Toronto's New Artificial Island: What's Next?

The Toronto Islands, a popular destination for residents and tourists alike, is expected to welcome a new addition soon. This comes in the form of an artificial landmass that is currently under construction as part of the Port Lands Flood Protection Project. It's an impressive instance of eco engineering unfolding right before our eyes. 

A recently created, denaturalized mouth for the Don River has been carved into the landscape and filled with water. The groundwork for what will be known as Villiers Island is now being laid out in preparation for many years of construction work ahead. This barren area will eventually transform into an entirely unique neighborhood. 

Residents can anticipate a comprehensive precinct complete with stores, parks, restaurants, offices, community spaces and thousands more homes than initially planned -- indeed; there are plans by City authorities to increase density by about 60 per cent (based on residential gross floor area). Moreover, more units on the island have been earmarked as affordable housing options (30 per cent up from 20 per cent). 

With completion slated for 2031,it seems things are proceeding at pace. With much of the excavation work already completed,the question arises - what next? 

Following public feedback earlier received,the City alongside Waterfront Toronto and CreateTO are set to commence an intensive design process in coming months.This exercise will reference guidelines outlined in the newly amended 2017 Villiers Island Precinct Plan which includes increased density among other changes such as zoning amendments. 

In its latest update last week ,Waterfront Toronto elaborated on this upcoming phase stating: "With park construction and flood protection nearly complete,the subsequent step towards actualizing the vision involves designing and implementing all necessary local infrastructure required to deliver a fully functional system .This encompasses streets,parks,squares,and promenades which support development." 

"This initiative commences with designing processes aimed at realizing Villiers Island's potential as walkable,human-scaled,lively,and sustainable.The aspirations we hold for this community are high.We hope it will become a benchmark of sustainability,innovation,accessibility and design excellence as well as Indigenous place-keeping that other future developments can emulate." 

Residents have been encouraged to keep track of progress on the community through regular updates which include photos and videos from the site posted on Waterfront Toronto's social media platforms. This serves as an opportunity for everyone to witness this exciting new chapter in Toronto's evolution. 

In conclusion,the development of Villiers Island is more than just another construction project.It represents an ambitious vision for Toronto’s future - one where nature and urban living coexist harmoniously.The island promises to be a beacon of sustainable innovation,and with its commitment towards affordability,it also seeks to address some pressing societal issues such as housing accessibility.This bold eco engineering feat is set not only change the city’s skyline,but also potentially redefine how urban spaces are conceptualized and built.In short,Villiers Island isn’t merely a sibling addition to Toronto Islands – it stands poised to be a game-changer in its own right.