Border Index - Breaching the Beaches by Celina Qiu and Gabriela Sciortino

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory & Space Border Index

Celina Qiu Gabriela Sciortino

Breaching the Beaches Celina Qiu + Gabriela Sciortino

Border Index

02

Border Index 1

07

Introduction

Tensions on the Sand

Border Index 2

Beach Strips

Border Index 3

Building against the Tide

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

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Breaching the Beaches Celina Qiu + Gabriela Sciortino

Introduction “According to the literature, beaches are exceptional, amorphous and anomalous natural spaces that create an overflow of cultural meanings derived from the deep opposition between land and sea.”1 For centuries, beaches as spaces of recreation and fun have attracted city dwellers to escape the routine modern life and witness the beauty of natural landscapes. Seaside communities have for much of history been considered as summer destinations, where people can live in cottages that provide convenient access to leisure activities at the water’s edge. The demand for coastal access has transformed the coastline from a once natural environment to an artificially constructed landscape with various sociocultural meanings that are increasingly threatened by unpredictable natural forces. With this, we see beaches as the physical manifestation of the relationship between human desires to be close to nature whilst protecting themselves from its precariousness.

This border index will explore Woodbine Beach in Toronto and its surrounding neighbourhood in three scales of border conditions. Firstly, the activities, tensions, restrictions and forms of territoriality that take place on sand. Secondly, the landscape design and governance of the site’s infrastructure, policies and surface conditions that enforce behaviour. Lastly, the ongoing tension between urban development and rising threats of climate change. We challenge the preconceived notion that beaches are simply a strip of sand marking the boundaries between land and water, but instead a buffer zone staging a palimpsest of various and often in conflict desires, processes and forces.

1

Milan, Jesus Estrada and Luis Escala Rabadan. “Riding Waves on the Mexico-US Border:

Beaches, Local Surfers and Cross-Border Processes.” Journal of Sport and Socail Issues 45, no. 2 (2021): 217-232 Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

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Breaching the Beaches Celina Qiu + Gabriela Sciortino

Tensions on the Sand Beaches during the summer convey images of fun and excitement. It is a feeling that many people sought-after which makes these parts a rare example in the city “where great numbers of socially diverse people find themselves crowded together.”1 Despite this condition, beaches remain generally safe and enjoyable amongst strangers sharing the same public space.

How is such a place constructed and how do people occupy such space to allow beaches to be safe and comforting for all? Are the measures instilled on the beach already existing or conditioned by the people who use them? Taking Woodbine Beach in Toronto as the case study to answering these questions, we render visible the forms of restrictions and territoriality that affect public experience on the beach. By comparing acts of control between those that derive from human tendency to claim space and those that respond to natural conditions, we see beaches as complex social constructs that involve many agents and their interpretations of what the space can be.

1

Edgerton, Robert B. Alone Together: Social Order on an Urban Beach. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 1979.

2

Storey, David. Territories: The Claiming of Space. Abingdon: Routledge, 2012.

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

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“Territoriality… is a device to create and maintain much of the geographic context through which we experience the world and give it meaning.”

(Sack 1986: 219)2 With this in mind, we claim beaches as egalitarian places where people appropriate the space into meaningful moments of leisure. Relaxation, play, creativity and fun are some of the ways people claim territory within a confined space maintained by restrictions set to ensure safety and control.

Breaching the Beaches Celina Qiu + Gabriela Sciortino

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Forms of Restrictions What spoken and unspoken rules are on the beach to provide safety and comfort for visitors.

WELCOME TO WOODBINE WELCOME BEACH TO WOODBINE BEACH Opening Hours:

8:30am - 5:00pm

Wind Speed: 20km/hour

Temperature:

28° C

Weather: Opening Hours:

8:30am - 5:00pm

Sunglasses

Weather:

20km/hour

Temperature:

28° C

WELCOME TO WOODBINE WELCOME BEACH TO WOODBINE BEACH 1

Weather: Opening Hours:

Weather:

8:30am - 5:00pmthe day 8:30am - 5:00pm Weather Conditions. Beach is best visited during and when its Wind Speed: Speed: warm, sunny and calm. Bad weather conditions beforeWind or20km/hour on the day of a 20km/hour Temperature: Temperature: beach visit could be dangerous.

28° C 28° C

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Lifeguard. Positioned along the water’s edge to look out for potential hazards. Young children are encouraged to swim within close proximity or under the supervision of their guardians.

Trunks

2

4

Towel

Towel

Sandals

Sandals

sorry, this chair sorry, this chair isHat taken. is taken.

Clothing. Visitors wear specific clothes to optimize comfort and style that is appropriate for the beach.

Sunglasses

Trunks

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sorry, this chair sorry, this chair isHat taken. is taken.

