UrbanToronto

Switch to Rental Adds Five Storeys, Larger Units to 1255 Bay Proposal

Anthony Teles — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 16:52:16 -0400

A new Minor Variance application to the City of Toronto seeks a height increase for 1255 Bay Street in Yorkville, raising the approved 39-storey proposal to a 44-storey tower. Designed by Zeidler Architecture for KingSett Capital, the revised scheme would replace 399 condos suites with 329 larger rental units.

Looking southeast to 1255 Bay, designed by Zeidler Architecture for KingSett Capital

The site encompasses 1235 and 1255 Bay Street on its east side, extending north from Cumberland Street toward Yorkville Avenue. Its southern portion contains a 10-storey office building at 1235 Bay, while 1255 Bay has an aging nine-storey office building with street-level commercial space. The surrounding Yorkville neighbourhood combines offices, shops, and increasingly dense residential development, including numerous high-rise projects. The site is within the Major Transit Station Areas of Bay and Bloor–Yonge stations.

Looking northeast from Bay and Cumberland streets to the current site, image retrieved from Google Maps

KingSett submitted Official Plan, Zoning By-law Amendment, and Site Plan applications in September, 2021 for a 35-storey mixed-use tower with 357 residential units designed by BDP Quadrangle. City Council approved the planning amendments in March, 2023, followed by Committee of Adjustment variances in March, 2024 allowing 39 storeys and 399 condominiums; the Site Plan application remains under review. After meeting City Planning staff earlier this month, Bousfields submitted the latest application to the City on the developer’s behalf.

Looking southeast to the previous design by BDP Quadrangle for KingSett Capital

The revision would replace 1255 Bay with a 44-storey tower comprising an 11-storey podium and cantilever above the retained 1235 Bay building. At 150.25m, it would stand 7.25m taller than the 143m design approved in 2024; below the penthouse, tower height rose from 135.5m to 142.75m, while the podium grew from 37.5m to 38.65m. Reduced floor-to-floor heights allow one podium and four tower levels to be added with no changes to the tower floor-plate or principal setbacks.

Site plan, designed by Zeidler Architecture for KingSett Capital

The 399 condominiums have become 329 market-rate purpose-built rentals, a reduction of 70 homes. All 123 studios have been eliminated from the plans, while one-bedroom units increase from 96 to 178, two-bedroom units decline from 140 to 118, and three-bedroom-and-larger units drop from 40 to 33. Gross Floor Area (GFA) across both buildings rises by 1,750m², from 38,500m² to 40,250m², increasing the Floor Space Index from 16.94 to 18.58 times coverage of the 2,167m² site. GFA includes 30,000m² of residential space (3,000m² more than previously approved) as well as 9,903m² of office and 347m² of retail space. The retained 1235 Bay building accounts for the offices, while the replacement at 1255 Bay would contain approximately 30,345m²; combined with fewer homes, the additional residential area allows for larger units.

Looking east to the podium, designed by Zeidler Architecture for KingSett Capital

Four elevators would serve the tower, up from three, improving the ratio to approximately one elevator per 82 units, indicating short wait times. Floors 2, 11, and 12 would provide 832m² of indoor and 313m² of outdoor amenities. Two underground levels would remain, but vehicular parking would fall from three spaces to a single visitor space, with none for residents, offices, or retail. Bicycle parking would decrease from 479 to 363 spaces, comprising 297 long-term and 66 short-term spaces.

Ground floor plan, designed by Zeidler Architecture for KingSett Capital

The site is approximately 80m from Bay station and 350m from Bloor–Yonge station. Surface buses on Bay and Yonge provide further north–south connections, while protected cycle tracks on Bloor and bicycle lanes on Bay north of Cumberland connect with sharrows continuing south toward downtown.

An aerial view of the site and surrounding area, image from submission to City of Toronto

The proposal joins a pipeline of development nearby, including the 41-storey 50 Scollard under construction to the north and proposed 39-storey 69 Yorkville to the west. Northeast, proposals for 906 Yonge, 835 Yonge, Yonge and Scollard, and 30 Scollard range from 23 to 63 storeys; east, The Pemberton’s 44- and 68-storey towers are under construction, while Cumberland Square calls for three towers from 55 to 75 storeys. Taller projects cluster around Bloor, including proposed 70-storey 50 Bloor West to the south; 77- and 78-storey towers at 83 and 80 Bloor West to the southwest; and, southeast, the 85-storey One Bloor West under construction and proposed 99-storey 19 Bloor West.

UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on this development, but in the meantime, you can learn more about it from our Database file, linked below. If you'd like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.

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UrbanToronto's research and data service, UTPro, provides comprehensive data on construction projects in the Greater Golden Horseshoe—from proposal through to completion. Other services include Instant Reports, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter, New Development Insider, that tracks projects from initial application.

UTPro Dashboard Report: Construction Heats Up, Pre-Con More Tepid

Ash Navabi — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 16:22:01 -0400

New data from UTPro shows that as the summer is wrapping up, new construction activity is ramping up. While new preconstruction project proposals have still grown, they have been more modest compared to previous months.

Our UTPro Public Dashboard provides a snapshot of development activity in the Greater Golden Horseshoe at any given time. Each month, we highlight a snippet of what's going on: the scale of planned development, what’s actively being built, and how much residential vs. non-residential space is underway.

The UTPro Dashboard as of August 20, 2026.

The pipeline at a glance

As of August 20, 2026, in the 10 regions of the Greater Golden Horseshoe (Toronto, Durham, Halton, Peel, York, Hamilton, Simcoe, Waterloo, Wellington, and Niagara), there are 3,702 projects in pre-construction, an increase of 9 from the 3,693 last previous month. In total, there is about 1.484 billion square feet of Gross Floor Area in pre-construction (up 0.2% from 1.481 billion last month), of which 1.173 billion ft² is residential GFA (up 0.4% from last month's 1.168 billion ft²) for 1.828 million dwelling units (up 0.3% from 1.823 million units last month).

Under construction projects also increased to 731, up 13 from 718 last month. There is about 204.4 million ft² of Gross Floor Area under construction (up 1.5% from 199.7 million ft² last month), of which 132.9 million ft² is residential GFA (up 1.6% from 130.8 million ft² last month) for 242,554 dwelling units (up 1.5% from 238,9958 from last month).

Looking west to 8 Elm. Image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Mihairokov.

Get More Data By Subscribing to UTPro

UTPro subscribers get access to many more dashboards and our full data set of over 150 fields from which they can create custom reports and maps tracking development projects across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Find out how to unlock all our data here.

2992 Sheppard East Tops Off in Scarborough's L’Amoreaux West

Anthony Teles — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:05:46 -0400

Construction has topped out at 2992 Sheppard East, a 14-storey mixed-use condominium designed by Gold Land Architects and Engineers for 95 Developments at the northwest corner of Sheppard Avenue East and Pharmacy Avenue in Scarborough's L’Amoreaux West neighbourhood, where cladding installation is progressing. Construction and early excavation started over a year ago in March, 2025.

Back in August, 2025, excavation was advancing for the two-level underground garage. Soldier piles and timber lagging hold back the deep cut along the north and east sides, while a substantial stockpile of excavated material reaches grade to the south beside a tracked excavator. A smaller compact excavator and staged materials occupy the northwest portion of the pit.

Looking northeast across the excavation and timber-lagged shoring walls, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor kris

In October, 2025, a south-facing drone view captured the newly installed crane in the northwest corner of the pit, its mast extending through the emerging P1 slab as work proceeds on the underground levels.

A drone view looking south over the excavation as the tower crane rises through the emerging P1 slab, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor kris

Looking south along Pharmacy Avenue in March, 2026, the reinforced-concrete structure reaches approximately 11 storeys after emerging above grade in late 2025. Blue perimeter protection screens and formwork enclose the active upper levels, with the freestanding crane behind the building to the right. On the east frontage, concrete mixer trucks feed a red truck-mounted boom pump, used throughout construction instead of an on-site pump, which reaches the top floor for the latest slab pour.

Looking south from Pharmacy Avenue to a concrete pour for the upper levels, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor kris

From above, crews work across the uppermost active slab as the 13th-storey step-back begins defining the terraced crown. Rebar and embedded conduit cover the deck around a large opening likely for the elevator core, while materials are staged on the second-floor podium terrace below.

A drone view looking south over crews forming the tower’s stepped upper levels, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor kris

In April, 2026, the first sections of the east elevation’s envelope appeared, with second- and third-floor window-wall units combining blue-grey vision glass, pale grey spandrel panels, and dark grey mullions in a regular grid punctuated by operable windows. At street level, a flatbed truck delivering blue formwork panels and other materials parks along Pharmacy Avenue as the crane manoeuvres a concrete bucket overhead.

Looking west as the first window-wall cladding appears on the east elevation, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor kris

By June, 2026, the concrete frame was topped-off with the building’s full massing in view. Upper-level step-backs ascend toward the mechanical penthouse at the southeast corner. The window wall has reached the 10th floor. Above and beside it, exposed slab and wall edges trace the future white horizontal bands and contrasting grey accents that will form a zigzag motif across the south and east facades.

Looking northwest from Sheppard Avenue East and Pharmacy Avenue at the topped-out tower and advancing glazing, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor CLT

In July, 2026, window-wall framing and spandrel panels rose to the 12th floor on the balcony-lined west half of the south elevation, while glazing defined the east side. A construction hoist climbs the west elevation. At the base, the double-height ground floor’s exposed concrete columns and slab edges await curtain-wall glazing, while projecting balcony slabs wrapping the south and west facades are being prepared for glass guards.

Looking north from Sheppard Avenue East as window wall climbs the south elevation, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor prtk.g

Upon completion, the 51.95m development will introduce 158 condominium units to the area.

