Toronto Photo Gallery - Portlands

The Portlands area east of downtown was reclaimed from the lake in the early 20th century to create industrial zones. However, much of it is now underutilized or vacant. Discussions about redeveloping this prime real estate so close to the financial centre have been ongoing for the past few decades, even during the failed 2008 Olympic bid. Today, there hasn't been much to show yet although some shovels are in the ground. As part of this project, the Don River will be extended through the area as part of a flood protection scheme.

The redevelopment will create the new Villiers Island. 2 new bridges have opened along New Cherry Street to the north and south of Commissioners Street in 2022 an 2024. They were built in Nova Scotia and moved along the St. Lawrence Seaway by barge to Toronto.

At under 15 minutes by bus from Union Station, this area has plenty of harbour and skyline views. There are plans to extend the streetcar along Queens Quay, although funding to complete this has not yet been secured, while completion is not expected until 2034.

Set amidst industrial buildings and vacant lots, Polson Pier is a bit of an oddity, being a small park offering skyline views.