On Friday, September 6, students and alumni from York University’s Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change (EUC) had the opportunity to explore the Well. The tour was organized by MYPAC (MES York Planning Alumni Committee). The ambitious project, located at Front Street and Spadina Avenue, cohesively combines and integrates residential, commercial, and office space in a nearly 8 acre site.
The tour was led by Chris Edey (York MBA ‘11), a lecturer at the Seymour Schulich School of Business and Assistant Vice President of RioCan Living Asset Management.
Participants explored the project’s unique sustainability features, beautiful design, and a wide variety of amenities including the recently completed Wellington Market Food Hall, a heritage vignette paying tribute to the site’s previous use by the Globe and Mail, and one of the office floors. In addition they had the opportunity to view some of the impressive below grade portions of the buildings including the infrastructure implemented by Enwave to provide deep lake water cooling to some 3.1 million square feet. Following the tour, attendees had the opportunity debrief and connect at a post-tour social.
Dr. Laura Taylor (MES ’91), Faculty Liaison, Associate Professor, and Planning Program Coordinator joined the group.
“In keeping with the tradition of MYPAC walking tours, our visit was a great introduction to the complexity of planning in Toronto, where The Well is the result of more than a decade of work, creativity, and negotiation by so many different actors.” Taylor highlighted the participation of both students and alumni, “The walking tour is an annual great-to-get-to-know-you and great-to-see-you-again field trip."
Paul Berkun-Drevnig (MES ’22) commented, "It is great to see so many participants at this year’s strongly attended walking tour, with both current students and graduates of the MES program. This event successfully brought participants together while simultaneously being given the opportunity to view an impressive mixed-use development. The Well is truly a unique destination in Toronto and Chris Edey provided excellent insight."
Patrycja Jankowski (MES ’17) added, "MYPAC is thrilled so many participants were interested in the walking tour topic: The Well. Our tour leader Chris Edey was an excellent guide and participants left with a greater understanding of the magnitude of the project, its planning, and execution. Learning outside of the classroom is not only an activity for students but for alumni as well, with both in attendance. We look forward to hosting our next event: our annual alumni social."
MYPAC was founded in 2004 to assist in fostering a community for current planning students, alumni, and professionals. In addition to the walking tour, MYPAC organizes a variety of initiatives around the year including:
- The PLAN connector mentorship program pairing current students with alumni;
- A full day case competition with cash prizes;
- Scholarship/bursaries awarded to students; and
- An annual social. This year's social will be on Thursday October 10th at Leña. The social typically attracts approximately 200 York graduates and professionals from the planning discipline representing the public, private, and non-profit sectors. To purchase tickets, please visit this website.
MYPAC was recognized by York University in 2022 as the alumni network of the year. It is chaired by Jocelyn Cadieux (MES ’20). Follow MES York Planning Alumni on LinkedIn for information on future events.