Public Art Installation Coming to Toronto's Waterfront

It's no secret that during the summer months Toronto's waterfront is absolutely bustling, which is understandable. When the sun is out, and you're looking for ways to embrace the heat, taking a nice stroll along the lake, taking out a canoe or kayak, or a ferry trip to the island are the perfect activities. But once the temperatures drop, the neighbourhood gets much less busy. While the winter chill can sometimes be a little much, the waterfront is still beautiful this time of year, and definitely worth a visit. That's why Winter Stations and the Waterfront BIA are bringing a winter public art installation to the waterfront, giving Torontonians a great reason to explore the waterfront.

Presented by Winter Stations and the Waterfront BIA, the Ice Breakers installation will exhibit design contributions from all three founders of Winter Stations (RAW architecture firm, Ferris + Associates landscape architects, and public art consultancy Curio), as well as the Toronto-based design team Polymetis, and Blatant, a design studio from Denmark. The name Ice Breakers takes inspiration from the ships that were used to break up the frozen Toronto harbour. The installation will feature 5 different pieces spread out on Queens Quay, running from Harbourfront Centre to the Toronto Music Garden. They'll be on display from January 21st until February 26th.

For those wanting an introduction to the installation series early, Waterfront Toronto, and the Harbourfront Centre will be hosting an Ice Breakers Preview, January 19th at 7pm at Boxcar Social's lakeside location. Guests will be able to meet the design teams behind the different installations. The night will be presented in the PechaKucha style, where each designer will have 20 slides, shown for 20 seconds, to introduce their works. Following these six and a half minute presentations, there will be a short Q&A, as well as a reception. The hope is that the power of design will be enough of a motivator to get people out from their winter hibernations and outside, engaging with the art.

Here's a look at the 5 separate works.

Leeward Fleet by RAW - Canada Square, Harbourfront Centre

This pivoting and interactive collection of structures is inspired by ice and sailboat technology.

ICEBOX by Polymetis - HTO Park
ICEBOX is a representation of the contrast between the cold outdoors and warm indoors that Canadians experience during winter.