The Bentway
The Bentway (officially The Bentway Conservancy) is a Toronto not-for-profit conservancy founded in 2017 that transforms residual space beneath the Gardiner Expressway into free, year-round public destinations offering skating, public art, workshops, youth education, and community programming for Toronto residents and visitors.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersToronto, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The Bentway does
The Bentway (officially The Bentway Conservancy) is a Toronto-based not-for-profit public space conservancy and registered charity (CRN 75217 5299 RR0001) founded in 2017 to transform residual urban land beneath and along the Gardiner Expressway into a network of vibrant, year-round public destinations. It operates four primary sites — the Bentway Skate Trail (a 220-metre figure-eight outdoor skating rink at 250 Fort York Blvd), Bentway Studio (55 Fort York Blvd), Bentway Strachan Gate, and Bentway Staging Grounds — offering free public access to recreation, public art installations, workshops, performances, environmental learning, and youth education (Bentway After School, ages 8-14). The organization runs seasonal programming (winter skating, summer Art Socials, Eco Workshops, Dino Runs) and an annual Artist Residency, partnering with internationally recognized artists such as Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Melissa McGill.
The Bentway's revenue model is a hybrid charity funding stack: federal/provincial/municipal grants (Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital and Seed grants, Government of Canada support, City of Toronto collaboration), corporate sponsorships and foundation grants (RBC Foundation, Balsam Foundation, Choice Properties, Hal Jackman, McLean), individual donations via CanadaHelps, and earned income from private venue rentals. It coordinates the Gardiner Corridor Alliance, a professional network of 20+ developers, architects, planners, and firms (EllisDon, Oxford/OMERS, KPMB, Arcadis, Waterfront Toronto) working across 44 projects along the 6.5km-7km corridor. Its growth strategy — endorsed by Toronto City Council via the Under Gardiner Public Realm Plan in April 2024 — adds Bentway West (~90,000 sq ft), Bentway Islands (125,000 sq ft), Bentway East (105,000 sq ft), the 7km Under Gardiner Multi-Use Trail, and Gardiner Gateways intersection improvements, with the FIFA Fan Festival Toronto 2026 as a flagship activation.
Operationally, The Bentway runs on basic technology infrastructure: its website (thebentway.ca), Google Analytics, Eventbrite ticketing, email newsletters, and social channels (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook). No proprietary technology platform or AI/ML capability is in evidence. The organization is governed by an independent Board of Directors (Chair Daniel Shearer; Vice Chair Ann Bowman of RBC; Treasurer Rita Said of Scotiabank) and led by CEO Ilana Altman (previously SFMOMA, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Studio Daniel Libeskind), with ~20 staff across programming, operations, development, planning and design, and finance functions.
The Bentway firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Bentway
- Legal name
- The Bentway Conservancy
- Website
- https://thebentway.ca
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Bentway (officially The Bentway Conservancy) is a Toronto not-for-profit conservancy founded in 2017 that transforms residual space beneath the Gardiner Expressway into free, year-round public destinations offering skating, public art, workshops, youth education, and community programming for Toronto residents and visitors.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Bentway industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Public Space Programming
- NAICS
- Skiing Facilities (713920), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Recreation & Activity Services (Hiking, Boating, Climbing, Fishing—Guided/Authorized) (THAAAGAF)
Keywords
Where The Bentway is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Toronto
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
The Bentway business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Charitable Giving: The Bentway is a registered charity (Charitable Registration Number: 75217 5299 RR0001) that accepts donations from the public via CanadaHelps. Donors are acknowledged on supporter lists.
- Government Grants: Funded by City of Toronto, Province of Ontario (Ontario Trillium Foundation), and Government of Canada. Grants include $178,600 OTF Capital grant, $37,400 OTF Seed grant for After School program.
- Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate supporters and members of the Gardiner Corridor Alliance provide financial and in-kind support. Named supporters include RBC Foundation, Balsam Foundation, Maxine Granovsky Gluskin & Ira Gluskin, Richard M. Ivey, Frances & Tim Price, Rosamond Ivey, Mazyar Mortazavi & Bita Doagoo, Howard Sokolowski & Linda Frum, Donald K. Johnson O.C. & Anna McCowan-Johnson, DiamondCorp.
