HARBOURFRONT FOG RINK PLAZA
The Harbourfront Centre in Toronto, Ontario, embarked on a transformative project to revitalize its outdoor space by replacing an aging ice rink with a visually captivating and functionally innovative fog rink plaza. This reimagined public space offers visitors a unique experience while preserving the aesthetic and environmental integrity of the waterfront area.
PRODUCT SELECTION
To ensure durability, accessibility, and sustainability, the project team selected a combination of Unilock pavers and ROMEX jointing solutions. ROMEX ECOFINE was chosen for its superior stormwater management properties and ease of maintenance, while ROMEX PROFI-DEKO was incorporated into tree surrounds to support urban forestry and stormwater infiltration. Additionally, Unilock Brussel Blocks were used with ROMEX System Guarantee – permeable bonded system with 3” of ROMEX TRASS BED paver bedding to create a fire lane-rated surface that seamlessly blends with existing paving elements.
PRODUCT LOCATION
PROJECT NEEDS
The project had several key objectives:
- Tourism & Aesthetics: Enhance the space to attract visitors and provide an engaging waterfront experience.
- Stormwater Management: Implement permeable hardscape solutions to comply with municipal stormwater guidelines.
- Accessibility & Durability: Ensure compliance with AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) and create a long-lasting, low-maintenance surface.
- Emergency Access: Design a reinforced fire lane that integrates with the surrounding landscape while maintaining permeability.
PROJECT SOLUTION
To achieve these goals, the project utilized pre-cast pavers with ROMEX ECOFINE jointing, offering both an elegant finish and effective stormwater infiltration. The fog rink plaza also features strategically placed tree surrounds, constructed using ROMEX PROFI-DEKO, which were approved by the City of Toronto for stormwater management, AODA compliance, and urban forestry benefits.
For the fire lane, a strip of Unilock Brussel Blocks was installed to match the existing pavers, but instead used ROMEX System Guarantee to ensure no surface movement while supporting emergency vehicle loads. Despite the non-permeable nature of these pavers, the installation remains fully permeable, due to ROMEX ECOFINES’ ability to bind the resin sand together at each contact point and allow water to flow through with ease and aligning with stormwater management best practices.
The completed Harbourfront Fog Rink Plaza seamlessly integrates functional infrastructure with a striking public space, ensuring long-term sustainability, accessibility, and visual appeal.
Innovative Fog Rink Plaza with Stormwater Management
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2024
City of Toronto
Commercial