Wind Speed:

Trunks

Opening Hours:

Hat Sunglasses

Trunks

Hat Sunglasses

Towel

Towel

Sandals

Sandals

Tide Pools. Restricted to beach visitors due to its sharp rocks and slippery surfaces. Also host habitats for small aquatic creatures.

glasses

glasses

Breaching the Beaches Celina Qiu + Gabriela Sciortino

Forms of Territoriality How visitors occupy space and claim territory on the beach.

Hat Sunglasses

sorry, this chair sorry, this chair isHat taken. is taken.

Towel

Towel

Sandals

Sandals

Hat Sunglasses

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Is this free?

Towel

Sandals

Sandals

I’ll get it!

I’m the king of this castle!

oops!

oops!

oops!

Is this free?

sorry, this chair sorry, this chair Is this free?

Is this free? isHat taken. is taken.

Umbrella and chairs. Used to set up a relaxing area for families to meet I’m theand king of I’m the king of up and recreate around whilst providing shade comfort. this castle! this castle!

Towel

oops!

6I’ll

I’ll get it!

Volleyball Courts. a private space for parties to play volleyball get it!

I’ll getDesignates it!

Woooo!

Woooo! that avoids interferance from other users.

They’re so loud! They’re so loud!

Woooo!

Woooo!

I’m the king of this castle!

They’re so loud! They’re so loud!

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Sandcastles. Created by children to convert sand into meaningful artpiece that demarcates their territory.

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Speakers. Plays music aloud for groups to enjoy. Often accompanied with drinking and dancing that may be disturbing to other users.

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

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Breaching the Beaches Celina Qiu + Gabriela Sciortino

Beach Strips Beaches as sites of recreation have extended its boundaries to more than just the limits of sand and water. Its sphere of influence on the surrounding landscape has altered the designed infrastructure and surface conditions including pathways, buildings and vegetation that takes advantage of the desirable atmosphere.

Particularly at Woodbine, an urban beach situated within a 10 minute driving distance from Toronto’s downtown core, ensuring safety, accessibility and enjoyment for all visitors has been at the forefront of beach management.1 How the beach can successfully serve all people and their various activities that create meaningful experiences and contribute to the identity of urban life is provided through the division of space. Traditional extents of a beach that include sand and water is designed within a vast landscape matrix that includes issues of transportation, private/public and program, all seperated by contrasting surface conditions, infrastructure and regulations. Design choices of individual “zones” encourages particular activities to take place and simultaneously influences the behaviour of visitors.

Architecture orders space and ultimately people in a dynamic landscape “composed of shifting nodes of interaction.”2

1

City of Toronto. Great City, Great Beaches: Toronto Beaches Plan. 2009.

2

Hill, Kristina. “Shifting Sites.” in Site Matters. New York and London: Routledge, 2005: 131.

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Landscapes of zoning Mapping a beach can no longer be bounded to confines of sand and water but must encompass the broader surrounding area of its influence. Particularly as Woodbine Beach exists within an urban area and greater waterfront region, the site confronts issues of accessibility, program and management. The following drawings will explore how the designed landscape has addressed these issues and the conflicts that challenge these restrictions whilst overall, maintaining a dynamic, egalitarian and pleasurable atmosphere that all visitors can enjoy.

Breaching the Beaches Celina Qiu + Gabriela Sciortino

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Grass

Surface Condition

Grass

Ground cover and materiality determines the potential activities that can occur on it.

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Grass. Along with trees provide shade, cooler atmospheres and intimate nooks for couples and groups. Also a comfortable spot for eating, reading and relaxing as observed.

Boardwalk

Boardwalk

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Wood. Helps embed the boardwalk into the natural setting of the beach whilst accommodating many various forms of promenading along the water edge.

Breaching the Beaches Celina Qiu + Gabriela Sciortino

Road

Road

Beach

Beach

Road

Road

Beach

Beach

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Asphalt. A building material often used for road paving due to its durability upon impact with heavy, fast vehicles.

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Sand. Due to its granular composition, it is versatile as both a building material for sand castles and a soft support for laying down on.

Bike Path

Bike Path

Rocks

Rocks

Bike Path

Bike Path

Rocks

Rocks

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Concrete. For bike paths that feature various changes in elevation and slope.

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Rocks. Provide sheltered zones for interacting and observing the water, often intimate due to its difficulty of navigating upon.

