An identity of a city is formed through cultural industries. New York & London are known for their cultural scene but Toronto is just known to be a 'business city' with an arts scene that is not on the surface and is dying. In East Harbour, I'd like to see culture/arts emerge off of the surface of Toronto and finally be able to have space to grow as well as attracting and retaining talent. Creative talent is leaving Toronto and heading to more affordable places like Montreal & Hamilton.

Project team: Please stop this exodus of the creative sector, this should be a main priority.

mike gohl
Being the size that it is, this is a once in a generation kind of development for Toronto and there is only one shot to make it right. Adequate cultural facilities, entertainment, and year-round amenities and events will contribute to a successful development. Consider East Harbour as part of the 'city of neighbourhoods' identity that Toronto is most proud of. East Harbour should be distinct & should rival popular central business districts across the world and be a central spine for the east-end. Consider hosting an international design competition for buildings (being that once these are built, there is no way to go back and change it so let's aim high, be creative and perhaps a little edgy). the 2150 lakeshore development is inspiring in colour, built form and pedestrian scale.. see design as something of value and something that needs to be strongly considered. I'm trying to fit everything into 250 words here, but world-class cities have an 'it' district where all of the most exciting and groundbreaking industries, nightlife, shopping action happens. In London, you have Oxford street as well as 'shoreditch' which proves how culture can revitalise neighbourhoods and cities..in New York you have Tribeca or soho, in Seoul you have gangnam, in Tokyo you have Shinjuku or shibuya... Toronto will and can benefit from a major cultural district that will bring Toronto off of the national stage to the world stage. I like to dream big, I know.

Lisa arman
Creative industry and arts. The most important thing about living in cities.

Artists need a place to work. People in the fashion industry need to leave Canada in order to find resources, people in Toronto's rapidly growing music sector are making a name for Canada but there is sterile resources, studio space and opportunities for growth. East Harbour needs to be a place for creative talent and creative sector to inspire visitors, interest, create an artsy ethos where people will be inspired to work, live and play at. East Harbour has an opportunity to be the 'Brooklyn' of Toronto - entrepreneurial, edgy, techie and artsy.

Mix of Uses