Cherry Beach Life Saving Station

Since 2003 GBCA was involved in a multi-phase, five-year project to revitalize Clarke Beach (aka Cherry Beach). Initially commissioned to carry out a condition assessment and conservation strategy for the historic wood-frame Life Saving Station and associated washroom/changeroom, GBCA became the project architects in charge of the restoration and rehabilitation of these structures as part of the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation’s multi-phased project to improve Toronto’s waterfront.

Dating to 1933, the Life Saving Station was one of several structures built to service this recreational area. The beach became popular in the 1930s with the construction of the bascule bridge, which provided access along Cherry Street to a previously inaccessible tip of the isthmus. While the beaches popularity subsided by mid-century with the industrial development in the Port Lands, it is entering a 21st century rebirth as part of Waterfront Toronto’s goal of transforming the area into a high quality urban beach within easy access of many existing neighbourhoods. Cherry Beach is the cleanest beach in the central waterfront, and over the long-term, it will become the western arm of a large regional waterfront park.

GBCA prepared detailed building assessments complete with floor plans, sections, and elevations, identifying all architectural, structural, electrical and mechanical systems and features. Interim protective measures were identified as were cost estimates for rehabilitation. Subsequently, detailed drawings and specifications were prepared.

The restoration of the washroom building was undertaken first and included re-roofing, upgrading of interior fixtures and finishes, and the integration of the building with the landscape improvements that were also underway. The restoration of the Life Saving Station, including the badly deteriorated observation tower for the life guards, was part of Phase 2, and now the iconic landmark vernacular structure continues to mark the shores of Toronto’s waterfront.