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Infrastructure Designed components encourage particular visitor behaviours at certain places

GREG WINTERHELT - 2003 so much still to say

GREG WINTERHELT - 2003 so much still to say

GREG WINTERHELT - 2003 so much still to say

GREG WINTERHELT - 2003 so much still to say

IN MEMORY OF HASSANALI MOOSA MARCH 14 1923 - MAY 21 2005 TREASURE EACH DAY

IN MEMORY OF HASSANALI MOOSA MARCH 14 1923 - MAY 21 2005 TREASURE EACH DAY

IN MEMORY OF HASSANALI MOOSA MARCH 14 1923 - MAY 21 2005 TREASURE EACH DAY

IN MEMORY OF HASSANALI MOOSA MARCH 14 1923 - MAY 21 2005 TREASURE EACH DAY

Benches and Benches trees are andplaced trees are strategically placed strategically throughoutthroughout the park ofthe thepark beach of and the beach are a part andof are The a part of The 1 Commemorative Commemorative Tree and Bench Tree and Program Benchwhich Program allows which the allows public to thepay public tribute to pay to atribute person.toThis a person. This provides a provides more quiet, a more peaceful quiet,and peaceful secluded andspace secluded for visitors space for to sit. visitors The trees to sit.are Thesurrounded trees are surrounded by a by a Benches.

Placed throughout theoftopark toa provide to sit wooden encasement which which discourages people from people using from them using as spaces them as sit. spaces However, to sit.of the However, the Benches encasement and Benches trees are and placed treesdiscourages are strategically placedstrategically strategically throughout throughout the park of the the park beach and the beach are part and are The aplaces part of The 7wooden 1 benches provide benches the provide perfect the place perfect for lounging. place for With lounging. anthe invisible With an border, invisible visitors border, willapay visitors have toto will create create Commemorative Commemorative Tree andpublic.

Bench Tree and Program Bench which Program allows which allows public to the pay public tribute to pay to tribute person.

This a have person.

This for the Also accompanied with plaques that tribute totoloved microterritories. a purse Perhaps ispeaceful used asecluded purse to and claim is used space tofor claim or even space the shade even from the shade the tree. from This the tree. likely provides a microterritories. provides more Perhaps quiet, a more peaceful quiet,and space secluded visitors space for to or sit. visitors The trees to sit. are Thesurrounded trees areissurrounded by aThis is likely by a ones. to cause encasement tension to cause between tension the between users ofthe the users bench. offrom thepeople bench. wooden wooden encasement which discourages which discourages people usingfrom themusing as spaces themto assit. spaces However, to sit.the However, the benches provide benches theprovide perfectthe place perfect for lounging. place for With lounging. an invisible With an border, invisible visitors border, willvisitors have towill create have to create microterritories. microterritories.

Perhaps a purse Perhaps is used a purse to claim is used space to claim or even space theorshade even from the shade the tree. from This theistree. likely This is likely to cause tension to cause between tensionthe between users ofthe theusers bench. of the bench.

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MENU

MENU

MENU

MENU

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Picnic tables. Placed near food trucks and vendors creating an eating

Picnic tables Picnic are placed tables are nearplaced food trucks near food and trucks vendors, andthus vendors, creating ancreating eating zone eating similar zone to asimilar to a mall’s zone similar to a mall’s food court.

Itthus provides aanterritory for mall’s which visifood3court.food The picnic court. The tablepicnic provides tablea provides territory for a territory visitors for to claim. visitorsUnless to claim. the Unless picnic tables the picnic are being tables are being tors can claim on a first come first serve basis and on occasion can be shared amongst sharedstrangers, amongst the strangers, borderthe is fairly border easy is to fairly respect. easy to Tensions respect.that Tensions may arise thatcan maybe arise caused can be caused by the tables table's by the lackplaced table's of a hard lack border. of a hard Fumes border. from Fumes theand food from truck the food can bother truck can those bother those claim the that claim the Picnic Picnic are tables are near placed food trucks near food and trucks vendors, thus vendors, creating thus ancreating eating zone anthat eating similar zone to asimilar mall’s to a mall’s shared amongst strangers. territory. food3court.territory. food The picnic court. The tablepicnic provides tablea provides territory for a territory visitors for to claim. visitorsUnless to claim. the Unless picnic tables the picnic are being tables are being shared amongst sharedstrangers, amongst the strangers, borderthe is fairly border easy is to fairly respect. easy to Tensions respect.that Tensions may arise thatcan maybe arise caused can be caused by the table's by the lacktable's of a hard lackborder. of a hard Fumes border. from Fumes the food fromtruck the food can bother truck can those bother that those claim the that claim the territory. territory.

No bicycling on the boardwalk

No bicycling on the boardwalk

No bicycling on the

No bicycling on the boardwalk

Good morning!

Good morning! boardwalk

Good morning!

Good morning!

The bike racks The function bike racksasfunction a borderasdividing a border Woodbine’s dividing Woodbine’s bike path and bikeboardwalk. path and boardwalk.

The racks The racks 2 reinforce zoning reinforce by encouraging zoning by encouraging or discouraging or discouraging certain activities certainoractivities behaviours or behaviours on both sides on both of sides of the racks. For theexample, racks. Forone example, must lock one their mustbike lockbefore their bike accessing before the accessing boardwalk, the boardwalk, thus discouraging thus discouraging Bikeracks racks.