- Facility Rental and Event Hosting: The Bentway offers venue rental for events through 'Host your event' channel, generating revenue from private event bookings at its various sites (Skate Trail, Strachan Gate, Studio).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free Public Access — Year-round programs and events at no cost |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels10 records
The Bentway product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Bentway operates a network of free, year-round public spaces under and along Toronto's Gardiner Expressway, anchored by a 220-metre figure-eight ice skating trail. It delivers community programming including public art installations, artist residencies, seasonal workshops, youth education (Bentway After School), environmental learning (Staging Grounds), and special events. Its conservancy model also coordinates corridor-wide transformation through the Gardiner Corridor Alliance and earns revenue via private venue rental, corporate sponsorships, government grants, and charitable donations.
Product overview
The Bentway is Toronto's shared public space organization operating under and adjacent to the Gardiner Expressway. The organization offers a portfolio of physical public space facilities (Bentway Skate Trail, Bentway Studio, Bentway Strachan Gate, and Bentway Staging Grounds) alongside diverse programming including seasonal ice skating, summer workshops, public art exhibitions, youth education (Bentway After School), artist residencies, and public space fellowships. Major planned expansions include the Under Gardiner Multi-Use Trail (7km), Bentway Islands, Bentway West, Bentway East, and Gardiner Gateways improvements. The Gardiner Corridor Alliance provides a professional community network supporting transformation along the 6.5km corridor.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Bentway Skate Trail The Bentway's flagship free public recreation facility and year-round community gathering space — a 220m figure-eight outdoor ice skating trail at 250 Fort York Blvd, under the Gardiner Expressway, with multi-use path, public art, and free WiFi.
- Bentway Studio A fully accessible mixed indoor/outdoor programming and event venue at 55 Fort York Blvd, hosting presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and community activities.
- Bentway Strachan Gate A public space site under the Gardiner Expressway at Strachan Ave hosting major installations, events, and FIFA Fan Festival 2026 programming; partially accessible to mobility devices.
- Bentway Staging Grounds A living laboratory for urban ecology at bents 113-117 under the Gardiner Expressway, featuring experimental gardens that use rainwater runoff to support flowering plant species, open 24/7 and used for ecological planting workshops.
- Bentway After School Program A free youth education initiative inviting children ages 8-14 (grades 3-8) to learn about urban design, city building, and placemaking through play, creativity, and outdoor discovery in Toronto.
- Public Art Exhibitions Rotating large-scale public art installations and exhibitions presented under the Gardiner Expressway, showcasing work by Canadian and international artists (including Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Melissa McGill, daily tous les jours).
- Winter at The Bentway Annual seasonal programming featuring free access to ice skating on the Skate Trail, Polar Bear Skate events, family programming, free workshops, and signature winter art installations.
- Summer Programs Free warm-weather community programming including Art Socials workshops, Eco Workshops, Dino Runs, roller skating parties, printmaking, watercolour painting, and community textile activations.
- Artist Residency Program An annual self-directed onsite residency program for artists focused on advancing creative research and experimentation around themes tied to The Bentway's Phase 1 site.
- Host Your Event (Private Venue Rental) Paid private venue rental at The Bentway's sites (Skate Trail, Strachan Gate, Studio) for corporate events, celebrations, and private gatherings.
Quantifiable outcome
- 500+ volunteers engaged for a single public art event (A Lake Story, September 2025)
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use The Bentway
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
The Bentway technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
The Bentway partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Aird & BerliscoreA leading Canadian law firm serving as a Gardiner Corridor Alliance supporter. Provides legal expertise in municipal and land use planning, infrastructure/P3, real estate, and development matters, supporting The Bentway's corridor transformation initiatives.
- EllisDoncoreA proudly Canadian employee-owned construction services company and Gardiner Corridor Alliance supporter. EllisDon Civil Ltd. has completed over 250 infrastructure projects worth nearly $20B. Provides construction and project delivery expertise relevant to Gardiner corridor development.
- Wallman ArchitectscoreA Canadian architecture firm dedicated to exceptional design, established by Rudy Wallman in 2006. A Gardiner Corridor Alliance supporter contributing architectural expertise to corridor transformation.
- City of TorontocorePrimary government partner collaborating on the Under Gardiner Public Realm Plan, Gardiner Gateways, Under Gardiner Multi-Use Trail, and Bentway Islands. Transportation Services Division and Waterfront Secretariat are key divisions involved. The plan was endorsed by Toronto City Council in April 2024.