Looking northwest to 2992 Sheppard East, designed by Gold Land Architects and Engineers for 95 Developments

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News Roundup for August 25, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:30:00 -0400

City-owned historic building that survived a sinkhole will be converted into rental buildings; Toronto officials break ground on new housing project that will create 74 units in west end; new U of T Scarborough complex training health care professionals looks to fill delivery gaps in eastern GTA; and other news.

City-owned historic building that survived a sinkhole will be converted into rental buildings (The Star)

Toronto officials break ground on new housing project that will create 74 units in west end (CBC)

New U of T Scarborough complex training health care professional looks to fill delivery gaps in eastern GTA (CP24)

Church Street businesses want pedestrian pilot back next year (CityNews)

Downed tree blocks traffic in Toronto's Moss Park neighbourhood (CBC)

Opinion: Bob Aaron: These Waterloo neighbours went to trial over a few inches of concrete. It cost them $150,000 in legal fees (The Star)

City of the Future

Craig White — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400

A view across Mississauga City Centre, this one from the M City area, to the Exchange District towers — one pink-topped, one yellow-topped, one still growing — and further to the northeast to the svelte Absolute World towers, makes for possibly the most impressive suburban showcase in all of North America. While there are plenty of could-be-anywhere buildings here, the standouts beg the question whether Mississauga overall can rise to the challenge the best of the architecture here asks it to.

Looking northeast from the M City site across the towers of Mississauga City Centre to the Exchange District and Absolute World towers, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor SkylineHorizons

This image comes to us courtesy of UrbanToronto Forum contributor SkylineHorizons. Want to see your work featured as a Daily Photo? You can post in the City Photos & Videos section of the UrbanToronto Forum, or submit your images to our UrbanToronto Flickr Pool for your chance to be featured on our Front Page.

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Cladding Advances as The Pemberton Rises Higher in Yorkville

Anthony Teles — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 16:15:13 -0400

The Pemberton’s conjoined towers are approaching 40 storeys following a summer of vertical and envelope progress since UrbanToronto’s May, 2026 update. Designed by architects—Alliance for Pemberton Group, the 44- and 68-storey mixed-use development occupies the Bloor-Yorkville block between Yorkville Avenue and Cumberland Street, just east of Bay Street.

Earlier this month, both towers reached approximately 37 storeys. Beneath the western crane, crews are forming the southwest volume’s floor, with sideforms and decking advancing the next plate. Curtain wall climbs to roughly the 29th floor, pairing vertically articulated glazing on the south elevations with fritted-glass balcony guards on the east-facing balconies. Stacks of formwork panels occupy the roof above the glazed seventh-floor amenity level.

Looking northwest to the rising southwest and northeast towers above the shared podium, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Benito

On the northeast tower, horizontal balcony bands contrast with the vertically articulated curtain wall. Fritted-glass guards line the east-facing balconies, while dark glazing with projecting aluminum fins covers the north elevation and wraps the east face’s north end, advancing approximately two storeys higher. A construction hoist is installed near the south end of the east elevation.

Looking southwest to balcony guards and finned curtain wall advancing on the northeast tower, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ImmenselyMental

From Cumberland Street, the southwest tower rises above a podium at several stages of enclosure. Blue and green weatherproofing marks areas awaiting finish cladding, while darker protection covers the largely blank upper walls enclosing the parking levels. At grade, glazed curtain wall sections alternate with open bays awaiting installation. A mast-climbing work platform spans the facade above the replacement public garage’s future southwest entrance, where temporary scaffolding, fencing, and staged materials fill the work zone; the tower’s construction hoist climbs the south elevation.

Looking northeast from Cumberland Street to podium envelope work and the southwest tower, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Johnny Au

From Bay Street and Yorkville Avenue, the two volumes rise around a recessed central junction above the podium. Horizontally banded balcony guards advance across the west elevations, contrasting with the closely spaced vertical fins and reflective glazing on the north faces, while several upper storeys retain exposed concrete frames. At right, white preparatory material wraps the southwest tower’s narrow northwest concrete corner band ahead of final cladding.

Looking southeast from Bay Street and Yorkville Avenue to the conjoined tower massing, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Rascacielo

More recently, a high-angle view shows staggered slab cycles across the towers, with the envelope trailing the leading floor plates by approximately eight storeys. Wall and column formwork occupies the northeast tower and extends into the central junction, while assembled rebar cages and projecting reinforcement punctuate the southwest tower’s newly poured slab. At centre, a white concrete boom pump’s articulated arm reaches toward the structures’ meeting point.

A high-angle view looking northwest to formwork and concrete operations across the upper levels, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor BloorMan

At completion, the towers will rise 142.94m and 215.79m and introduce 1,079 condominium units to Yorkville.

Looking northwest to The Pemberton, designed by architects—Alliance for Pemberton Group

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OLT Refuses Seven-Tower Redevelopment on Lake Promenade in Long Branch

Anthony Teles — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 13:58:41 -0400

The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) has refused Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments sought for 220 Lake Promenade in Toronto’s Long Branch neighbourhood. Designed by BDP Quadrangle for The Lake Promenade Co-Tenancy, the proposal would have replaced five seven-storey rental buildings with seven residential towers ranging from 12 to 29 storeys. The Tribunal found that the site is not within a Strategic Growth Area, that the proposal would not adequately limit shadows, and that it would be incompatible with the surrounding neighbourhood.

Looking southeast to 220 Lake Promenade, designed by BDP Quadrangle for The Lake Promenade Co-Tenancy

The roughly 3.66-hectare site encompasses 220, 230, and 240 Lake Promenade plus 21 and 31 Park Boulevard, at the northeast corner of Lake Promenade and Long Branch Avenue. It contains five seven-storey rental buildings dating from the 1960s. Long Branch Park and the Lake Ontario waterfront lie across Lake Promenade directly south, while low-rise homes predominate in the other directions.

Looking northwest to the current site, image retrieved from Google Maps

The developer submitted Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment, and Draft Plan of Subdivision applications in April, 2023 and appealed the City’s failure to decide in August, 2024. City staff were authorized to oppose the proposal, and Council rejected a revised settlement offer in July, 2025. Another revision followed that August, ahead of the September hearing. The OLT denied the appeal on August 19, 2026.

Looking north to the previous designed by BDP Quadrangle for The Lake Promenade Co-Tenancy

The revised plan comprised five buildings with seven tower elements rising from 12 to 29 storeys, or 36.5m to 92.5m. The two taller pairs would share seven-storey podiums, while the other buildings would have four-storey podiums. Its 2,180 homes included 548 replacement rental units and approximately 1,632 condominiums. Retail, a daycare, over 9,000m² of indoor and outdoor amenity space, approximately 3,600m² of public parkland, and about 4,300m² of privately owned publicly accessible space (POPS) were also proposed.

Looking northwest to 220 Lake Promenade, designed by BDP Quadrangle for The Lake Promenade Co-Tenancy

At the hearing, the developer’s planner argued that the site’s Apartment Neighbourhoods designation, location and context, ability to transition to nearby low-rise development, and proximity to frequent transit made it suitable for tall-building intensification. The architect said the proposal appropriately addressed its context while providing suitable light, views, privacy, and sky views. The OLT separately acknowledged its setbacks, step-backs, and centrally placed towers. The transportation engineer found the circulation and parking adequate, with little effect on surrounding roads. The City called the plan unjustified intensification requiring substantially lower heights. The Long Branch Neighbourhood Association argued that the site was not within a Strategic Growth Area and that the design disregarded tall- and mid-rise guidance, with a scale and shadow impacts incompatible with the low-rise community. Participants also cited tree loss, traffic, parking, transit access, and construction disruption.

The Tribunal found that the Apartment Neighbourhoods designation permits compatible infill but does not direct significant growth to the site. It ruled that the roughly fourfold increase in homes exceeded that policy direction and would shadow at least four times as many properties as the existing buildings. Despite the transition measures, the OLT found that the 19- to 29-storey elements were incompatible with Long Branch and failed to adequately limit impacts on neighbouring properties.

Looking southwest to 220 Lake Promenade, designed by BDP Quadrangle for The Lake Promenade Co-Tenancy

The site is approximately 700m south of TTC streetcar stops on Lake Shore Boulevard West, while Long Branch GO station is about 1.7km away on foot to the northwest, with TTC and MiWay bus connections in the station area. North–south surface routes operate along Browns Line and Kipling Avenue. Although residents raised concerns about traffic, parking, and the distance from higher-order transit, these were not decisive grounds for refusal.

An aerial view of the site and surrounding area, image from submission to City of Toronto

Little development activity is found nearby, with the closest cluster farther north along Lake Shore Boulevard West. It includes the four-storey 105 Thirty First, five-storey Westshore at Long Branch, six-storey proposals at 3471 and 3353 Lake Shore West, and the 12-storey Revel Condos. The nearest high-rise proposal is the 39-storey Long Branch Tower, farther northwest near the Long Branch transit loop and GO station.

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News Roundup for August 24, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:30:00 -0400

5 Ontario communities still waiting for reimbursement after Greenbelt scandal; Yorkville murals festival returns for what organizers say could be the final year; a look at the GTA neighbourhoods where homes are sitting on the market the longest; and other news.

