toronto waterfront

Introducing Toronto’s New Animating Our Waterfront Project

Posted on by Pier 27

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Since the 1999 creation of the revitalization task force joining federal, provincial, and municipal governments, we’ve seen a great deal of growth take place on Toronto’s waterfront. The focus over the past decade has been a combination of design excellence, innovative and sustainable development, as well as public accessibility to the waterfront. With the increase in public transit, open spaces, and beautiful developments (such as Pier 27), the organization is well on its way to reaching their goals. Next up? A project that’s designed to make use of these public spaces and showcase the city’s greatest creative talent: the Animating Our Waterfront program. Continue reading →

Toronto’s Best Winter Block Party: DJ Skate Night

Posted on by Pier 27

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Was your New Year’s resolution to have more fun with your friends and family? What about being more active? If you answered ‘yes’ to both (or even one) of these questions, then you need to check out DJ Skate Night.

This event has been going on for many winters in Toronto now. DJ Skate Night transforms our favourite ice skating rink, the Natrel Rink at the Harbourfront Centre, into a mini dance club. Every Saturday night they bring in a new DJ to entertain the crowd so you can dance – or skate – the night away. It’s one of our favourite outdoor activities to do in winter and with a new theme and performance each week, it never gets old!

Here’s what you can expect at DJ Skate Night for the remainder of the 2016 season:

January 9th
DJ John Kong will be spinning at DJ Skate Night this weekend. He is a Toronto-based DJ who is well known in the city for playing an awesome mix of soul, jazz, funk, and disco tunes. A guaranteed good time!

January 16th
Wavelength is a non-profit and artist-run organization in Toronto whose focus is on creating amazing music festival and event experiences. They’ll be bringing their friends from Synthesexer to DJ Skate Night this week, who will be playing a selection of electro-pop, italo disco, and house music.

January 23rd
The Small World Music Society is bringing DJ medicineman to the Natrel Rink this week. Their show promises to bring a great mix of tunes and beats from around the globe. If you listen to CIUT 89.5 FM, you’re likely already a fan. Can’t wait to check this one out.

January 30th
DJ P-Plus will be taking over DJ Skate Night on FLOW 93.5 FM night. The only description for what you can expect from him is that he’s bringing “old school to life.”

February 6th
Ever had a French Caribbean DJ dance party? If you’re intrigued, you’ll want to come to DJ Skate Night this weekend to learn what Kizomba, Bachata, and Kompa is all about.

February 13th
If you’re looking for a pre-Valentine’s activity, this is perfect! You may have heard DJ Trambo at Lula Lounge in Toronto before – he’s all about bringing the topics to the dance floor or in this case, the rink. The perfect cure for the winter blues!

DJ Skate Nights happen every Saturday this winter from 8pm to 11pm. It’s always free to attend, and you can take advantage to the heated indoor change room, lockers, washrooms, and skate rentals on site.

See you there!

Photo via Harbourfront Centre Facebook Page 

The New George Brown College Waterfront Campus

Posted on by Pier 27

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One of Toronto’s top learning facilities calls our waterfront home. Back in September 2012, the new George Brown College waterfront campus opened their doors to approximately 4,000 students in their health and sciences programs, who would now be learning in a state-of-the-art building. The new building has a number of labs and classrooms overlooking the harbour, and it’s safe to say there’s no better view for studying in this city.  

The campus is home to George Brown’s School of Health, School of Health and Wellness, Health Services Management, and the Sally Horsfall Eaton School of Nursing. The beautiful, modern building was built in partnership with Waterfront Toronto and has been a major staple in the revitalization of our waterfront. Inside, you’ll find informal learning spaces, a library, learning commons, labs, and health and wellness clinics which allows students to get hands-on experience right on campus. The first floor is actually open to the public and is big and bright with lots of communal work space, no classrooms, and lots of windows – in case you want to see the space for yourself!

Knowing that green space is important, the George Brown commissioned a stunning rooftop terrace, which in the spring, summer, and early fall is a go-to spot for studying and looking out at Lake Ontario. Sherbourne Common park lines the eastern side of the building, providing even more green space to students. Sugar Beach is also right next door, just past the Corus Quay Entertainment building to the west, in case students feel like getting sand between their toes while they’re in between classes.

If you’re dying to see inside, watch as Toronto’s most notable architecture critic, Christopher Hume, gives us all the grand tour. This place is one-of-a-kind!  

Cover photo via GeorgeBrown.ca

A Look Inside Corus Quay

Posted on by Pier 27

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The Corus Quay building is an awesome place. Located right on the Toronto waterfront, it’s an office building that is home to some of the coolest companies in the city. On site they have everything from radio stations, to television studios, television feeds, production facilities, animation studios, publishing companies, and performance spaces which serve hundreds of employees. If you thought your office was cool, you haven’t seen anything yet. Continue reading →