Encourages people to lock up bikes before acessing the any in this biking zone. inIt this isa significant zone. It is to note theto permeability note thetheir permeability of this border. of this Those border. onracks either Those side on either side The biking bike The function bike racks as function border asdividing a significant border Woodbine’s dividing Woodbine’s bike path and bike boardwalk. path and boardwalk.

The The racks 8any 2 racks of the of can thestill racks interact can still with interact one another, with or one and another, microscopic and microscopic can bacteria still be exchanged still be reinforce zoning reinforce by encouraging zoning by encouraging or discouraging discouraging certain activities oractivities behaviours or behaviours oncan both sides on exchanged both of sides of boardwalk whcih strictly prohibits bikers incertain itsbacteria zone. between individuals. between individuals. the racks. For theexample, racks. Forone example, must lock one their mustbike lockbefore their bike accessing before the accessing boardwalk, the boardwalk, thus discouraging thus discouraging any biking any in this biking zone. inItthis is significant zone. It is significant to note thetopermeability note the permeability of this border. of this Those border. on either Thoseside on either side of the racksofcan thestill racks interact can still with interact one another, with oneand another, microscopic and microscopic bacteria can bacteria still becan exchanged still be exchanged between individuals. between individuals.

Outdoor fitness equipment. Provides an alternative form of outdoor exer12 Outdoor fitness Outdoor equipment fitness equipment is placed within is placed the within park and theforms park aand specific formszone a specific for visitors zone for to visitors to 4

4

and encourages visitors to healtheir ofborders activity. exercise.

Although exercise. the Although equipment the equipment encourages encourages aparticipate specific type a specific ofinbehaviour, type of behaviour, its forms borders its are invisible are invisible 4cise and can create and can tension create between tensionusers between of theusers public of space. the public space.

Outdoor fitness Outdoor equipment fitness equipment is placed within is placed the within park and theforms park aand specific formszone a specific for visitors zone for to visitors to exercise. exercise.the Although equipment the equipment encouragesencourages a specific type a specific of behaviour, type of behaviour, its borders its areborders invisible are invisible 4 Although and can create and can tension create between tensionusers between of theusers public of space. the public space.

Breaching the Beaches Celina Qiu + Gabriela Sciortino

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The garbage Theand garbage recycling and bins recycling encourage bins encourage visitors to visitors throw away to throw trashaway and trash keep the andpark keepand the park and 5 beach clean. beach Theclean. bins function The binsas function nodes within as nodes thewithin macrothe territory macroofterritory Woodbine of Woodbine Beach andBeach each and each collect specific collect items. specific As no items. oneAs is claiming no one isthe claiming territory theofterritory the bins, ofthere the bins, should there beshould no conflicts. be no conflicts.

Perhaps a Perhaps conflict may a conflict arise may if an arise individual ifvisitors an individual does not throw properly does notaway dispose properly ofdispose their trash. ofdo their trash.part in keeping Bins.

Encourages trash and their 9Theand The garbage garbage recycling and bins recycling encourage bins encourage visitorsto to visitors throw away to throw trash away and trash keep the andpark keep and the park and 5 beach clean. beach The clean. binspark function The and binsas function nodes within as nodes thewithin macrothe territory macroofterritory Woodbine of Woodbine Beach andBeach each and each the beach clean. collect specific collect items. specific As no items. oneAs is claiming no one isthe claiming territory theofterritory the bins, ofthere the bins, should there beshould no conflicts. be no conflicts.

Perhaps a Perhaps conflict may a conflict arise may if an arise individual if an individual does not properly does notdispose properlyofdispose their trash. of their trash.

fof Woofof WooWo Wo

ruff

fof Woofof WooWo Wo

ruff

ruff

ruff

ruff

ruff

ruff

ruff

The bike racks The bike function racksas function a border asdividing a borderWoodbine’s dividing Woodbine’s bike path bike and boardwalk. path and boardwalk.

The racks The racks 6 reinforce zoning reinforce byzoning encouraging by encouraging or discouraging or discouraging certain activities certain or activities behaviours or behaviours on both sides on both of sides of the racks. the For racks. example, For one example, must one lock must their lock bike their before bike accessing before accessing the boardwalk, the boardwalk, thus discouraging thus discouraging any bikingany in this biking zone. in this It is zone. significant It is significant to notewhere the topermeability note the permeability ofcan this allow border. of this Those border. on either Those side on either side dog park owners their dogs 10 TheFences. bike racks The Separates bike function racksas function a the border asdividing a border Woodbine’s dividing Woodbine’s bike path bike and boardwalk. path and boardwalk.

