Soon enough, Torontonians looking to jaunt down Rees Street en-route to the Harbourfront may do so with some inspirational quotes, extra sunlight and additional safety measures via the Waterfront Business Improvement Area (BIA).

Under the project name “Waterfront ReConnect,” the underpass’s supporting bents will be painted gold in order to reflect sunlight. “Zebra” pedestrian markings will also be implemented for safer crossing, and random text and quotes will be placed on sign posts — a light read for pedestrians looking to travel north or south under the Gardiner. In addition, the group plans to introduce light installations and greenery over the next decade.

“Toronto has a beautiful, iconic waterfront, but walking under the Gardiner Expressway is not the most welcoming gateway to get here,” Waterfront BIA executive director Tim Kocur said.

Kocur did not share the total project costs, but said the funding is coming from a commercial property levy within the Waterfront BIA’s district, and will most likely be matched by the city.

Ken Greenberg, Toronto-based urban designer, alongside Public Work, an urban design and landscape architecture studio, developed the plan in conjunction with the city and Waterfront BIA with future plans of extending the project to multiple underpasses, including Simcoe, York and Bay streets, Spadina Avenue and Dan Leckie Way. Greenberg said the project “represents an important first step in re-stitching the two sides (north and south of the expressway) together.”

The Rees Street enhancement will serve as a pilot project, helping guide the Waterfront BIA toward options for adding some charisma to the Gardiner Expressway rehabilitation, Kocur said.

A 2013 environmental assessment of the York-Bay-Yonge ramp included the prospects of planters, decorative pavers and additional sidewalks as part of the Gardiner Expressway rehabilitation. Now, Waterfront BIA has targeted the recently developed Simcoe Street underpass as a “priority project” among other underpasses, depending on Rees Street’s success.

“Enhancing connections to and from the waterfront is critical to building neighbourhoods that are welcoming and safe for people,” Coun. Joe Cressy said.

Kocur expects the painting to begin the week of Oct. 21, and be complete by the first week of November.

David Venn is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star's radio room in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @davidvenn_

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