- Exhibition PlacecoreLong-standing partnership for Bentway West expansion and co-presentation of Pulse Topology (2021). Exhibition Place and The Bentway are working together to connect their sites with a pedestrian and cycling bridge, improving access to Fort York National Historic Site.
- Field OperationscoreNew York-based landscape architecture and urban design firm leading the design of Bentway Islands, a major expansion project transforming three traffic islands beneath the Gardiner into public space. Also renders images for Bentway East.
- Brook McIlroycoreToronto-based planning and architectural practice recognized for Indigenous design and placemaking projects across Canada, collaborating with Field Operations on Bentway Islands design. The Indigenous Design Studio within Brook McIlroy leads Indigenous-led site features.
- BA GroupcoreLeading Ontario land surveying and advisory firm, working with Fathom Studio and O2 Planning + Design on the Under Gardiner Multi-Use Trail study. Brings interdisciplinary experience in transportation and infrastructure planning.
- Choice PropertiesminorLeading Real Estate Investment Trust and Gardiner Corridor Alliance affiliate. Previously partnered with The Bentway to produce Dominoes (2024), a major public art installation. Contributed to Gardiner Gateways program support.
- CityPlace and Fort York BIAminorBusiness Improvement Area representing 300+ commercial property owners in the CityPlace/Fort York neighbourhood. Active partner in the Gardiner Gateways lighting project at Dan Leckie Way and Bathurst Street intersections.
- Waterfront BIAminorBusiness Improvement Area supporting the Gardiner Gateways program and representing waterfront business interests in the corridor.
- Light BureaucoreInternationally celebrated designers from Norway leading the design of Gardiner Gateways intersection improvements. Uses bold colour, lighting, and consistent wayfinding to transform underpasses into vibrant, welcoming entry portals to the waterfront.
- KPMB ArchitectsminorFull-service Canadian architecture firm established in 1987 with over 400 awards including 18 Governor General's Medals in Architecture. Gardiner Corridor Alliance affiliate contributing design expertise.
- Concord AdexminorPart of the Concord Group of Companies, developers of Canada's largest skyline-defining communities. Gardiner Corridor Alliance affiliate and supporter of Gardiner Gateways program.
- RAW DesignminorToronto-based architecture studio known for bold design and socially responsive projects. Created Shore Lines and Net Scape furniture installations for FIFA World Cup 2026 programming at The Bentway.
- Public WorkminorToronto-based design studio contributing to Under Gardiner Multi-Use Trail design and community engagement. Lauren Abrahams of Public Work participated in the Under Gardiner Public Realm Plan Showcase panel.
- Two Row ArchitectsminorIndigenous-led architectural practice where Matthew Hickey (Mohawk, Six Nations of the Grand River) leads work. Gardiner Corridor Alliance affiliate contributing Indigenous design perspectives.
- Waterfront TorontocoreCollaborates with The Bentway on Bentway Islands through the Waterfront Design Review Panel process. Partner on multi-use trail development with the City of Toronto Waterfront Secretariat.
- MetrolinxminorOntario's regional transportation agency. Partner on Bentway West expansion, which includes first-mile/last-mile connection to the improved Exhibition Place Station constructed as part of the Ontario Line.
- Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)minorConservation authority partnering on Bentway East development at the mouth of the Don River, bringing ecological and watershed expertise to the project.
- EvergreenminorNational charity focused on making cities more livable. Partner on Bentway East, contributing to urban ecology and active transportation planning.
- Trans Canada TrailminorNational trails organization connecting to The Bentway's multi-use trail network. Bentway West Loop will connect to the Trans Canada Trail, and Bentway East links into the future Loop Trail.
- Gehl (New York)minorUrban design firm partnered with The Bentway and Dalla Lana School of Public Health on the Rx for Social Connection research report exploring public space design and programming to combat loneliness.
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health (University of Toronto)minorUniversity research partner collaborating with The Bentway and Gehl on the Rx for Social Connection report, examining the role of public space in fostering connection and combating loneliness.
- CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)minorPartnered with The Bentway and Exhibition Place on Pulse Topology (2021), inviting healthcare workers to help launch the installation. Collaborated with CAMH's HeARTLab on visitor impact research.