The racksroam The racks of the of can the still racksinteract can stillwith interact one another, with oneand another, microscopic and microscopic bacteria can bacteria still becan exchanged still be exchanged 6 6 racks reinforce zoning reinforce byzoning by from encouraging or discouraging or discouraging activities certain or activities behaviours or behaviours on both sides on both of sides of free without aencouraging leash the rest ofcertain the park. between individuals. between individuals. the racks. the For racks. example, For one example, must one lock must their lock bike their before bike accessing before accessing the boardwalk, the boardwalk, thus discouraging thus discouraging any bikingany in this biking zone. in this It is zone. significant It is significant to note the topermeability note the permeability of this border. of this Those border. on either Those side on either side of the racks of can the still racksinteract can stillwith interact one another, with oneand another, microscopic and microscopic bacteria can bacteria still becan exchanged still be exchanged between individuals. between individuals.

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Car Doors Car Doors Car Doors Car Doors

Parking Lot. Visitors who arrive by car can claim parking spaces which

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13The The parking lotparking is a zone lotwith is a zone microterritories with microterritories also referred alsotoreferred as parking to asspots. parking Tensions spots. arise Tensions arise 7 individuals quickly during season. when whenget individuals usefilled theseup use territories these territories incorrectly incorrectly orpeak invade or another’s invade another’s territory. territory.

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The parking Thelotparking is a zone lotwith is a zone microterritories with microterritories also referred alsotoreferred as parking to asspots. parking Tensions spots. arise Tensions arise 7 individuals when when individuals use these use territories these territories incorrectlyincorrectly or invade or another’s invade another’s territory. territory.

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Bus Stop. Placed next to the main road as a transit hub for accessing the 8 beach from the rest of city.

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Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

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Public Park Bylaws Despite enforced policies governed by the city to regulate and protect public parks for equal enjoyment by everyone, many users still break the rules.

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608-8 and 608-10. Fires and Alcohol are two things that are not permitted on the beach. However, many create their own firesand consume alcohol especially after sunset.

oh no...

TOBY STOOOOPP!

Woof Woof oh no...

TOBY STOOOOPP!

Woof Woof

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608-34. Dogs must be on a leash or within the dog park territory. However, some dog owners ignore these rules, allowing them to roam free on other parts of the beach which can interfere with the activities of other people.

Breaching the Beaches Celina Qiu + Gabriela Sciortino

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608-36. Woodbine beach has allocated specific territories to restore natural sand dunes. This territory does not permit the public to access the space and is surrounded by a fence. However, this rule can easily be ignored by young children who play around this space.

oh no...

Woof Woof oh no...

Woof Woof

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349-18. Wildlife should never be fed by visitors as their droppings can litter and pollute the water. However, many individuals disregard these rules causing environmental problems for the landscape.

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

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Breaching the Beaches Celina Qiu + Gabriela Sciortino

Building Against the Tide “But the coastline... is infinite and folded; it cannot ultimately be mapped and known.”1 Here, Carter is discussing the difficulty of mapping a coastline, a continuous, unbroken line that surveyors draw to demarcate the border between land and water. However, unlike territorial borders which although at times are contested are nevertheless fixed in space, nature is never static and neither are its boundaries. Tides rise and fall, waves crash upon the shore and land retreats or expands turning into islands, hills or cliffs. These natural processes keep the land in a constant state of flux, unpredictable and multidirectional unless controlled by human intervention.

For the past 200 years, humans have played a more critical role than nature in reshaping the coastline of Toronto.2 Since the mid 1850s, repeated waves of lake-filling have made land for industries, port facilities and recreation.

Many agencies such as Toronto Harbour Commission and the TRCA have been involved in the consistant hardening and reshaping of the coast, that hardly any of it can still be considered “natural.” This attempt to reinforce the border between land and water is driven by larger economic desires and the need to protect property against climate change events.

1

Carter, Paul. “Dark with Excess of Bright: Mapping the Coastlines of Knoweldge.” In Map-

pings, edited by Denis Cosgrove, 125-147. Chicago: Reaktion Books, 1999.

2

Hardwicke, Chris and Wayne Reeves. “Shapeshifters: Toronto’s changing watersheds,

streams and shorelines.” In HTO: Toronto’s Water from Lake Iroquois to Lost Rivers to Lowflow Toilets, edited by Wayne Reeves and Christina Palassio, 51-62. Toronto: Coach House Books, 2008.

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Beach History The early history of The Beaches highlights the changing relationship between land and water and how this relationship affects human behaviour.

It becomes evident that the changing shoreline acts as a border, both solid and permeable. This border impacts how land is claimed and used, and the loss or beginning of communities.

Furthermore, it is an integral aspect in determining human behaviour.

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1834

1886

1912

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Breaching the Beaches Celina Qiu + Gabriela Sciortino

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1959

1981

Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

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Historical Programs How was the beach used and how did it look like since it was first occupied by settlers.

1802: EARLY SETTLERS

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This stretch of Kingston Road was the first part of the Beaches to be settled. In the early 1800s several local landowners farmed in this area.

The water came in good use for the landowners’ agricultural practices.

