Sherbourne Common

Sherbourne Common stretches across two city blocks from the waterfront to Lake Shore Boulevard with a 240-meter water channel and landscaped green spaces. The park combines open grass areas with paved sections designed so water flows visibly through the site.

The park emerged from transforming a former industrial area into green space starting in 2009 and opened in two phases between September 2010 and July 2011. This development was part of Toronto's larger waterfront renewal.

The three Light Showers sculptures by artist Jill Anholt shape how people experience the waterfront and blend practical water management with public art. Visitors can see treated water flowing through these installations as they walk through the space.

The park is easy to walk through with paved pathways and includes a skating rink in winter, drinking fountains, and washrooms throughout the year. Bicycles can be left at designated storage areas, and most sections are wheelchair accessible.

Below the surface lies a hidden stormwater treatment system that cleans water before it flows into the channel. This was one of the first parks in Canada to integrate neighborhood-scale water management this way.