5 Ontario communities still waiting for reimbursement after Greenbelt scandal (CBC)

Yorkville murals festival returns for what organizers say could be the final year (CityNews)

These are the GTA neighbourhoods where homes are sitting on the market the longest (CP24)

BTS Army invades Rogers Stadium for 1st Toronto show of K-pop band's world tour (CBC)

Downed tree takes out power lines near Dundas and Sherbourne; TTC streetcars diverting in area (CityNews)

Businesses, officials praise success of car-free pilot project on Church Street (CBC)

Opinion: Bob Aaron: These Waterloo neighbours went to trial over a few inches of concrete. It cost them $150,000 in legal fees (The Star)

Gehry 1.0 Filter

Craig White — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400

If you check out Forma — the Frank Gehry-designed condo tower rising at King and Duncan streets in Downtown Toronto — from the windows of the Scotiabank Theatre, a couple blocks to the northwest, it's like the windows are there as a filter to bring back the original swoops in the exterior that were in Gehry's early designs for the complex. The distortions seem to have some history baked in.

Forma, as seen from the Scotiabank Theatre in Downtown Toronto, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor skycandy

This image comes to us courtesy of UrbanToronto Forum contributor skycandy. Want to see your work featured as a Daily Photo? You can post in the City Photos & Videos section of the UrbanToronto Forum, or submit your images to our UrbanToronto Flickr Pool for your chance to be featured on our Front Page.

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What to Fix Next: Part 3, Suburban Toronto TTC Hubs

Reece Martin — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 16:52:50 -0400

In ten years from now, the Toronto Subway will feel like a properly large urban rapid transit system; we will have gone from 2026's 82 subway stations to well over 100, service will have stretched all across the city and into the surrounding suburbs, and the core of the network will be significantly denser thanks to the addition of Ontario Line 3.

This is super exciting, and given ever-increasing congestion and this significant network growth — not to mention the totally transformed built form of the city — we can likely expect significantly higher ridership. Over the last ten years or so, the transit network has averaged a little over a million riders per day; however, with growth driven by major new lines, extensions, congestion, and densification, it’s likely ridership will increase significantly in the future. This is obviously great for the transit system, but it will mean stations which are already immensely busy and sometimes even dangerously crowded will be pushed past their breaking point. At the same time, as the bulk of the subway network was built before 2000, many of the network’s older stations desperately need more than just a fresh coat of paint, but a whole rethink in how they function, decades into their service life.

The Program

I think, then, it makes sense for the TTC — in partnership with the City, Province, and Federal governments — to develop a program to overhaul a number of subway stations in succession. The projects to expand Union Station and Bloor-Yonge are instructive, but these projects have both been too costly and not substantial enough. While the Bloor-Yonge rebuild, getting underway currently, will cost north of a billion dollars (prices that used to pay for significant portions of whole subway projects) — the project will leave some critical flaws in the station, like a lack of platform screen doors. These two projects of course have both been one-offs, a flash in the pan every fifteen years, instead of systematically addressing a handful of deficient stations over the space of a decade or so.

TTC Subway, Light Rail, Streetcar Map, 2026, image via the Toronto Transit Commission

What exactly should an enhancement program look like? Well, for one, it should be a coherent program, bringing a number of the subway’s busiest stations into a good state of repair, improving their accessibility, expanding their capacity, and completely modernizing them with amenities appropriate for the next 50 years, all while updating them to a common, modernized design language more in line with the overhauled Union Station, but also more in line with the new stations on Eglinton Line 5 and what's to come on Ontario Line 3 — while respecting their heritage.

In the first part, we started with the aspects of Toronto's stations that should be looked at across the system. In the second part, we looked at downtown stations that need upgrades. In this final part, we will dig into where particular improvements would benefit particular stations.

The Stations

Following on are a series of fairly-modern interchange stations, which have had or will have become interchanges this century.

Sheppard-Yonge

The many connections from Sheppard-Yonge to adjacent developments is something we should pursue more with existing and new subway stations, image by Reece Martin

Sheppard Yonge is actually in pretty good shape, however it still ought to be generally tidied up and fitted with screen doors, which could likely be manually-aligned on Line 4 given this is a terminal station and trains lay over here for quite some time.

Eglinton

Eglinton on the other hand really needs some TLC. One of the most jarring experiences of the new Eglinton Crosstown is seeing the stark difference between the clean, tidy Line 5 station, and the dark, damp, conduit-laden Line 1 station. Finishes here clearly need a refresh, and screen doors should frankly have already been installed given how narrow the Line 1 platform is where the connections from Line 5 arrive on it.

Escalator down to the new Line 5 platform at Eglinton Station, image by Craig White

As part of the redevelopment of Canada Square, ideally some of the facilities, like the now hugely-oversized bus terminal, the many entrances, the dated retail units, and the cramped bathrooms can be rationalized and modernized, and perhaps a second Line 1 platform could be built, similar to what happened at Union.

Finch, Kennedy, and Kipling

And then we have three current day multi-mode stations; Finch, Kipling, and Kennedy. All of these stations are very heavily used, and would benefit from more amenities, screen doors, and in select places capacity upgrades.

Kennedy Station with a fresh platform edge, new wall detailing and a deep clean looks excellent, image by Reece Martin

Finch and Kennedy in particular probably justify total rethinks: That's because the city both faces a major housing shortage, and these stations have very large bus terminals which could be repurposed for more housing once these stations are no longer terminals, with ongoing extensions of both lines.

At Kennedy, the existing bus terminal and temporary bus terminal both ought to be razed (especially the rather ugly SRT structure) and replaced with dense mixed-use development. Potentially replacing the Eglinton Avenue overpass with an underpass would also really make the site feel nicer, but I’m not exactly holding my breath.

At Finch, the existing York Region Transit and GO bus loop could be completely rebuilt into a smaller terminal for the TTC, since these services will relocate to stations further to the north, and several TTC routes can likely also be relocated. This would free the land currently taken up by the large TTC bus terminal which could then be redeveloped into a ton of housing, directly connected to the subway.

Finch shows the benefits of widespread entrances, extending the walkshed and expanding transit access, image by Reece Martin

Across all of these stations, a significant portion of TTC ridership passes every single day, and dramatically enhancing them would thus make a huge number of trips, and citizens' lives better. This would also create a template for further, more modest improvements to the rest of the stations on the network, transforming the subway network and the city for the better.

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Reece Martin is a well-known advocate for good transit, worldwide. He is based in Toronto and blogs at The Transit Brief.

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UrbanToronto will continue to follow developments on Line 5, but in the meantime, you can learn more about it from our Database file, linked below. If you'd like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Line 5 Forum thread, or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.

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UrbanToronto has a research service, UTPro, that provides comprehensive data on development projects in the Greater Golden Horseshoe — from proposal through to completion. We also offer Instant Reports, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter, New Development Insider, that tracks projects from initial application.

Cladding Underway as ArtWalk Phase 1 Rises in Vaughan

Anthony Teles — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 16:26:38 -0400

On the heels of UrbanToronto’s story earlier this week on the office proposal for the ArtWalk community in Vaughan, we turn eastward to Phase 1, or Block A5. Since UrbanToronto covered its September, 2023 ground breaking, the tallest tower now rises over a dozen floors into the air and has begun to have its cladding applied. Designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for SmartCentres REIT, the development within the SmartVMC area, the developer’s 100-acre community at Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, comprises buildings of 4, 6, 18, and 38 storeys.

By November, 2024, excavation was well advanced. At the east end, the first crane (a luffing-jib unit with an orange-red slewing platform) serves the future 38-storey tower. A temporary dirt ramp descends from grade at the southwest corner, with yellow and green tracked excavators working below. A row of tieback anchors stabilizes the exposed perimeter shoring.

Looking south across the excavation and tower crane, image by Ed Skira

In March, 2025, a second crane (a hammerhead unit with a red slewing platform) serves the future 18-storey building from the northwest end. Orange tarps line the north and west shoring walls, while wall forms and projecting rebar mark the emerging foundations and underground structure. Across the northeast portion, dark sheeting appears to form a waterproofing membrane ahead of concrete placement. Green excavators work along the western edge, both at grade and within the pit.

Looking west over below-grade construction and the second tower crane, image by Ed Skira

By April, 2026, the third crane (a red-platform luffing-jib installed by June, 2025) was serving the six-storey volume from near the southwest end. The future 38-storey tower reached one level above grade, with shoring and formwork supporting the second-floor slab deck. Concrete walls define the first storey along the north side, while additional walls and slab formwork outline the podium roof and its future outdoor terrace.

Looking east to the three tower cranes as Phase 1 rises above grade, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ProjectEnd

A July, 2026 view from Buttermill Road shows the building envelope advancing across the east elevation. Light-toned, faceted panels project at their edges to create shallow V-shaped profiles between window-wall units. Glazing is framed by dark metal mullions, with smaller rectangular panels below.

Looking west to cladding installation on the east elevation, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor FormerTorontonianBackInTO

This month, the 38-storey tower reaches 12 storeys, with deck formwork and perimeter forms for the 13th-floor slab. Cladding spans the east elevation atop the double-height ground floor, where curtain wall glazing remains to be installed. At the north end, taller vertical panels frame second-storey glazing, while black-framed windows and louvres appear beneath the third-floor terrace. Along the south elevation, dark-mullioned glazing encloses the eastern half, contrasting with exposed insulation and white weatherproofing to the west.

Looking northwest to the concrete structure at 12 storeys, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor GenerationLee

More recently, the structure stands 13 storeys as cladding extended across the west elevation, interrupted by a construction hoist rising to the eighth floor. Nearby, the southwest luffing-jib crane serves the six-storey volume fronting Edgeley Boulevard. On the south elevation, projecting balcony slabs emerge on either side from the fifth floor and will receive white guards, framing a flatter central bay between the two volumes.

Looking northeast to the construction hoist and advancing cladding, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ImmenselyMental

At completion, the four buildings will range from 16.8m to 131m and deliver 624 condominium units. Elsewhere in the ArtWalk community, a 10-storey office and retail building is proposed for Block A8, while Blocks A6 and A7 are planned with five towers ranging from 49 to 62 storeys.