1870s: SUMMER RESORT

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The district was established as a summer retreat for the general population and was served by a streetcar and steamer. In 1879, the area’s first summer hotel, the Scarboro’ Heights Hotel opened. Many people were attracted to the area and came to spend the day in one of the parks, or a period of the summer in the hotel, a tent or cottage.

1858: FISHERMAN’S PARADISE

2

“Fisherman’s Paradise” was formed from a winter storm which altered the Toronto landscape, breaching the sandbar and creating a channel. European fisherman established a commercial fishery there and on Woodbine Beach. A fishing community had also settled in the area. Unfortunately, the waters had become polluted from industrialization and fish dwindled.

The marsh was filled and only the sands remain today.

1900: TRANSITION INTO PERMANENT COMMUNITY

4

There was a lot of growth in the Beach area. At the time a total of 250 families were living in the area. Sidewalks, grocery stores, schools, a fire hall and a post office were built. Building properties were for sale at Balmy Beach. There was a “Building Boom on at the Beach”.

Breaching the Beaches Celina Qiu + Gabriela Sciortino

JUNE 1, 1907: SCARBORO’ BEACH AMUSEMENT PARK

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The farm property was bought and transformed into an amusement park. Designed after Dreamland and Luna Park at Coney Island, the park offered “rides, freak shows, funhouses, refreshment stands, bathing and dance pavilions, band concerts, and amusements of almost every description”.

1912: WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT

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1928: WIDEN THE BEACH

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Beach residents were worried because storms continued to erode the beach. Thus, experimental groynes were built to see if they would help nature to widen the beach. These groynes were wooden and were placed at intervals of about fifty feet along the beach.

The Toronto Harbour Commissioners (THC) published their plan for Toronto’s waterfront. The plan aimed to fill Ashbridge’s Bay and reclaim land for recreation. There were to be parks, lagoons, beaches, and cottage sites.

VICTORIA DAY, MAY 24, 1932: NATURAL PARK

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A plan was established to develop parkland behind the beach. All privately owned lands facing the lake between Woodbine and Silver Birch avenues were seized and the homes were demolished. The biggest natural park in the district had been created along the water’s edge and was opened in 1932. There was the waterfront park, the boardwalk, and the athletic field (Pantry Park).

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Beach Properties The Beaches is one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in Toronto’s real estate market. With a laid-back charm, convenient access to the beach and commercial strip of Queen Street East, the neighbourhood is great for families... if they can afford it. What started as a fisherman village 150 years ago, now has a population of 23,000 and single family homes selling at $1.4 million on average.

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Breaching the Beaches Celina Qiu + Gabriela Sciortino

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Between the Lines: Borders, Territory and Space

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Single-Family Homes for Sale A catalogue of single-family homes that are for sale on April, 2021 at The Beaches neighbourhood.

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1

hed House

50

48

50

48 Kent Rd.

2

27 Brookmount Rd.

Sale Price: $1,199,000

Sale Price: $1,399,000.

Size: 19.5 x 118.83 Feet. 2 Stories.

Size: 20.01 x 118 Feet. 3 Stories.

Rooms: 3 Bed and 2 Bath.

Rooms: 4+1 Bed and 2 Bath.

“Stunning, bright, renovated, family home in vibrant leslieville!”

“Steps from schools, parks and the beach. This stunning home will not disappoint!”

Detached House

ld Townhouse $1.75M Townhouse

Freehold Townhouse

miniums

Condominiums

Condo Townhouse

$1.35M

$950K 48

50

183

181

$550K

3

39 Winners Circ.

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93 Waverley Rd.

Sale Price: $2,650,000

Sale Price: $2,399,000

Size: 23.98 x 117 Feet. 3 Stories.

Size: 25 x 115 Feet. 2.5 Stories.

Rooms: 3+2 Bed and 4 Bath.

Rooms: 4+1 Bed and 3 Bath.

“Welcome to this detached beach family home meticulously maintained! This one’s a winner!”

Detached House

“The family house you’ve been waiting for! Fabulous beach family home located south of queen backing onto Kew Gardens with direct private access to popular castle playground!”

Detached House

$150K 2005 2006 20002007 20012008 20022009 20032010 20042011 20052012 20062013 20072014 20082015 20092016 20102017 20112018 20122019 20132020 20142021 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

$1.75M

Freehold Townhouse Condo Townhouse Condominiums

$1.75M

Freehold Townhouse Condo Townhouse Condominiums

$1.35M $1.35M

$950K

Breaching the Beaches Celina Qiu + Gabriela Sciortino

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50

183

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48

181

183 Beech Ave.

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50

46 Balsam Ave.

Sale Price: $1,660,000.

Sale Price: $6,000,000

Size: 16.25 x 150 Feet. 2.5 Stories.

Size: 55.25 x 118.5 Feet. 3 Stories.

Rooms: 3+1 Bed and 3 Bath.

