east harbour plan

the business challenge

East Harbour — one of Canada’s largest mixed-use developments — needed a strategy to bring its future vision to life before construction was complete.

Interim: How could the current site become an experiential preview of what’s to come — a destination that attracts and excites Torontonians in the near term?

Permanent: What amenities and experiences would make East Harbour a world-class district — one where locals and global citizens alike would want to shop, dine, work, and connect for decades to come?

the solution

Through extensive engagement with city planners, developers, and global benchmarking studies, we created a research-backed placemaking and amenity strategy designed to evolve from 2018 through 2032.

The plan integrated public space activation, culinary innovation, wellness, discovery, entertainment, and culture — forming the blueprint for how East Harbour could embody the future of urban belonging.

We also developed an interim activation plan for the former Unilever Soap Factory and adjacent lands, transforming underused areas into dynamic cultural and event spaces that could keep the site active and relevant throughout the development cycle.

the resultS

Interim Phase:

• A three-year activation roadmap was proposed and celebrated, including EDIT: Expo for Design, Innovation & Technology, a world-class design festival produced by the Design Exchange and hosted on-site — drawing global attention and acclaim.



• Established a repeatable framework for interim programming that inspired similar large-scale adaptive use projects in Toronto.


Permanent Phase:

• Amenity and experience recommendations were endorsed by multiple stakeholders, including city planners, urban designers, and investment partners.



• With ownership transitions underway, these insights continue to inform how the East Harbour district’s placemaking DNA will unfold in future phases.

our role

Lead, Research & Experience Strategy


Directed stakeholder research, experience ideation, and expert procurement; led partnership exploration and programming strategy for both interim and permanent phases.


Delivered a comprehensive plan that positioned East Harbour as a model for global urban placemaking — connecting commerce, culture, and community in one visionary blueprint.