ABSTRACT
This chapter describes efforts in cities in the Great Lakes basin to redevelop their waterfronts as a centerpiece for the city. The city includes: the two larger cities, Chicago and Toronto, and the smaller cities, Hamilton and Cleveland. The chapter also describes the importance of waterfronts for cities and the recent history of waterfront regeneration as a focus for city planning and development. It presents key attributes that have formed the basis of urban sustainability. Four case studies are based on a review of key planning documents, presentations by the planners who led development of the plans, and follow-up telephone interviews with these planners. The urban waterfront, be it on an ocean, lake or river, is often the symbolic "door" of the city, the place of entry for new citizens and the place of exit for goods that are traded through shipping.
