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"This park represents more than a new public space, it represents an opportunity to … reconnect people with the land, the water and the stories that have existed here for many, many generations," said Margaret Sault, Chief of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
Federal representatives highlighted the intergovernmental funding and environmental rehabilitation that enabled the new riverbed and shoreline design.
"It was unbelievable what we accomplished.
The land we are on today was contaminated land when we were standing in these spaces only 10 years ago," said Julie Dabrusin, Federal Minister of Environment.
Urban planners noted that the project demonstrates the impact of long-term design competitions and sustained agency leadership in municipal planning.
"There are many kinds of time on this site," said Chloe Catan, Executive Director of the Lassonde Art Trail.
"Ecological, geological, and human. This place is layered with histories."
"We should be driven by processes that, first and foremost, try to get the best possible design," said Jason Thorne, Toronto Chief Planner.
"This is a good example of what can happen."
Waterfront Toronto officials stated that the agency maintains its focus on landscape-driven infrastructure despite potential future challenges, such as proposed airport expansions nearby.
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Additional amenities, including equipment rentals at Canoe Cove, are scheduled to launch next year.
