cityscape Department of Ironies: Toronto Kills Fort York Bridge, Then Awards It Toronto Design Award

Posthumous vindication?

On May 18, Toronto’s councillors decided to let the planned Fort York pedestrian and cycling bridge die. Last night they gave it a prize.



The Toronto Urban Design Awards “acknowledge the significant contribution that architects, landscape architects, urban designers, artists, design students, and city builders make to the look and livability of our city.” Awarded every other year, winners are selected by a jury of architects and urban designers; the City holds a ceremony (this year, at the Palais Royale) and the winning designs are exhibited at city centres and Toronto City Hall.

This made things somewhat awkward yesterday, when that jury of respected design professionals recognized the merits of the Fort York bridge. It was accorded an Award of Excellence, in fact, in the “vision and master plans” category. “The number and quality of this year’s nominated projects demonstrate a high level of sophistication and excellence in the design and construction of structures throughout the city,” said Councillor Peter Milczyn (Ward 5, Etobicoke Lakeshore).

Yes, he was one of those who voted the bridge down.