Looking southeast to ArtWalk District Phase 1, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for SmartCentres REIT

UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on these developments, but in the meantime, you can learn more about them from our Database files, linked below. If you'd like, you can join in on the conversations in the associated Project Forum threads or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.

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26-Storey Infill Rental Tower Proposed Near Port Credit GO

Anthony Teles — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 11:28:25 -0400

An infill proposal seeks to add a 26-storey purpose-built rental tower behind two existing apartment buildings in Mississauga’s Port Credit neighbourhood. Planned by Canahahns Company Limited and designed by Kohn Partnership Architects, the development at 26 Park Street East would replace surface parking within the Port Credit GO Protected Major Transit Station Area, steps from Port Credit GO station and near the future terminus of the Hurontario-Main Line 10 LRT.

Looking northwest to 26 Park Street East, designed by Kohn Partnership Architects for Canahahns Company Limited

The irregular 8,650m² site sits on the north side of Park between Stavebank Road and Queen Street East, roughly 450m southwest of the Lakeshore Road and Hurontario Street intersection. The properties are occupied by five- and seven-storey rental apartment buildings, surface parking, an internal driveway, and outdoor green space. The lands back onto the Port Credit GO parking lot within an established apartment neighbourhood containing a mix of low- to high-rise housing, parking facilities, and low-rise commercial buildings, with shops and services concentrated nearby along Lakeshore Road.

Looking west to the existing apartment buildings onsite, image retrieved from Google Maps

Sajecki Planning has submitted Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications to the City of Mississauga on behalf of the developer. The new building would occupy a development parcel at the northern end of the lands, replacing surface parking behind the existing apartments. Its massing would comprise a six-storey podium topped by 20 more storeys in a tower, reaching 89.95m. The five-storey building at 12 Park and seven-storey building at 26 Park Street East would both be retained.

Site plan, designed by Kohn Partnership Architects for Canahahns Company Limited

The proposal would add 288 market-rate rental homes, comprising 22 one-bedrooms, 169 one-bedroom-plus-dens, 57 two-bedrooms, nine two-bedroom-plus-dens, and 31 three-bedrooms, with no studios. All 19,981m² of Gross Floor Area would be residential. This translates to a Floor Space Index of 5.56 times coverage on the new 3,592m² development parcel, or 3.58 times when calculated across the full property.

Looking north to 26 Park Street East, designed by Kohn Partnership Architects for Canahahns Company Limited

The seventh floor would provide 717m² of indoor amenities and 466m² of outdoor terraces on either side. Three elevators would serve the tower, a ratio of one per 96 units. Podium floor-plates ranging from approximately 1,487m² to 2,427m² would narrow to about 852m² in the tower, helping provide separation distances of about 16m from the retained seven-storey building, 31m from 28 Elizabeth Street North, and 42m from 39 Stavebank Road. At grade, an existing green space would be upgraded into a 772m² shared landscaped amenity area.

Ground floor plan, designed by Kohn Partnership Architects for Canahahns Company Limited

Parking would be spread across surface spaces, two underground levels, and the podium’s three-and-a-half above-grade levels. The 298 spaces serving all three buildings would comprise 261 resident and 37 visitor spaces, with 174 created through the proposal and 124 retained or relocated. There would be 207 bicycle spaces, including 192 long-term and 15 short-term spots.

Looking southeast to 26 Park Street East, designed by Kohn Partnership Architects for Canahahns Company Limited

The site is approximately 150m, or a two-minute walk, from Port Credit GO station on the Lakeshore West line. About 400m to the northeast, the future Port Credit terminus of the 18km, 19-stop Hurontario-Main Line 10 LRT will connect the GO station with Brampton Gateway Terminal. MiWay bus routes 2 Hurontario, 8 Cawthra, 14 Lorne Park, and 23 Lakeshore also operate within walking distance, while nearby cycling infrastructure includes facilities along Lakeshore Road East and a signed route linking the GO station with the Waterfront Trail via Helene, Park, and Elizabeth streets.

An aerial view of the site and surrounding area, image from submission to City of Mississauga

The proposal joins a cluster of other development proposals east of the site around Port Credit GO station. Nearby plans include the 11-storey 50 High Street East, the 25-storey The Ann, a 31-storey tower at 42–46 Park Street East, 29- and 36-storey towers at 88 Park, and a 38-storey proposal at 70 Park Street East.

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News Roundup for August 21, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:30:00 -0400

Cineplex Queensway can stay open through 2045, movie theatre chain says; in the ruins of a burned church, a free Toronto art festival is ready to launch; Toronto set to open new elevated Scarborough busway by end of September; and other news.

Cineplex Queensway can stay open through 2045, movie theatre chain says (The Star)

In the ruins of a burned church, a free Toronto art festival is ready to launch (CBC)

Toronto set to open new elevated Scarborough busway by end of September (Global News)

Toronto real estate board criticized for keeping president on during RECO investigation (The Star)

Weekend need-to-know: CNE back at Exhibition Place (CityNews)

Today is the last day to register to run in the Toronto 2026 election. Here’s what you need to know (The Star)

Biidaasige Sunburst

Craig White — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Biidaasige Park is full is spectacular views, both of itself and the city beyond it, and rarely more spectacularly when late day sun bursts through holes in the clouds over the Downtown Toronto skyline to the west.

Sunlight streams through an opening in the clouds over the Downtown Toronto skyline, dramatically lighting Biidaasige Park, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor jackattack

This image comes to us courtesy of UrbanToronto Forum contributor jackattack. Want to see your work featured as a Daily Photo? You can post in the City Photos & Videos section of the UrbanToronto Forum, or submit your images to our UrbanToronto Flickr Pool for your chance to be featured on our Front Page.

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Creating CIBC SQUARE: Go Behind The Scenes With Key Team Members

UrbanToronto Staff — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 17:20:09 -0400

UrbanToronto’s CIBC SQUARE webinar brought five members of the project team together yesterday for a decidedly in-depth look at the vision, coordination, and technical ingenuity behind the Downtown Toronto complex. Moving from its early master planning through architectural design, approvals, structural engineering, and the creation of its elevated park, the discussion and lively ensuing Q&A session is now available to watch in full on YouTube:

Developed through a partnership between Hines and La Caisse, CIBC SQUARE comprises two office towers designed by WilkinsonEyre and Adamson Associates Architects, along with several other firms fulfilling particular roles, together delivering over three million square feet of new space in the heart of the city. Beyond its sparkling skyline presence, the complex functions as a major piece of connective infrastructure, incorporating state-of-the-art offices with the Union GO Bus Terminal, new PATH links, public art, retail, and a 1.2-acre park elevated above the Union Station Rail Corridor.

Moderated by UrbanToronto Managing Editor Craig White, the webinar features Dominic Bettison, Director at WilkinsonEyre; Alex Richter, Associate Principal at Adamson Associates Architects; Graham FitzGerald, Principal at RJC Engineers; Marc Ryan, Principal and Co-Founder of PUBLIC WORK; and Benjamin Hoff, Partner at Urban Strategies.

From left to right: Graham FitzGerald, Principal, RJC Engineers; Dominic Bettison, Director, WilkinsonEyre; Marc Ryan • Principal and Co-Founder, PUBLIC WORK; Alex Richter, Associate Principal, Adamson Associates Architects; Benjamin Hoff, Partner, Urban Strategies

Richter and Hoff traced CIBC SQUARE’s evolution from a parking lot and GO bus terminal through land assembly, transit integration, and complex approvals, while Bettison explained how WilkinsonEyre’s shifted tower forms and faceted facades were designed to animate the skyline. FitzGerald outlined the sloping columns and rooftop outriggers that support and stabilize the North Tower above the active rail corridor, along with the trussed deck carrying the park, before Ryan explored how planting, sculpted timber seating, gathering spaces, and expansive views transform the deck into an inviting public landscape.

The two towers of CIBC SQUARE reflect the setting sun in their facets, as Pinnacle One Yonge's SkyTower pops up in behind, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor kotsy

Together, the presentations offered a rare complete view of CIBC SQUARE, with the panellists mixing technical explanations with reflections from more than a decade of collaboration. Audience interest carried the webinar beyond its scheduled end, with multiple questions submitted on subjects ranging from the park and the towers’ slight height difference to PATH negotiations, outdoor terraces, fire protection, and the close coordination with Metrolinx required to build around operating transit infrastructure.

Presented with support from Urban Racks, the full conversation can now be watched here.

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Ground Broken for First Phase of The Foundry District in Oshawa

Anthony Teles — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:54:21 -0400

Nearly four decades after the Fittings Factory closed, Medallion Corporation officially broke ground today on The Foundry District, a new community planned for a long-vacant industrial site in Downtown Oshawa. The first phase will bring 10- and 23-storey purpose-built rental buildings to the 23-acre property at 135 Bruce Street, as the opening stage of a much larger mixed-use redevelopment.

Looking southwest to The Foundry District Phase 1 by Medallion Corporation

The project is advancing with $188 million in government support provided through CMHC’s Apartment Construction Loan Program, Durham Region’s Regional Revitalization Program, and a grant agreement with the City of Oshawa. Of the first phase’s 509 rentals, 153 will be affordable, while an unspecified number of additional homes will be offered on a rent-geared-to-income basis.

“Our government is committed to driving housing supply to bring down costs. This project will create more rental homes for people living and working in Oshawa and is an example of what’s possible when we work together in partnership with the private sector. This is another step forward in our bold, ambitious plan to build Canada strong," said The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada.

