Rogers Real Estate Development Limited (Rogers) and Urban Capital Property Group have announced plans for a $500,000 contribution towards public art in Mississauga to be made by Rogers.
The funds will be used to commission new artwork to animate the public realm at M City—an 8-tower, 15-acre, 4.3 million sq. ft. master-planned community being developed at the intersection of Burnhamthorpe Road and Confederation Parkway.
“Our stated goal at M City has always been to develop a world-class community. Rogers has an enduring history with Mississauga, and we believe in the vision that was set forward in the Downtown21 masterplan,” says John Anderton, Vice President, Treasurer, Rogers Telecommunications Limited. “With the help of Urban Capital, our development team, and our colleagues at the City, we continue to work towards a community anchored by iconic design, public spaces and parkland. Today’s announcement brings us one step closer to that goal as we shift our focus towards animating the public realm.”
M City has begun construction on three of the proposed eight towers, while the fourth, M4, launched for sales this spring. As part of this phase of construction, work will commence on the two acres of parkland slated for the community, as well as the extension of Mary Fix Creek walking trail via a new linear park. New York-based urban design firm Cooper Robertson was initially brought on board to design the framework for M City.
Their community design includes extending existing city streets on a unique, angular plane to create a fine-grained network of blocks, enabling a pedestrian-friendly environment. Typical residential blocks will provide two-way roads with on-street parking, generous sidewalks and residential frontages.
Other initiatives announced to date at M City include the commissioning of new windscreen installations that will run the full length of the site along Burnhamthorpe. The final design for the windscreens will be revealed later this year, at the conclusion of an invitational design competition being led by the City.
“Public art is an important element of what makes Mississauga a vibrant, creative and innovative city. We’re excited that Rogers and Urban Capital Property Group have made this significant commitment that will enhance the liveliness of the iconic M City development in our City’s core,” said Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “This contribution will stretch beyond the geographical limits of this new development; it will serve to inspire local artists and residents across the city and help us grow Mississauga’s thriving arts and culture community. We are also excited for the unveiling of the new windscreen installations next year. We are fortunate to partner with innovative partners like Rogers and Urban Capital, who are helping us advance our City’s goal of being a hub for arts and culture.”