach and the park section facing Corus Quay. The side of Corus Quay that faces the park features retractable glass walls that open onto performance spaces. Small grassy mounds in the park will allow spectators to watch outdoor performances.
As mentioned, the park is not yet completely finished. There is construction equipment on the site and traffic cones where some umbrellas will be installed. The official opening is scheduled for August. Because of this, it's possible that security might keep people away from the park during the week while construction continues.
However, if the surprisingly large number of people who were at the park already is any indication of its future popularity, Sugar Beach is set to become one of the most well-used features on the city's waterfront.
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Can you swim there? Maybe its because I was raised near the ocean but I don't see the point of a beach if I can't hit the water! Like HTO park..
Swim at your own risk. But I suggest no.
thanks for this, Matt - great photos!
Is there anywhere to park nearby?
Of course you can't swim there fool, and this isnt the ocean, this is Toronto. I hate when people are all, yeah I prefer a mediterrenean beach to this. A) Dont be such a snob, we live on Lake Ontario.. and B) THIS is blogTO Its a really unique concept. I personally LOVE it!
I hate to be a spoil sport but you CAN swim in various Toronto Beaches. Just not the ones on the inner harbor, as they're too polluted and it's simply not safe to swim with large boats and ships sailing so close to the beaches.
If this person needs to swim they can hit the the eastern beaches, the island beaches or (most days) sunnyside beach.
were not talking about various toronto beaches, were talking about sugar beach, lol
Better than the fake lake built for the G20. Why they didn't use that, I don't know.
@ annakareninaonM - Who said I was expecting a mediterranean beach? I'm quite aware of where I live.
Those stripes on the rocks are super ugly. Even Jack white dont like
Hah, 90% of the people I know would go to a beach and avoid the water like the plague...
I've never understood the point of roasting in the Sun to get a tan. I've had friends go down to the tropics and the beaches there and never once go for a swim/wade.
Oh, boy! A new place to hide razor blades.
it looks beautiful.
but it also looks like there is a fence all around the water.
it is a beach, so we can swim in the water, right ? Or is the fence all around and we are only allowed to look at it... ?
I like it except for those stripes on the rocks -- they just look like bad graffiti.
Personally, I prefer the ocean. Lake Ontario is just really smelly.
cute, i even love that name of it. can't wait to check it out!
Brilliant concept and execution. The pink umbrellas, sugar sand and rock candy (with the stripes -- remember them???) are a perfect kick in the butt to a part of the waterfront that needs a little fun. Enjoy everyone.
To answer a few of the questions.
1. You can't swim there, and you probably don't want to. This section of the waterfront is fairly polluted.
2. The beach isn't far from the parking at Queen's Quay.
Thanks, Matthew. Good job. I probably wait til Aug. In the meantime, I just go to Ashbridge Beach.
Does anyone have evidence of the pollution levels? Random testimonials aren't science.
@East end lady - I wouldn't doubt that the water or the sediment are polluted. The sediment probably has some heavy metals in it and having that turned up by people swimming will just make the water more polluted. Plus, that area is all infill, so it'll likely be deep with a steel or concrete seawall that wouldn't be at all pleasant to swim around.
I went on Canada Day (the "official" opening day), but the security guard stopped me and said that it was being delayed. There wasn't anyone working and I didn't see much machinery around, either.
I think this is a great addition to the Toronto waterfront! the more options for people on the waterfront, the more people will want to come down and spend time here.
If only there was a bar, or bar service.
Oh, but I did go down yesterday to check it out and the friendly security informed us of a plan to build a bar right next door in the near future.
It needs a cafe and a mini-convenience/tourist kiosk. But most of all, visible garbage and recycling bins!
And no, cafe does not mean a starbucks!
Mmmm love the smell of sugar whilst heading into the LCBO or Loblaws across the street where there is an indoor cafe. The area is not quite developed as a touristy area like that to the west down Queens Quay. And I agree... waste and recycling receptacles are important!
We went on Saturday to the beach and it is really nice. The water fountain is worth the trip - it has a water bowl for the dogs as well as a foot wash to remove the beach dust (and yes, water for the humans, shorter and taller). You can't swim there because the drop ino the harbour is about 10 feet down and right into the docking area for boats. Plus there is no way to get back up! Last summer two people drowned from falling into the harbour (albeit further west, but the same principle applies here in the east end). Go to Cherry Beach for the water, this is more for reading a book....
Needs a french fry/burger shack.
Should have had a misty spray thing (like in marathon races) so you can walk through it and get refreshed. It doesn't. Oh well.
I'll reserve judgement on how much it sucks until it's finished.
