Toronto (July 16, 2018) – PortsToronto has issued a tender call for qualified contractors to submit tender pricing for the demolition and removal of the East Gap Pier which currently extends north from the east edge of Ward’s Island, along the East Gap. The tender has been posted to MERX and requires bidders to provide a schedule to support substantial completion of the project within 40 days of the project’s commencement.
 
In April of this year PortsToronto committed to removing the rubble associated with the dilapidated pier and began work on a design to support the removal in consultation with various agencies and groups including Transport Canada (Navigation Protection Act and Port Authorities Operations Regulations), the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the City of Toronto. PortsToronto also consulted with the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, as part of its outreach with agencies. The design was submitted to Transport Canada and notification was provided that final approval to remove the pier will be issued under the Navigation Protection Act the week of July 16, 2018. PortsToronto is awaiting approval from other agencies and expect to receive these approvals in the coming weeks.
 
PortsToronto does not own the East Gap Pier, which was built by Public Works (federal government) in the 1890s, but is undertaking the project to ensure a safe and navigable harbour. The entire pier is approximately 165m in length. The intent of the first phase of this project is to remove the most northerly 123m, as the remaining 40 must remain intact so as not to destabilize the north shore of Ward’s Island.
 
Going forward, PortsToronto will collaberate with various waterfront stakeholders including the City of Toronto, Waterfront For All, the Toronto Island Community Association, and others regarding a possible second phase for the project which contemplates a future vision for the area. These conversations are just beginning, and will include public consultation as ideas for this future phase of the project take shape.
 
For more information and to view the design and tender for phase one of this project please visit the MERX site or go to the PortsToronto website.