In 2006, Waterfront Toronto started the revitalization of the central waterfront area. First they had to develop a long-term vision for the central waterfront’s public space around buildings, such as sidewalks, streets, promenades and parks. To harvest fresh ideas on how to transform the area, Waterfront Toronto launched the Central Waterfront Innovative Design Competition.

This competition was won by a team led by West 8 - a landscape, architecture and urban design firm from Rotterdam - in joint venture with DTAH (du Toit Allsopp Hillier) - a Toronto based landscape, architecture and urban design firm.

The design included a wide promenade along the water and extensive green space. Bridges and WaveDecks rising from the boardwalk and spanning the ends of the slips provide continuous public access to the lakeshore.

Inspired by the Canadian cottage experience and the shorelines of Ontario’s great lakes, the wavedecks are meant to give urban dwellers a feel for life at the lake.

Designed by West8 + DTAH, these ipe and cedar decks were inspired by the shorelines of Ontario’s great lakes and provide unique access to the water’s edge where previously there was none. The stairs act as an informal amphitheatre and the decks varying heights offer captivating views of the city and lake. Colourful LED fixtures mounted below the structures cast a vibrant glow on the water’s edge at night, making each site a popular attraction throughout the day.
The Simcoe WaveDeck opened in June 2009 and has a dramatic 2.6 meter high curve (as well as metal railings to prevent injuries). It is a major attraction along the Waterfront. Along the Lakeshore you can also find the Rees WaveDeck and Spadina WaveDeck.