A high-angle view looking northwest to the current site, image courtesy of Medallion Corporation

Phase 1 pairs a 23-storey, 65m tower with a 10-storey, 32m building, containing 303 and 206 rental homes respectively. The 509-unit mix comprises 27 studios, 280 one-bedrooms, 182 two-bedrooms, and 20 homes with three or more bedrooms. Residents are set to have access to fitness and wellness facilities, social and work lounges, games and theatre rooms, an outdoor terrace, and a dedicated pet spa, while 677 residential parking spaces are planned.

Phase 1 is the opening piece of a much larger masterplan for the 23-acre property. At full buildout, the district could contain approximately nine buildings and 3,000 rental homes, supported by new streets, shops, restaurants, and a public park, though the timing and details of subsequent phases have not yet been announced.

Looking south to The Foundry District Masterplan by Medallion Corporation

“We are establishing a new centre of gravity for downtown Oshawa — a place our future residents will call home, and a public realm all of Durham Region can enjoy,” said Anna Fagyas, Director of Development, Medallion Corporation. “Medallion has a deep track record in Ontario and here in Durham, where Vision at Pat Bayly Square has helped transform downtown Ajax. The Foundry District is our next chapter — and we are proud to be building it with partners from every level of government.”

A proposed public park would form the green centrepiece of the district, replacing part of the former factory grounds with gathering and recreation space for residents and the wider community. Earlier subdivision plans set aside approximately 1.006 hectares for the park, while the site’s Downtown Oshawa location places it near the Tribute Communities Centre arena, local restaurants and cultural venues, with Ontario Tech University, Durham College, and regional rail connections also within reach.

Looking northwest from the public park to The Foundry District Phase 1 by Medallion Corporation

The redevelopment will return a significant piece of Oshawa’s industrial landscape to active use. For roughly 85 years, the Fittings Factory produced cast-iron goods on the property and employed hundreds of local workers; following its closure in 1987, the land sat vacant for nearly four decades before undergoing the environmental work needed to support a new urban neighbourhood.

“For decades, this land was a reminder of what Oshawa used to be. Today it becomes the foundation of what we are becoming — a growing downtown where thousands of people will live, work and gather, with new community amenities and a beautiful park at the heart of their community,” said Mayor Dan Carter, City of Oshawa. “Oshawa has waited nearly forty years for cranes to rise on Bruce Street and there is no better feeling as mayor than seeing that day arrive.”

Looking east from Bruce Street to the former Fittings Factory, image courtesy of the Oshawa Museum Archival Collection

The project’s path to construction has spanned several years, with zoning secured in 2018 and a Site Plan Application submitted in July, 2022. Originally presented with 10- and 22-storey components, City incentive deadlines for foundation completion and first occupancy were extended in 2024 after Medallion cited market uncertainty, labour shortages, and construction delays. Activity on the property preceded the ceremony, with site clearing underway by March, 2026. Plans call for leasing to start in late 2029.

Previous site plan from 2022, by Medallion Corporation

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Three-Tower Circa Phase 3 Grows to 35 Storeys in Markham Centre

Anthony Teles — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:25:06 -0400

Circa Phase 3 has returned with a significantly taller plan for the last vacant parcels of the multi-phased community in Markham’s Unionville area. Dorsay Development Corporation’s previous scheme of 17 to 20 storeys has grown to three Turner Fleischer-designed towers of 25 to 35 storeys. The site is within Markham Centre, an Urban Growth Centre and Major Transit Station Area owing to the YRT's VIVA Purple line. The Ontario Land Tribunal approved the revised proposal in January, 2025, subject to conditions and a pending Final Order, while a June, 2026 Site Plan Application submission provides the latest look at the intensified mixed-use development.

Looking northeast to Circa Phase 3, designed by Turner Fleischer for Dorsay Development Corporation

Addressed as 3400 Highway 7 East and 0 Circa Drive, the approximately 1.04-hectare site occupies the northeast and northwest corners of Highway 7 and Circa Drive, just east of Rodick Road. The two parcels are presently vacant. A City-owned linear park and three-storey townhouses border the lands to the north, while the earlier Circa condominium phases, George Coalthup Park, and Markham Civic Centre stand to the east. Across Highway 7 to the south are vacant development lands alongside residential and employment uses.

Looking northwest to the current site, image retrieved from Google Maps

Phase 3 is the final piece of a Circa masterplan formalized through a 2003 agreement between Dorsay and the City of Markham. The earlier phases, developed with Tridel, delivered 155 townhouses and two 16-storey condominium buildings, the latter completed by 2010 around a shared four-storey podium. The prominent Highway 7 frontage was held for a later stage, originally envisioned with office and commercial buildings, along with the option of a seniors’ or nursing home.

Looking northwest to Circa Phases 1 and 2, image retrieved from Google Maps

As office demand, planning policy, transit infrastructure, and the surrounding skyline evolved, and Buttonville Airport’s closure removed a longstanding height constraint, Dorsay shifted this site toward residential intensification, filing an Official Plan Amendment application in September, 2020. That submission initially proposed two 24-storey residential buildings with 559 units on the west parcel and a four-storey office building on the east. By 2023, it had been revised into three residential buildings.

Looking northwest to the previous plan, designed by Turner Fleischer for Dorsay Development Corporation

The three-tower layout remains divided by Circa Drive, but every building has grown larger than proposed in the previous submission. On the west parcel, the former 18- and 20-storey buildings are now proposed at 34 and 35 storeys, rising 109.87m and 113.6m and containing 417 and 432 units, respectively. The east parcel’s 17-storey building has increased to 25 storeys, reaching 84.63m with 312 units.

Site plan, designed by Turner Fleischer for Dorsay Development Corporation

Together, the buildings would contain 1,161 homes, up 426 from the previous 735-unit plan. The mix would comprise 939 one-bedroom, 210 two-bedroom, and 12 three-bedroom-or-larger units. Gross Floor Area has grown by 13,998m² to 81,103m², including 66,684m² of residential space and 2,295m² of retail, the latter divided between 1,570m² on the west parcel and 725m² on the east. The earlier plan provided 67,105m² overall, including 64,246m² residential and 1,670m² retail, while the Floor Space Index has risen from 6.16 to 7.77 times coverage of the 10,438m² lands.

Looking northwest to Circa Phase 3, designed by Turner Fleischer for Dorsay Development Corporation

The revised massing places towers rising above four-storey podium forms with terraces and step-backs at the third and fourth levels, while a second-storey bridge would connect the two west-parcel buildings. The average tower floor-plates measure approximately 769m². Across the development, 2,655m² of indoor and 2,417m² of outdoor amenity space are proposed. Ground-floor retail would animate both parcels, alongside community facilities within the west-parcel podium.

Looking north to the second-storey bridge connecting the western buildings, image from submission to City of Markham

There would be three elevators per tower, or approximately one for every 104 units in the shortest tower, 139 in the 34-storey building, and 144 in the tallest structure. Significantly high-speed motors would be required to provide acceptable wait times in the taller two towers, even when all elevators are operational.

Ground floor plan, designed by Turner Fleischer for Dorsay Development Corporation

Below grade, three levels of parking would extend beneath both parcels and portions of the adjoining parkland. There would be 1,200 vehicle spaces: 942 for residents, 177 for residential visitors, and 81 for retail users, alongside 792 bicycle spaces, including 649 long-term and 143 short-term spots.

Looking northwest to the podiums, designed by Turner Fleischer for Dorsay Development Corporation

Transit service is concentrated along Highway 7, where Viva Purple and Purple A operate primarily in dedicated rapidway lanes. Other YRT bus routes connect the area with destinations across Markham and Toronto, while TTC Route 68 Warden provides a link to Danforth Line 2 at Warden station.

An aerial view of the site and surrounding area, image retrieved from Google Maps

Circa Phase 3 would join other high-rise proposals reshaping the Highway 7 corridor through Markham Centre. To the south, 100–110 Clegg Road calls for six towers ranging from 14 to 37 storeys, while 3555 Highway 7 East is planned with three towers of 38 to 45 storeys. Farther east, the Markham Hilton redevelopment proposes five towers ranging from 40 to 55 storeys, led by a 42-storey first phase.

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News Roundup for August 20, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:30:00 -0400

New Toronto mayoral poll suggests support for Olivia Chow growing in mayoral race; Heritage Toronto’s Plaque Friday videos showcase city’s history with viral moments; Coun. Paula Fletcher will not run for re-election in Toronto-Danforth; and other news.

New Toronto mayoral poll suggests support for Olivia Chow growing in mayoral race (CBC)

Heritage Toronto’s Plaque Friday videos showcase city’s history with viral moments (Global News)

Coun. Paula Fletcher will not run for re-election in Toronto-Danforth (CityNews)

As deadline looms for Ontario municipal elections candidates, some seats uncontested (Global News)

BTS Army takes over Toronto ahead of stadium shows (CTV News)

Towers-in-the-Park

Craig White — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Toronto has many slab-style apartment buildings dotting its landscape. Built particularly through the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, these buildings that typically rise in the middle of several acres of land that is otherwise left mostly as vast lawns, came to be known as Towers-in-the-Park style planning. It's not a style that's in vogue anymore, but in this instance, the term can be jokingly applied to something going up in the parklands that follow the Don River through its winding course just to the east of Toronto's central spine: here, piers are rising to support a new bridge that will carry Ontario Line 3 across the Don Valley Parkway and the river over to the Thorncliffe Park area. The new line will drastically cut travel times from this part of the city to Downtown...

Cranes rise in the Don Valley to help construct piers that will carry Ontario Line 3 above the highway, river, and greenery, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor PL1

...and with its extensive views, will be forever be supported by Towers-in-the-Park.

This image comes to us courtesy of UrbanToronto Forum contributor PL1. Want to see your work featured as a Daily Photo? You can post in the City Photos & Videos section of the UrbanToronto Forum, or submit your images to our UrbanToronto Flickr Pool for your chance to be featured on our Front Page.

