The Quay, 100 Queens Quay East, 3rd Floor
In Person
Toronto’s waterfront contributes more than $13 billion to Ontario’s economy and attracts 18 million visitors each year — but its next chapter is just beginning.
From signature developments and connected mobility, to cultural placemaking and resilient infrastructure, the waterfront is evolving into a dynamic destination — for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
This year’s Symposium will spotlight that transformation through the lens of experience:
→ How do people engage with the waterfront today?
→ What new opportunities will shape those experiences tomorrow?
→ And how can stakeholders align to ensure the waterfront delivers on its full potential as a world-class place to live, work, play, and visit?
Building on the momentum of previous waterfront events — Building a World-Class Waterfront, The 10 KM Conversation — and the insights of our report The Ripple Effect: Unlocking Toronto's Waterfront Potential, this year’s symposium brings together decision-makers, investors, and visionaries to help shape the next chapter for Toronto’s waterfront.
Expect bold thinking, candid discussion, and the high-value connections that drive action — with a sharper focus on the waterfront as an experiential, economic, and civic engine for Toronto’s future.
- Developers, investors, and business leaders looking to tap into growth opportunities along Toronto’s evolving waterfront.
- City-builders, planners, and infrastructure leaders shaping how mobility, access, and placemaking come together to create an exceptional waterfront experience.
- Tourism, hospitality, retail, and event stakeholders aiming to activate the waterfront as a premier, year-round destination.
- Sustainability and innovation leaders embedding climate-forward design, inclusive public spaces, and resilient infrastructure into the next phase of waterfront transformation.
- Shape how the waterfront is experienced: Engage with senior leaders driving placemaking, infrastructure, and destination strategy.
- Gain actionable insights: Learn what’s next from developers, planners, tourism experts, and civic innovators.
- Build cross-sector relationships: Connect with stakeholders across mobility, real estate, retail, culture, and energy.
- Align on upcoming opportunities: Explore how major events (like FIFA 2026 World Cup), infrastructure investments, and public-private partnerships can elevate the waterfront experience.
Agenda
8:00 – 9:00 am: Registration, Breakfast, and Networking
9:00 – 9:05 am: Welcome Remarks
- Giles Gherson, President and CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade
9:05 – 9:30 am: Fireside Chat
9:30 – 10:15 am: Panel #1 – Toronto’s Working Waterfront
Toronto’s waterfront is the city’s frontier for employment opportunities and business expansion. The waterfront already hosts 60,000 jobs, with an opportunity to add tens of thousands more as a part of its redevelopment.
This session will explore how the waterfront is fast evolving as an employment hub and destination for high-growth industries, creative enterprises, and major employers. We’ll hear from employers about their existing footprint and operations and what can be done to attract more investments and workers to the area.
- Vic Gupta, CEO, CreateTO
10:15 – 10:55 am: Presentations – Building a Destination: Infrastructure, Access, and Placemaking
In a post-Covid work, placemaking is everything. Connectivity (to, from, and within the Waterfront), experiences, public spaces, are among the key facets that define the waterfront as a destination.
From modernized ferry services and expanded cycling networks to new transit lines and airport innovations, physical access to the waterfront is rapidly evolving. But access isn’t just about movement, it’s about creating an inclusive, vibrant, and connected city where opportunity is shared and everyone can participate on the waterfront.
This session will spotlight the infrastructure projects and placemaking strategies redefining Toronto’s shoreline. We’ll explore how enhancements to Billy Bishop Airport, the Ontario Line, and active transportation links are improving mobility and driving footfall to the waterfront. We'll also consider bold new ideas like integrating arts, culture, and even e-sports into underused infrastructure to show how design and access together create a more vibrant, inclusive waterfront.
- Ilana Altman, Co-Executive Director, The Bentway
10:55 – 11:20 am: Networking Break
11:20 am – 12:00 pm: Panel #2: Retail on the Waterfront: Creating a Vibrant Commercial Landscape
Retail is essential to building a dynamic and welcoming waterfront experience. Yet, retail along Toronto’s waterfront faces unique challenges: seasonal fluctuations, pedestrian flow patterns, and the need for curated tenant mixes that reflect the area's growing residential and visitor base. With over $17 billion in waterfront development underway, the commercial landscape is poised for a significant transformation but how do we ensure retail is part of that success story?
What strategies can revitalize and sustain commercial activity? How can we adapt to changing consumer behaviors, encourage diverse entrepreneurship, and design spaces that balance affordability with quality experiences? We’ll also consider how placemaking and programming can activate retail zones and turn them into year-round economic engines.
- Tim Kocur, Executive Director, Waterfront BIA
- Alejandro Aquino, Owner, Ethos Rock Climbing
12:00 – 1:00 pm: Lunch
1:00 - 1:10pm: Keynote Address
1:10 – 1:40 pm: Fireside Chat: The Waterfront: Activations, Legacy and Global Opportunity
As Toronto prepares to take the global stage for the World Cup, the waterfront is emerging as a focal point for fan engagement, cultural programming, and international visibility. From large-scale activations like fan zones at The Bentway and Harbourfront to transit and infrastructure readiness, FIFA represents a generational opportunity to elevate Toronto’s waterfront as a destination for global audiences and to build a lasting legacy for residents and businesses alike.
Hear how preparations are progressing, what role the waterfront will play in fan and city experiences, and how the city’s business community can engage with one of the most significant international events ever hosted in Toronto. We’ll also explore how the momentum from FIFA can catalyze long-term benefits that endure well beyond the final whistle.
1:40 – 2:20 pm: Panel #3: Powering the Visitor Economy
Are we fully realizing the cultural and recreational potential of Toronto’s waterfront? As the city prepares to host global events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 and explores the expansion of professional sports such as a future WNBA franchise, the spotlight on our waterfront has never been brighter.
This session will explore how strategic cultural investments and landmark redevelopments can position the waterfront as a premier destination for visitors and residents alike. How can we leverage global moments to showcase Toronto’s creativity, diversity, and hospitality? What role do sports, arts, and recreation play in shaping an internationally recognized cultural corridor? We’ll examine how bold activations and public space enhancements can create a waterfront that not only reflects who we are but who we aspire to be on the world stage.
2:20 – 2:30 pm: Closing Remarks
- Giles Gherson
2:30 – 3:30 pm: Coffee and Networking
Speakers
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Ilana Altman
Co-Executive Director, The Bentway
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Vic Gupta
CEO, CreateTO
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Tim Kocur
Executive Director, Waterfront BIA
Tickets & Registration
Members
- Single Ticket: $349
- Table of 10: $3,140
Non-Members
- Single Ticket: $499
- Table of 10: $4,990