Prix du XXe siècle — 2020 Recipient

The Humber River Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge provides a vital link to the waterfront trail system along the shore of Lake Ontario. The design called for an integrated team of engineers, architects, landscape architects and artists, so that the project could provide a narrative of the cultural and natural heritage of the site.

The tied-arch form and cairn-like concrete abutments mark a gateway to what was once a historic trading route of Eastern Woodlands Indigenous peoples, who frequented the site for over 200 years. The steel superstructure connecting the two tubular arches is patterned with an abstract image of the Thunderbird—ruler of all airborne species—an icon of these Indigenous peoples. Etched panels depicting the site’s complex history are located on walkways beneath the bridge deck. Snake and turtle motifs were incorporated in recognition of the natural world at the mouth of the Humber River. 

Structurally, the bridge’s post-tensioned concrete deck is supported by steel beams suspended by stainless steel rods from two parabolic steel arches. The superstructure was fully constructed on the banks of the river before being hoisted into position by a crane and a barge.

In his memoir “Witness to a City,” former Toronto mayor David Miller writes that the Humber River Bridge “stands for the idea that public investments in great public places have enduring value, and that public money can and should be invested in beautiful places that benefit us all.” 
Ultimately the bridge is a place of connection: between Toronto and Etobicoke, but also between the past, present and future.