This is great, I fulfill my dream of siting on a beach, staring at dilapidated 19th century industrial runiz all the while dreaming of one day becoming a wealthy 19th century industrialist who can create his own dilapidated runiz for other saps to stare at whilst enjoying a non-alkoholik mai tai by the sea. Capitol beach, chappy!
eva if you don't like lake ontario and prefer an ocean than move, you live in toronto not the carribeans, talk about being a snob
Can you BBQ there??
Can u BBQ there?
perfect location for the next Pride Aqua party
Great, just what we need in this city, another park with plastic umbrellas and sand. It looks like a weak sequel to the really dumb HT0 park down the road. Of course you can't swim here the water is grungy and the drop from the dock edge is high. It all makes for good press and probably looks arty in photographs but once the bloom is of the rose (the umbrella) it will look like the tired arty indulgence that it is.
Regarding beach water quality, here you go: http://app.toronto.ca/BWQR/getBlobImage.do
BBQ somewhere else... don't ruin this place.
Don't be a bunch of prissy madams... You can't swim in the water because it's a working port and, as such, is polluted. But it's a perfectly nice spot for hanging out with friends and family, especially if you don't have the means to go to the Med. The design is quirky and provocative, the kind of things that makes tourists come and locals talk. You don't need to like it - but then, you don't need to go either, which means more Muskoka chairs for those of us who know a good thing when they see it. I'm glad to see my taxes doing something nice.
I agree with Jocksquared, joe, and all the other positive people! For those who think that all Toronto's beaches are polluted all the time, you are wrong. This is a working port and thus the water is polluted but several other beaches are not. Again, you can check here: : http://app.toronto.ca/BWQR/getBlobImage.do and see for yourself. Learn to appreciate what we have :-)
gotta go...
comparison of environmental designs and urban upgrades to oceans or real beaches are just plain retarded. These improvements made for the ppl to be able to get out of the concrete routine and enjoy their toes in the sand. Beach factor is not only limited with water or swimming. As many ppl here informed those who really doesnt understand or ignore the concept, there are many beaches that you can swim in toronto vicinity, But this is great to have even on a thursday afternoon after work to go sit and relax with friends. Bringing cold drinks and some music will give a better vibe after a busy day...
stay optimistic...everything will bring a smile to your face. unless you just wanna be miserable...
What's the parking situation like>
Right on, Tai!
Hi Kallen!
This is great and all but why did it cost 14 million+ to construct. It's sand, chairs, one fountain and a brick walkway. Whomever landed that contract must be laughing.
Also, the entire edge should have been park. From Redpath all the way east to Sherry Street. Corus should have never been allowed to build something there.
*Also, the entire edge should have been park. From Redpath all the way east to Sherry Street. Corus should have never been allowed to build something there.*
word !
Why not call this type of areas just "Park Area" a beach is a place where people got to swim and just wade in clean clear water. can't we just stop lying to our self with such a pretentious aptitude that we have beaches in Lake On./
We have many clean beaches. Go to the Island, Cherry Beach or Woodbine. The water is cold, but it's clean.
http://blueflag.ca/drupal/?q=node/94
Fantastic spot to chill - free parking at Loblaws across the street - perfect spot to buy lunch - and comfy chairs to chill for an hour!
Every time I go, I fall asleep in those crisp white Muskoka chairs. They've also added a great water fountain you can walk through, just like Dundas Square.
And there's more to come...another similar park less than 100 meters away with water fountains and an outdoor skating rink for the winter.
Congratulations Toronto - great job!
I think they have done a wonderful job of trying to add something different to the Toronto waterfront. It's a great spot to just sit and enjoy the city we live in.
90% of people swimming in that green goose crap sewage make you realise this cvountry sgould have used 80million for a super water cleaner instead of wasting it on invading refugeese near IOR oner in packystan. Toxic sickness
BEACH??
I was there a few days ago. It looks really nice. I just hope that they will do something about the Redpath's rustic backdrop. I suggest building a high wall and paint it with anything like mountains, Palm trees or a waterfalls--whatever that will mimic the feel of being at the beach without the rusty old Redpath factory to ruin the view. I don't mind the smell coming from it, but I personally don't like to look at it.
Saw it yesterday. It's a SANDBOX, not a beach or even anything resembling a beach. Just because the press release calls it a beach doesn't mean you have to.
While it isn't awful in itself, and it's nice to be able to watch the action at the Redpath dock, it's pretty awful that this is what passes for waterfront revitalization in Toronto. Apart from the sandbox and a bit of grass by the road, the whole area is paved and pretty bleak - worse than around the Harbourfront condos which at least have some landscaping and grass.
John,what do you expect to see at the working end of Toronto Harbour? Just get on the island ferry if you want a nicer view, or walk to HTO park, or just turn 90 degrees left and look at the islands. I'm sure kids will love watching the big ships unload. I know I will.