Rooms: 5 Beds and 7 Baths

“Great investment opportunity; 3 self contained apartments in prime beach! High return on investment.”

“Welcome to 46 Balsam Avenue, an architectural gem. The Grand Dame of the Beach. This homeDetached is an House elegant masterpiece featuring luxury at every turn.”

Freehold Townhouse

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181

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$1.75M

Condo Townhouse Condominiums

Property Value at The Beaches $1.35M

Average sold price of a home at The Beaches has escalated since 2000.

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

Detached House $1.75M

Freehold Townhouse

$950K

Condo Townhouse Condominiums

$550K $1.35M

$950K

$150K 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

$550K

$150K 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

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Flood Risk Mapping Decades of land reclamation and in-filling has made the beach susceptible to flooding. Particularly as effects of climate change is threatening all coastal developments, flooding, storm-surge and erosion will be far more frequent and stronger. Although this may seem like a recent issue, the battle between protecting properties from the wind, water and storms has been an ongoing conflict since The Beaches was first occupied. The desire to live close to the coast, has always been difficult for property owners who have consistently experienced their homes damaged, flooded or demolished.

2

4

Flood Risk By Elevation (m) 3-4

2-3

1-2

0-1

Breaching the Beaches Celina Qiu + Gabriela Sciortino

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1

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Woodbine Beach Flooding

in levels are at their highest levels This spring, Lake Ontario water storms from the south east has 20 years. A succession of springshoreline sand, resulting in the of ing breach the in resulted area at Woodbine Beach. The flooding of the inland beach Parks vation Authority and Toronto d Toronto and Region Conser the situation, but have weighe are working together to monitor action to remove the water is not that ed conclud the options and failed as the water have out water this pump to feasible. Attempts water removed quickly any and level lake at is the in the flooded area this pond will evaporate during seeps back in. It is hoped that to beach as a result. summer months and return

Timeline of Historic Flood Events

Based on historical photographs, this timeline showcases the frequency of flooding and their damages along The Beaches.

Woodbine Beach Flooding

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June 26th, 1918. Boardwalk broken by storm.

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in levels are at their highest levels This spring, Lake Ontario water storms from the south east has 20 years. A succession of springshoreline sand, resulting in the resulted in the breaching of The area at Woodbine Beach. flooding of the inland beach Parks vation Authority and Toronto d Toronto and Region Conser the situation, but have weighe are working together to monitor action to remove the water is not that ed conclud and options the the water this water out have failed as quickly pump to ts Attemp . feasible d level and any water remove the in the flooded area is at lake this pond will evaporate during seeps back in. It is hoped that to beach as a result. summer months and return

April 2nd, 1929. Woodbine beach sidewalks broken by storm which called to destroy all beachfront properties to stabilize the soil.

Woodbine Beach Flooding

in levels are at their highest levels This spring, Lake Ontario water storms from the south east has 20 years. A succession of springshoreline sand, resulting in the resulted in the breaching of The Beach. ine Woodb at area flooding of the inland beach Parks vation Authority and Toronto d Toronto and Region Conser the situation, but have weighe are working together to monitor action to remove the water is not that water the options and concluded the as failed have this water out quickly feasible. Attempts to pump d remove water level and any the in the flooded area is at lake this pond will evaporate during seeps back in. It is hoped that to beach as a result. summer months and return

3

1954. A man, woman and dog survey the damage after Hurricane Hazel.

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June 5th, 2019. A succession of storms resulted in the flooding of the inland beach area of Woodbine Beach creating a still pond that was susceptible to bacteria growth and mosquito breeding.

Breaching the Beaches Celina Qiu + Gabriela Sciortino

Annual Precipitation in Toronto More severe weather is predicted to arise in Toronto’s future such as more extreme rain and snowfall.

900

Precipitation (mm)

850

800

750

700

650 1950

1960

1980

2000

2020

2040

2060

2080

Lake Ontario Average Levels Affected by rainfall, water evaporation and rate of discharge into connected waterways, the height of Lake Ontario water level could indicate potential flooding in low areas and beachfront erosion.

75.8 75.6

Average Monthly Level (m)

75.4 75.2 75 74.8 74.6 74.4 74.2 74 1915

1925

1935

1945

1955

1965

1975

1985

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1995

2005

2015

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Beach Construction To protect the neighbouring residential area from increasing threats of climate change, the beach is maintained to act as a buffer against flooding and storm surge. The extent of sand is enlarged towards the lake and a series of hard and soft infrastructure act as walls protecting the inland from the water. These various engineering features and processes has transformed the beach from a natural coast into an artificially maintained and constructed landscape.

