Brightwater master-planned community set to transform Port Credit waterfront

Port Credit's waterfront is about to be completely transformed by a team of top talent through the Port Credit West Village Partners, which include Kilmer Group, DiamondCorp, Dream Unlimited and FRAM + Slokker. They have partnered to reimagine a 72-acre site at Lakeshore Road West and Mississauga Road coined Brightwater, a new master-planned community that will bring housing, retail, green and community space to historic Port Credit.Once completed, Brightwater (master plan designed by Giannone Petricone Associates and Urban Strategies) will offer 2,995 new residences through a mix of condos and townhomes, as well as 150 affordable housing units. Brightwater I and Brightwater II, both designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects (DSA), are part of the first phase of the project.Brightwater I is a five-storey boutique building, with a modern village aesthetic that pays homage to the heritage charm of Port Credit. Standing at 14 storeys, Brightwater II will contrast its sister building with a series of balconies that create a facade that embodies the movement of water, featuring a modern white cladding. The building is tiered and continues to lower in height at its edges, with a base of two-storey townhouses that visually echo the character of the existing neighbourhood.Both Brightwater I and II's interiors are designed by Truong Ly Design and were inspired by the interaction between light and water and Port Credit's history. Inside the lobbies, architectural wood structures mimic the movement of water, with details carved of natural stone native to the area. Amenities will include a co-working space that opens onto a landscaped terrace, a state-of-the-art fitness studio, entertaining spaces and more. Residents will also benefit from a series of smart home features including a virtual concierge, unlimited internet data, master lighting control, WiFi through amenity spaces, keyless entry, programmable thermostats, a community app and more.At the centre of Brightwater I and Brightwater II will be a single-storey retail building designed by DSA, featuring a heavy-timber design. Together, all three buildings will be connected by an expansive outdoor Brightwater Village Square, a grand public space which will transform the pedestrian experience. Framed by beautiful trees and outdoor seating, it will provide the perfect setting for everything from farmers' markets to pop-up celebrations. The Square is just one aspect of the 18 acres of new greenspace coming to the community, including a new nine-plus acre waterfront park, walking and cycling promenades, pedestrian mews and public plazas.A wide array of urban and community amenities is also on the way, with more than 300,000 sq. ft. of retail (including an LCBO and modern grocer as anchors, designed by Turner Fleischer architects), restaurants, office space, and a future new elementary school and proposed community centre.Even before launching, Brightwater was nominated for a BILD Award for Best New Community Planned/Under Development, and it has already won the prestigious Award of Merit for Healthy Communities by the Canadian Institute of Planners, for a master plan that includes features such as the bioswale system it will introduce, one of the first in Canada. Designed by landscape architect Public Work, the bioswales are a resiliency feature to decrease stormwater runoff while simultaneously nourishing neighbourhood trees. Additional resiliency features will support the biodiversity in the area and contribute to a healthy shoreline, lake and river.For more information about the new Brightwater master-planned community and to register, visit experiencebrightwater.ca.