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SmartCentres Switches to Office Proposal at Vaughan Metropolitan Centre

Anthony Teles — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:23:18 -0400

SmartCentres REIT presented a new employment-focused component of its ArtWalk District to Vaughan’s Design Review Panel on July 30, 2026. Designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects, the 10-storey office and retail building replaces previously planned residential towers for this part of the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC). The panel welcomed the employment use, articulated brick base, and pedestrian focus, while seeking refinements to the glazed upper volume, public realm, bicycle facilities, and passenger pickup and drop-off area.

Looking northeast to VMC Block A8 Office, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for SmartCentres REIT

The site, designated ArtWalk Block A8, is at 101 Edgeley Boulevard on its northeast corner with Apple Mill Road, and represents the southwest portion of the original Walmart lands at VMC. ArtWalk Phase 1 (Block A5) is currently under construction immediately to the east, while five taller towers are planned to the north on blocks A6 and A7. Across Apple Mill Road to the south, the A8 site faces Vaughan’s emerging central park and the existing KPMG office building.

A distant view looking north to the current site and construction at Block A5, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor yrt+viva=1system

The redevelopment of the site that Walmart occupied prior to its relocation a couple blocks to the northwest at 670 Applewood Crescent began with a 2021 masterplan for the 3.6-hectare lands that boasted eight residential towers with 4,335 housing units. Divided into quadrants A5 through A8, the present A8 site was initially envisioned with three towers of eight to 40 storeys, providing 1,100 homes above retail, including a grocery store. Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications followed in March, 2022, before a 2023 revision replaced a proposed east-west road with a pedestrian oriented space. As the ArtWalk masterplan evolved following its start on Block A5, this southwest A8 parcel was re-envisioned.

Comparison of previous and current block plans, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for SmartCentres REIT

In the new A8 plan, its proposed 10-storey commercial building has of Gross Floor Area of 20,557m², comprising 19,289m² of offices and 1,268m² of retail on its site, giving a Floor Space Index of 4.11 times coverage on its 5,018m² site. Typical office floors would measure about 2,323m² and be served by six elevators. Third-level outdoor amenities would include a south-facing space overlooking the park, with another terrace near the ninth-storey rooftop. No office, retail, or visitor vehicle parking is planned onsite; the building would instead use excess commercial parking beneath neighbouring A5 and at other SmartVMC properties. Forty bicycle spaces would be distributed among outdoor racks near Apple Mill Road, beneath the covered passage, and at the northwest corner.

Looking southeast to VMC Block A8 Office, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for SmartCentres REIT

At Edgeley and Apple Mill, an entrance plaza would be framed by the office lobby and several retail or food-and-beverage spaces. The larger office floor plates would bridge above the corner connection, replacing the master plan’s open-air route with a covered passage leading to a north-facing courtyard. From there, pedestrians could connect with ArtWalk’s east-west spine and a north-south mews extending from the central park toward future phases.

View from the park at VMC Block A8 Office, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for SmartCentres REITdesigned by Hariri Pontarini Architects for SmartCentres REIT

The architecture pairs a glazed office volume with an articulated, approximately two-storey base. Brick, bronze-toned columns, wood soffits, and vertically proportioned openings would create a pedestrian scale. The upper floors would use bird-friendly reflective glazing. gh3’s landscape plan introduces light-grey, high-reflectance paving, brick-toned gathering areas, and potential public art. Hackberry trees, woodland planting, benches, and raised planters would define the courtyard and mews, with the planters supplying adequate soil above A5’s underground garage.

Looking east to VMC Block A8 Office, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for SmartCentres REIT

While supporting the active frontage and pedestrian connections, panel members questioned whether the number of plazas, courtyards, and routes could spread activity too thinly. They focused on the shaded north courtyard, where blank service walls, limited retail visibility, and narrow planting strips could leave the space underused. The corner plaza was also considered under-programmed, prompting suggestions for patios, planting, seating, and a stronger public art feature, while improved lighting was recommended for darker covered spaces. Members recommended enlivening service walls through art, landscape, and material changes, adding architectural expression and solar shading to the glass upper volume, and increasing the 40 bicycle spaces.

Ground floor plan, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for SmartCentres REIT

The site is approximately 200m northwest of University Line 1's terminus at Vaughan Metropolitan Centre station, and 100m west of the SmartVMC bus terminal. VIVA rapid transit on Highway 7 provides connections across York Region and toward Brampton, while the subway links the area directly with Toronto. Apple Mill Road already has cycle tracks, with more cycling infrastructure planned for Portage Parkway and Edgeley Boulevard.

An aerial view of the site and surrounding area, image retrieved from Google Maps

A8 joins extensive development across the VMC. ArtWalk Block A5 is under construction to the east with four buildings of four to 38 storeys, while Blocks A6 and A7 would add five towers of 49 to 62 storeys to the north. To the south are the proposed seven-building VMC South Block B4, ranging from seven to 20 storeys; the 48- and 56-storey Park Place VMC; and three buildings of 15 to 58 storeys at 3300 Highway 7. Southwest, the three-tower Encore at Bravo and four-tower Festival Condominiums are under construction, reaching 45 and 59 storeys, respectively. To the east, 7800 Jane is planned with three towers of 17 to 60 storeys, while 175 Millway Avenue would add three buildings of seven to 64 storeys.

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Exploring CIBC SQUARE’s North Tower and Elevated Park

Anthony TelesCraig White — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 09:31:28 -0400

Ahead of today’s UrbanToronto’s webinar, we return to CIBC SQUARE in Downtown Toronto. Since our January, 2025 update, work has advanced substantially on the 50-storey North Tower, while public-facing elements around its base have opened or neared completion, including the expanded park above the Union Station Rail Corridor. Designed by WilkinsonEyre and Adamson Associates Architects for Hines and La Caisse, the two-tower development includes the 49-storey South Tower, and brings approximately three million square feet of offices, retail, transit infrastructure, and public amenities to the Financial District.

Looking southeast from in front of Union Station, CIBC SQUARE's North Tower rises in the foreground while the earlier South Tower stands beyond to the right, their folded curtain-wall elevations reflecting varying bands of light. At the North Tower’s base, a broad steel-framed canopy projects above the glazed lobby entrance and Bay Street forecourt, adjoining the enclosed PATH bridge carrying pedestrians from the second level between it and Union Station.

Looking southeast to CIBC SQUARE’s North and South Towers from Union station, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Johnny Au

The North Tower lobby is defined by a soaring, 23-metre-high glass wall to the north, while three-storey high stone-clad walls of the elevator banks are pierced by raked columns, suspending the tower overhead. Large-format floor tiles extend beneath continuous recessed lighting. Besides office levels, the lobby also connects street level with elevators and escalators leading to The Park, a greenspace open to the public between the two towers.

Looking west through the North Tower’s lobby, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ADRM

At the fourth floor, the raked columns are more pronounced as they continue to angle toward the outer walls overhead. Sculpted ribbed soffits run between the exposed raked columns, while slender fixtures descend from the high ceiling beside full-height glazing. The space is at the same level as The Park to the south, this level to serve as a food and beverage area, still to be completed, and sky lobby. Built-in lounge seating is seen ahead of the smaller restaurant spaces reportedly planned along this connection between the tower and park.

Looking east along the North Tower’s third-floor corridor, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Rascacielo

Outside to the immediate south, a white column-supported canopy casts a gridded pattern of shade across the terrace. Wood-plank paths weave between raised beds of trees and shrubs, converging at stairs set into the landscaped hill, while a glazed podium volume projects eastward from the South Tower beyond.

Looking southeast across the park toward the South Tower’s podium, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Marcanadian

This month, a view from the park toward the North Tower shows curved wood-plank bench wrapping the central lawn and meeting an amphitheatre-style seating area. Planted beds soften the tower’s glazed base, and the 22-metre-tall New Amalgam, a stainless-steel tree by artist Roxy Paine punctuates the middle of the park.

Looking northeast from the park toward the North Tower and amphitheatre lawn, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Marcanadian

In some places on the deck, the trees are planted thickly enough that you are surrounded by greenery.

The Park at CIBC SQUARE is planted densely enough in some areas to be surrounded by greenery, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ADRM

Across the expanded park, a broad wood-decked pathway curves past a kiosk and washroom pavilion, where glazed walls, a warm timber base, and dark metal cladding adjoin the amphitheatre-style seating. Timber terraces border the lawn, planted beds, and young trees, while a transparent glass balustrade along the eastern edge preserves views over the active rail corridor.

Looking north across the park toward the amphitheatre seating and pavilion, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ADRM

The Park can be used to eat lunch, enjoy a coffee, or simply relax, but it has also been set up for programming for various uses. Recent photographs posted to UrbanToronto show yoga classes taking place, and in this instance a movie shown to a willing audience.

A small crowd gathers to watch a movie on The Park at CIBC SQUARE, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Civdis

The views from the deck include the active Union Station Rail Corridor to the east, wedged between an increasing number of skyscraping condos, while the view to the west takes in the CN Tower and several of Downtown Toronto's most recognizable buildings.

The western view from The Park at CIBC SQUARE takes in many of Downtown Toronto's iconic buildings, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Nakita

Seen from Yonge Street in July, 2026, another PATH bridge is being enclosed by large clear-glass panels within dark metal framing, with glazed roof sections bringing daylight inside. Its south face presents cladding panels and slender vertical glazing strips looking onto the rail corridor, while grey panels wrap the fascia below. Spanning the Yonge Street underpass, this eastern link connects the North Tower to Backstage on The Esplanade, extending Toronto’s PATH network east of the Financial Core.

Looking south to the glazed PATH bridge spanning Yonge Street, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor mburrrrr

The South Tower stands 237.73m, while the North Tower slightly surpasses it at 241.39m.

