Dreaming Big: Toronto’s Waterfront – 1852 to Tomorrow

About the Exhibit

Dreaming Big tells the story of Toronto’s waterfront through art, architecture, design and media. It examines the history of passionate discussions and debates and provides and an inspiring glimpse into the future of our love affair with the water’s edge. The show features both original items from the Waterfront Toronto collection and historical material from the the library’s Special Collections.

Exhibit Tours

Join the exhibit’s curators for a guided tour of the show:

Six Visionary Ideas for the Future of the Gardiner Expressway

Waterfront Toronto held an international competition that produced six breathtaking designs for the future of the Gardiner. Christopher Glaisek, Waterfront Toronto’s Vice President of Planning & Design (and well known for his role in the rebuilding of lower Manhattan after 9/11), will host a panel of urban design experts to discuss how international design competitions fuel our imaginations and inspire us to build better, more beautiful cities.

Tuesday, September 16, 7 pm
Toronto Reference Library - Atrium


Frederic Marlett Bell-Smith, Yonge St. Wharf, 1887? Toronto Public Library, JRR 4010.
West 8 + DTAH, Queens Quay - pedestrian promenade. Courtesy of Waterfront Toronto.