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Beach Protection Methods Catalogue of beach protection methods used at The Beaches to prevent flooding and erosion, from low-cost emergency techniques to extensive engineering processes.

sandbags

sand trapped and retained by groyne sand trapped and retained by groyne

sandbags

sandbags

armour stones

armour stones

sandbags

armour stones

armour stones wooden groyne

wooden groyne

1

2

120 120

120120

Sandbags. A simple, low-cost and effective way to prevent flood water damage by acting as a barrier to divert moving water.

sand dunes

2. sand pumped to beach 2. sand pumped to beach

60 00 60 00

stone rip-rap

sand dunes

stone rip-rap

sand dunes

2. sand pumped to beach 2. sand pumped to beach

1. sand dredged from lake bed 1. sand dredged from lake bed

60 0d0 60f win 0d n o 0in io t w f ec dir ion o t ec dir

Armour Stones. Strong and modular system used as a retaining wall to prevent sand from retreating into the lake.

sand dunes

3

wooden groyne

60 60

60 60

wooden groyne

30 00 30 00

1. sand dredged from lake bed 1. sand dredged from lake bed

Beach Nourishment. Process of adding sand onto the beach to expand its shoreline. Carried out once a year before the summer season to optimize sand area by dredging sand from the lake bed and pumping it onto the beach.

4

Sand Dunes. Adds biodiversity to the beach ecosystem while curbing shoreline erosion. Also adds height to prevent flooding.

3 30

00

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sand trapped and retained by groyne sand trapped and retained by groyne

armour stones

armour stones

60

5

sand deposition sand deposition

breakwater sand deposition

breakwater breakwater

wooden groyne

60

00

00 ind fw 60 n o d t0io0 f win ec dir ion o t ec dir

00

dir dir

e

ctio

ec

t

no

o ion

fw fw

00 50 00 50

ind ind

Groynes. Wooden groynes were used at The Beaches in the 30s to maintain beach area and prevent movement of sand. However, they were removed due to complaints of its unattractiveness.

6

salt resistant tree stone rip-rap

dunes

stone rip-rap

dunes

30 30

00 00

30 30

50 50

00 00

Breakwater. Reduces wave energy from reaching the shore by interrrupting the current. Also causes sand to get deposited behind helping expand the beach.

salt resistant tree

6

sand deposition breakwater

wooden groyne

wooden groyne wooden groyne

60

sand trapped and retained by groyne sand trapped and retained by groyne

salt resistant tree salt resistant tree

stone rip-rap stone rip-rap

00 00

Rip Rap. Consisting of construction debris and rocks, it protects the shoreline against wave and ice erosion.

8

Vegetation. Promoting a more natural shoreline, trees and shrubs with deep roots help hold the soil in place and filter runoff that flows back into the lake.

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Beach Resiliency To buffer against rising threats of climate change that is soon to be the “new normal,” the beach will need to be redesigned to withstand harsh conditions without compromising the recreational uses it was meant to serve. In discussion of how The Beaches could potentially look like in the future to encourage a more harmonious and co-dependent relationship between humans and nature, we seek inspiration from innovative infrastructure technologies that can be embedded into the landscape.

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Breaching the Beaches Celina Qiu + Gabriela Sciortino

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Resilient Beach Infrastructure A catalogue of resilient coastal infrastructure components that can be used to protect The Beaches neighbourhood from flooding damage whilst allowing for uninterrupted recreational use and building development.

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3

Breakwaters act as hard borders, but are not only impermeable. They protect the shore by breaking waves and currents, and reducing the wave component of a storm-driven flood. Within the breakwater’s structure, territories and spaces are claimed by different species. Even while species occupy their territories, they are not discharged from contact

This architectural infrastructure functions as a flood defence wall that doubles as beach huts. This hard border divides the water from land, and protects the parks and city from rising water levels and storms.

Breaching the Beaches Celina Qiu + Gabriela Sciortino

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Designed by Taiwanese designers, the TetraPOT acts as a coastal defence and natural breakwater against tides. The vegetation’s web of roots reduces soil erosion and also helps to create and protect ecosystems.

A water home is an infrastructural and territorial barrier that provides an alternative way of living in the future. These homes act as a physical barrier between the interior residence and exterior aquatic ecosystems.

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5

7

Seawall steps function as a multi-dimensional space. While it can be a hard border protecting the city from varying levels of floodwater, it also functions as a permeable space, connecting the city to the beach and creating a space for humans and species to congregate.

The Climate Tile, created by THIRD NATURE, IBF, and ACO Nordic, redirects 30% of the projected increase in rainwater, reducing cities and their populations from the impacts of flooding.

Breaching the Beaches Celina Qiu + Gabriela Sciortino

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The elevated boardwalk rises 3 feet above the BFE and its infrastructure focuses on storm surge resilience. While providing a space for people to walk, the boardwalk also contains a vegetated sand dune for native plant species.

A building is a hard border, separating exterior elements from interior ones. However, water still permeates through this border. Various building typologies will need to be implemented to reduce damage from flooding or extreme weather events.

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ARC465 Between the Lines: Borders, Territory & Space Winter 2021 - Daniels Faculty