Looking southeast to CIBC SQUARE, designed by WilkinsonEyre Architects and Adamson Associates Architects for Hines and La Caisse

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News Roundup for August 19, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 09:30:00 -0400

Homeowners managing higher mortgage payments despite concerns, according to survey; Toronto resident captures Zanzibar fire on video; real estate regulator RECO accused of inflaming ‘court of public opinion’; and other news.

Homeowners managing higher mortgage payments despite concerns: survey (CityNews)

'Just crazy to see': Toronto resident captures Zanzibar fire on video (CBC)

Has RECO gone too far? Real estate regulator accused of inflaming ‘court of public opinion’ (The Star)

Top global basic income experts in Toronto, senate bill top of mind (CBC)

Nate Erskine-Smith joins Beaches—East York race before Toronto election filing deadline (CityNews)

Bridge Over Traveled Railways

Craig White — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Lots of Torontonians will be unaware of a lush new greenspace that bridges over the Union Station Rail Corridor in the heart of Downtown, but most UrbanToronto readers will be well aware that The Park at CIBC SQUARE offers a quick getaway with great views for the price of heading a few floors up into the sky through either the South or the North Tower at the major new complex. While most of The Park's trees are of the living-breathing-wood-and-leaves type, one of them, standing 22 metres tall and called New Amalgam, is the stainless streel creation of artist Roxy Paine, making an impression all year round.

Roxy Paine's New Amalgam, a 22-metre-tall stainless steel tree, is one of many components making up The Park at CIBC SQUARE, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ADRM

This image comes to us courtesy of UrbanToronto Forum contributor ADRM. Want to see your work featured as a Daily Photo? You can post in the City Photos & Videos section of the UrbanToronto Forum, or submit your images to our UrbanToronto Flickr Pool for your chance to be featured on our Front Page.

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Golden Cladding Appears as Etobicoke Civic Centre Takes Shape

Anthony Teles — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 16:56:15 -0400

The new Etobicoke Civic Centre has taken greater form since UrbanToronto’s June, 2026 update, with its concrete frame climbing and the first cladding panels appearing. Designed by Henning Larsen Architects with Adamson Associates Architects as Architect of Record for CreateTO, the complex is rising at the southeast corner of Bloor Street West and Kipling Avenue in Etobicoke’s transforming Six Points district. Its interconnected low-rise, 7-, 10-, 13-, and 16-storey volumes will house municipal offices, while shorter volumes to the southwest will boast a recreation centre, a library, and other civic facilities.

A July, 2026 drone view shows the frame reaching eight storeys at the northeast end, seven at the northwest, and about three across the projecting southwestern volume. Formwork defines the next storeys being constructed, while materials and equipment are staged across the ground-floor slab to the south and east. Four cranes serve the site, with the northern pair rising through the taller structures; beside the northeast crane, concrete walls rise alongside decking for the ninth-floor slab. A construction hoist climbs the east elevation, where the first facade panels are barely visible at grade. In the foreground, trailers and staging occupy the future site of the proposed 43-storey 3725 Bloor Street West.

A drone view looking northwest over the rising concrete volumes of Etobicoke Civic Centre, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Tim MacDonald

A close-up of the east elevation from earlier this month shows the first facade installation: golden-coloured aluminum spandrel panels and projecting vertical fins framing narrow vision glazing. The prefabricated curtainwall assembly meets the concrete slab edges above blue weatherproofing.

The first golden-coloured cladding installed on the east elevation, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor FormerTorontonianBackInTO

Looking northwest across the future plaza, bundles of steel shoring components, scaffolding, formwork lumber, and plywood panels cover the ground-floor slab. Rows of yellow shoring poles support second-floor slab decking for the lower civic volumes, while timber wall forms at left prepare another section for pouring. The taller Bloor Street-facing structures rise beneath the cranes, while at right, a sloped concrete ramp descends to the underground garage entrance.

Looking north across construction staging and the emerging low-rise civic volumes, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor FormerTorontonianBackInTO

More recently this month, viewed from across Dundas Street West and Kipling Avenue, the northwest volume is reaching its full seven-storey height, with sloping and curved roof formwork beginning to define its distinctive profile. Rows of yellow shoring poles support slab decking for the adjoining lower structure along the west elevation. Concrete barriers, traffic barrels, temporary fencing, and a tracked excavator line the Dundas frontage.

Looking northeast from Dundas Street West and Kipling Avenue to the west and south elevations, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor CLT

From Jerry Howarth Drive, the Bloor Street frontage will eventually be articulated by the four principal volumes that step down from 16 to 13, 10, to 7 storeys from left to right. The easternmost frame has reached 8 storeys, with decking assembled for the ninth-floor slab, while parapets at the fourth, sixth, and seventh levels mark staggered step-backs. Exposed columns emphasize the double-height mechanical space on the fourth floor within the future 13-storey volume, while red concrete boom pumps sit atop the 13- and 10-storey structures.

Looking south from Jerry Howarth Drive to the cascading Bloor Street volumes, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor CLT

From across Bloor Street West and Kipling Avenue, yellow shoring poles supports recently cast slabs, upper-level decking advances across the taller eastern structures, and roof formwork shapes the shortest volume. The completed envelope will combine golden- and grey-coloured aluminum spandrel panels, golden vertical fins, architectural louvres, and vision glazing, with natural-stone cladding on the podium levels.

Looking southeast from Bloor Street West and Kipling Avenue to the stepped concrete frame, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor CLT

Ranging from 32.03m to 75.82m, the complex will replace the existing Etobicoke Civic Centre further north at The West Mall and Burnhamthorpe Road.

Looking northwest to the Etobicoke Civic Centre, designed by Henning Larsen and Adamson Associates Architects for CreateTO

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UrbanToronto Webinar Tomorrow: Explore CIBC SQUARE

Anthony Teles — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 13:02:42 -0400

There is still time to register for UrbanToronto’s next webinar, taking place live via Zoom tomorrow, Wednesday, August 19 at 1:00 PM ET. Members of the CIBC SQUARE project team will discuss how planning, architecture, structural engineering, and landscape design came together in the delivery of one of Downtown Toronto’s largest and most complex commercial developments. Registration is open for this complimentary event!

Work is wrapping up on the north tower and expanded park at CIBC SQUARE, Downtown Toronto’s latest jewel-like skyline addition. As offices open and visitors explore the elevated park, the development offers new perspectives across Union Station’s busy rail corridor and toward the towers of the Financial Core.

The two towers of CIBC SQUARE reflect the setting sun in their facets, as Pinnacle One Yonge's SkyTower pops up in behind, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor kotsy

A partnership between La Caisse and Hines, CIBC SQUARE features two office towers designed by WilkinsonEyre and Adamson Associates Architects. Together, the towers total three million square feet. PATH connections link the complex with Union Station, the Financial Core, and the South Core on Toronto’s waterfront. Along with retail space and the Union GO Bus Terminal, the development includes an art program and a one-acre public park built above the active rail corridor — the first park of its kind in Canada.

The webinar is supported by our friends at Urban Racks, a North American provider of commercial bike parking and micromobility solutions for urban environments. With more than a decade of experience, the company creates secure, technology-driven systems that include bike racks, lockers, shelters, and automated parking solutions.

UrbanToronto will be joined by:

Dominic Bettison • Director, WilkinsonEyre
Dominic Bettison is a Director at London-based international architecture practice WilkinsonEyre, with experience delivering complex high-rise and transportation projects around the world. He leads the firm’s expanding North American portfolio, including CIBC SQUARE, where its two approximately 240m towers are connected by a one-acre elevated park over active rail infrastructure.

Alex Richter • Associate Principal, Adamson Associates Architects
Alex Richter is an Associate Principal in the Toronto office of Adamson Associates Architects, with experience on major Canadian and international projects. He has overseen the firm’s involvement in CIBC SQUARE, Canada Square, The Well, and the Macdonald Block Redevelopment. He also teaches Vertical Urbanism and Business Practice in Toronto Metropolitan University’s Department of Architectural Science.

Graham FitzGerald • Principal, RJC Engineers
Graham FitzGerald is a Principal at RJC Engineers whose work encompasses technically demanding high-rise and mixed-use developments. His experience on CIBC SQUARE demonstrates a practical, inventive approach to structural engineering grounded in knowledge of industry codes, standards, and practices. His portfolio also includes The Well, RBC WaterPark Place, and the Globe and Mail Centre.

Marc Ryan • Principal and Co-Founder, PUBLIC WORK
Marc Ryan is a landscape architect and the Principal and Co-Founder of Toronto-based urban design and landscape architecture studio PUBLIC WORK. With more than 25 years of practice in Canada, Europe, and the United States, he has focused on the role of landscape and public space in improving urban environments. His work transforms infrastructure and overlooked city spaces into distinctive places for public life.

Benjamin Hoff • Partner, Urban Strategies
Benjamin Hoff is a Partner at Urban Strategies specializing in the planning of complex, large-scale developments. His work spans master planning, policy, real estate strategy, and development approvals for projects including CIBC SQUARE, East Harbour, Quayside, Mirvish Village, and Cloverdale Mall. He brings public and private interests together to help translate ambitious city-building visions into practical strategies.

Don’t miss tomorrow’s conversation. Register for this free event here!

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UrbanToronto's research and data service, UTPro, provides comprehensive data on construction projects in the Greater Golden Horseshoe—from proposal through to completion. Other services include Instant Reports, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter, New Development Insider, that tracks projects from initial application.