- Colliers Project LeadersminorProject management firm with 20,000+ projects delivered across Canada. Gardiner Corridor Alliance affiliate providing project delivery expertise for corridor development.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
The Bentway competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Brooklyn Bridge Park: A 1.3-mile Brooklyn waterfront park operated by a nonprofit conservancy (BBPC) with major corporate sponsorship, programmed events, public art, recreation, and city-government partnership. Comparable as a larger established conservancy model running public art and recreation programming in a major North American city.
- The Presidio Trust: A federal nonprofit conservancy operating San Francisco's Presidio as a national park site with public art, recreation, ecology, and event venue rentals. Comparable as an established conservancy-style operator with mixed funding model (government allocation + earned revenue) and large physical footprint of public space.
Direct peers
- Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: London's post-2012 Olympics legacy park delivering free public programming, public art, sports, and event hosting on transformed infrastructure lands. Comparable as a large-scale repurposed infrastructure public space with multi-site programming, free access, and major event partnerships.
- Friends of the High Line: The nonprofit conservancy operating New York City's High Line, an elevated linear park built on a former freight rail line under and through urban infrastructure. Direct peer as a conservancy model transforming residual transportation infrastructure into a cultural public space with art programming, skating, and corridor-wide expansion.
- Evergreen Brick Works: Toronto-based national charity operating a repurposed industrial site as a year-round urban park, farmers' market, and environmental programming hub. Local peer with a comparable nonprofit conservancy model, year-round free/paid programming mix, and focus on urban ecology and city-building.
- Promenade Plantée (La Coulée Verte): Paris's pioneering elevated linear park built atop a former railway viaduct. The original reference model for urban infrastructure-to-public-space conversions; comparable to The Bentway as a linear public realm transformation beneath/above transportation infrastructure with art and recreation programming.
- Underline: Miami's 10-mile linear park being constructed beneath the city's Metrorail, transforming underutilized transit infrastructure into a connected public corridor with art, recreation, and ecological programming. Directly comparable as an under-transit-infrastructure public realm project with phased multi-year build-out.
- The 606 / Bloomingdale Trail: A 4.3km elevated linear park in Chicago built on a former rail line, offering trails, public art, programming, and event spaces. Comparable as a converted urban infrastructure corridor providing free year-round public recreation, art, and community programming with active expansion strategy.
Others
- Waterfront Toronto: Tri-government corporation leading waterfront revitalization in Toronto, including the Port Lands redevelopment. Direct collaborator on Bentway Islands and adjacent projects; relevant as the broader waterfront public realm development ecosystem shaping The Bentway's expansion geography.
- NYC Parks Department: The municipal agency operating NYC's public parks, beach skating rinks, and outdoor recreation including Wollman Rink and similar facilities. Relevant context as the institutional operator of comparable urban skating facilities and as a public-sector counterpart to Bentway's conservancy approach.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Bentway social profiles
Digital presenceThe Bentway financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Bentway leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
The Bentway funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Bentway M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Bentway
What does The Bentway do?
The Bentway operates a network of free, year-round public spaces under and along Toronto's Gardiner Expressway, anchored by a 220-metre figure-eight ice skating trail. It delivers community programming including public art installations, artist residencies, seasonal workshops, youth education (Bentway After School), environmental learning (Staging Grounds), and special events. Its conservancy model also coordinates corridor-wide transformation through the Gardiner Corridor Alliance and earns revenue via private venue rental, corporate sponsorships, government grants, and charitable donations.
Is The Bentway a public or private company?
The Bentway is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Bentway founded?
The Bentway was founded in 2017. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is The Bentway based?
The Bentway is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, in the North America region.
How does The Bentway make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Donations and Charitable Giving is the primary driver. The others are government Grants, corporate Sponsorships and facility Rental and Event Hosting.
Who are The Bentway's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Brooklyn Bridge Park and The Presidio Trust. Direct peers are Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Friends of the High Line, Evergreen Brick Works, Promenade Plantée (La Coulée Verte), Underline and The 606 / Bloomingdale Trail. Others are Waterfront Toronto and NYC Parks Department.
Does The Bentway have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Bentway.
What industry is The Bentway in?
The Bentway's product category is Public Space Programming. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAAAGAF, Recreation & Activity Services (Hiking, Boating, Climbing, Fishing—Guided/Authorized). Its NAICS code is 713920 and its SIC code is 7900.