Ontario Construction News staff writer
Waterfront Toronto and the City of Toronto, in collaboration with Host Nation and Treaty Holder, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, selected WilkinsonEyre’s, design concept, Equinox Bridge for the Keating Channel Pedestrian Bridge.
The Equinox Bridge was designed by a multi-disciplinary team including UK-based WilkinsonEyre, local architect Zeidler Architecture and Indigenous consultants Two Row Architect.
“We have developed a beautiful signature bridge design which will provide the Toronto a striking new destination on the waterfront,” said Dominic Bettison, director, WilkinsonEyre. “As a new gateway, the Equinox Bridge will promote interaction and enjoyment of panoramic views of the city, the island, and the wider lake.”
The design team included design architect WilkinsonEyre, local architect Zeidler Architecture Inc., engineer Arup, Two Row Architect, and PLANT Architect Inc.
In May 2023 Waterfront Toronto and its partners issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking design and engineering expertise for a bridge that would create a distinctive gateway and accessible active transportation route from downtown to Villiers Island. Thirteen submissions were received and five proponents were invited to participate in the design competition stage.
Waterfront Toronto heard from over 2,000 people through a virtual community consultation. Read the summary report.
for the pedestrian link will be built between the city’s Quayside district and a new system of parks, public spaces, and future development lands on the artificial Villiers Island in the Port Lands area.
Equinox Bridge is characterized by a signature S-shaped suspended “arch bridge” connected by a sculptural array of fanning cables. The orientation of the bridge’s curves aligns with the summer solstice sunset and the winter solstice sunrise.
“The Equinox Bridge will provide passage to a new world of wonder and discovery,” said Jack Winberg, chair of Waterfront Toronto. “It will open up the thousands of new market and affordable homes on ‘Villiers Island’, creating a link just minutes from downtown Toronto to the natural beauty at the Port Lands where visitors and residents alike can find joy in new parks and harmony with the water.
“Toronto’s waterfront is a showcase for the best of Canada and Equinox Bridge is a welcome addition to our skyline and water’s edge.”