12-Storey Rental Proposal Would Fill Gore Park Gap in Downtown Hamilton

Anthony Teles — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 12:15:58 -0400

Gore Park Residences is a proposed 12-storey mixed-use development that would fill a gap in the historic streetwall facing Gore Park in Downtown Hamilton. Designed by KNYMH for Ninco Developments, it would bring market-rate rental homes and ground-floor commercial space to the Beasley neighbourhood, near the planned Hamilton Line B LRT. Landwise Planning recently submitted the proposal on behalf of the developer to the city’s Design Review Panel (DRP) in advance of a Site Plan Approval application. Presented at the DRP's August, 2026 meeting, it is planned as the first phase of a larger redevelopment extending south toward Main Street East.

Looking southwest to Gore Park Residences, designed by KNYMH for Ninco Developments

The approximately 2,570m² site assembles 18–22, 24–28, and 30 King Street East with 4 Hughson Street South at the southwest corner of King and Hughson. Much of the King frontage is vacant, while a vacant 10-storey office building occupies the corner. The surrounding downtown area contains a mix of storefronts, offices, residences, hotels, and civic and cultural destinations.

Looking southwest to the current site and 10-storey office building, image retrieved from Google Maps

The site previously contained several 19th-century commercial properties, including the circa-1840 Kerr-Thomas and Smith-Thomas buildings and the later Skinner and Glasco buildings. The Gourlay-Bickle Building at 30 King was demolished in 2011. A six-storey redevelopment proposed in 2013 called for removing the remaining buildings, prompting the city to protect their façades, though they remained boarded up. A 32-storey concept followed in 2023, before the surviving heritage buildings collapsed and were demolished in November, 2025. With restoration no longer possible, the current plan emphasizes compatible infill, commemoration, and the reuse of salvaged materials where feasible.

A high-angle view looking southeast to the previous plan, designed by KNYMH for Hughson Business Space Coproration

Rising 48.19m, the building would contain 12,120m² of Gross Floor Area, comprising 11,595m² of residential space and 525m² of commercial space, for a Floor Space Index of 4.72. The plans identify 13 studios, 37 one-bedroom, 84 two-bedroom, and 25 three-bedroom units. Two commercial units would face King Street East.

Site plan, designed by KNYMH for Ninco Developments

A five-storey podium would rebuild the streetwall along Gore Park. At the site’s east end, the 10-storey office building at 4 Hughson would be retained, converted to residential use, reclad, and topped with two more floors. The residential lobby and commercial units would open onto King, where transparent glazing and boulevard trees would reinforce the pedestrian frontage. Amenities would include a sixth-floor terrace and pool and a 12th-floor rooftop space. Three elevators would serve the building, or approximately one for every 54 homes.

Ground floor plan, designed by KNYMH for Ninco Developments

The project would provide 130 vehicle spaces across one underground and five above-grade parking levels: 119 for residents, six for visitors, and five for commercial patrons. Its 73 bicycle spaces would include 65 long-term resident spaces and eight short-term spaces for visitors and commercial users.

Looking south to Gore Park Residences, designed by KNYMH for Ninco Developments

The site fronts the planned Hamilton Line B LRT corridor and is a short walk from the future King and James stop. The 14-kilometre line will have 17 stops between McMaster University in Hamilton's West End and Eastgate Square in Stoney Creek, running along Main Street, King Street, and Queenston Road. Hamilton GO Centre, offering regional rail and bus connections, is approximately 350m south or a six-minute walk away. HSR bus routes operate along King, Main, James, and other nearby streets, while surrounding cycling facilities connect to the city’s wider active-transportation network.

An aerial view of the site and surrounding area, image from submission to City of Hamilton

The proposal joins intensification across Downtown Hamilton. Southwest, the St Paul’s Presbyterian redevelopment would comprise two proposed 30-storey towers, while 98 James Street South is planned at 34 storeys. To the north, 77 James Street North calls for four towers of 26 to 30 storeys, 73 Hughson Street North is planned at 30 storeys, and Design District 41 is under construction with three 31-storey towers. Northeast, the 23-storey Rebecca Condos, two 30-storey towers at 80 John Street North, and a 31-storey building at 92 John Street North are proposed. East of Gore Park, plans include 19 storeys at 64 Main Street East, 30 storeys at 96 Main Street East, and the 35-storey Moderne within The Residences of Royal Connaught.

A high-angle view looking south to Gore Park Residences, designed by KNYMH for Ninco Developments

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Seniors Development Opportunity: Acquisition Offered for 18–28 Athabaska Avenue in North York

Anthony Teles — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 12:07:00 -0400

Colliers Private Capital Investment Group is bringing 18–28 Athabaska Avenue to market, offering a transit-oriented residential or seniors development opportunity just north of Finch subway station, south of the future Steeles station. Located approximately 125m from the planned Steeles station on the Yonge Line 1 North Subway Extension, the six-property assembly has a 43-storey proposal approved in principle while a revised concept has now been submitted to the City of Toronto that could allow two towers over two phases. The offering provides the option to acquire 20–28 Athabaska Avenue for Phase 1, while two western lots would be retained for a potential second phase as subway construction advances nearby.

18–28 Athabaska Avenue, designed by ZO1 for Delmar Group

The contiguous properties along the north side of the street at 18 through 28 Athabaska Avenue assemble approximately 31,882 ft² with 260 feet of frontage. Six existing residential dwellings are leased on a short-term basis, generating a combined net operating income of $145,094 in 2025. The lands are designated Mixed Use Areas and fall within the Yonge Street North Secondary Plan, which supports higher-density, transit-oriented growth along the corridor.

Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment applications were submitted in August, 2022 for a 43-storey development containing 516 units and approximately 344,261 ft² of GFA, receiving approval in principle from Toronto City Council in April, 2024. The vendor is now advancing a more efficient scheme through the active planning file. The revised strategy reduces the Phase 1 footprint and preserves the western lands for a potential second phase, subject to further assembly and planning approvals.

A high-angle view of the proposed development, image courtesy of Delmar Group

The latest Phase 1 concept calls for a 135.15m tower with 325,349 ft² of net GFA, including 1,159 ft² of non-residential space. Its 485 residences would comprise 111 one-bedroom, 236 one-bedroom-plus-den, 124 two-bedroom, and 14 three-bedroom suites, with 12 units on typical tower floors. A multi-level podium would anchor the building, with Level 6 serving as the principal amenity floor. Plans provide 12,820 ft² of indoor and 6,727 ft² of outdoor amenities across Levels 1, 2, and 6.

Three underground parking configurations are being studied, offering 89, 108, or 110 spaces. The mobility program also contemplates 310 bicycle spaces, 57 energized e-bike outlets, and Level 2 charging infrastructure for residential vehicle parking.

Athabaska Avenue frontage, designed by ZO1 for Delmar Group

The planned Steeles station is the site’s primary location advantage. Construction is underway on the eight-kilometre extension of Yonge Line 1, which will add five stations north of Finch and establish a major transit interchange at Steeles Avenue. This creates an opportunity to advance redevelopment as rapid-transit infrastructure takes shape nearby. Existing connections include a seven-minute bus ride to Finch station and an approximately eight-minute drive to Highway 407.

Planned Steeles station and tunnel alignment near Athabaska Avenue, image courtesy of Metrolinx

Centrepoint Mall is approximately 100m from the property, with more than 140 businesses including grocery, pharmacy, fitness, banking, dining, and other services. The 49-acre Newtonbrook Park is within a 15-minute walk, while nearby Lillian Park offers outdoor tennis courts. The Thornhill Club and Bayview Golf and Country Club are both within an eight-minute drive, providing additional golf, racquet-sport, fitness, dining, and social amenities.

York University and Seneca Polytechnic’s Newnham Campus are both accessible within a 15-minute drive. York serves more than 53,000 students and employs approximately 7,000 faculty and staff, while Newnham Campus has over 15,000 full-time students, creating a substantial nearby population that could support rental or condominium demand.

Colliers’ market review reports that North York purpose-built rental projects launched over the past two years have delivered 1,172 units, with 94.98% absorbed and average rents of $4.02 per square foot. Its condominium comparables show average pricing of approximately $1,400 per square foot, providing market context for either a rental or condominium strategy.

The proposed tower and podium at 18–28 Athabaska Avenue, designed by ZO1 for Delmar Group

The offering combines an approved-in-principle planning foundation, interim income, and the option to acquire 20–28 Athabaska Avenue for an efficient first phase while preserving two western lots for potential future development. Qualified purchasers can access additional property, planning, and due-diligence materials through Colliers after completing the required confidentiality agreement.

For more information, contact: Jeremiah Shamess, Executive Vice-President, Sales Representative, Private Capital Investment Group: Jeremiah.Shamess@colliers.com 647-884-5449

18–28 Athabaska Avenue, designed by ZO1 for Delmar Group

To feature a property for sale on UrbanToronto, contact us to discuss.

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UrbanToronto has a research service, UTPro, that provides comprehensive data on development projects in the Greater Golden Horseshoe — from proposal through to completion. We also offer Instant Reports, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter, New Development Insider, that tracks projects from initial application.

News Roundup for August 18, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:30:00 -0400

July home sales down 5.3% from last year, but market becoming more balanced, says CREA; the Mirvish Village development is almost complete, and now it needs more commercial tenants; Toronto’s Yorkville Murals festival ending after 7 years amid funding instability from city, organizers say; and other news.

July home sales down 5.3% from last year, but market becoming more balanced: CREA (The Star)

The Mirvish Village development is almost complete. Now it needs more commercial tenants (CBC)

‘Extremely disappointed’: Toronto’s Yorkville Murals festival ending after 7 years amid funding instability from city, organizers say (CP24)

Upper Beaches residents fuming over restaurant smoke, but city says no rules broken (CBC)

Toronto’s FIFA World Cup beaver sculptures up for auction (The Globe and Mail)

Privileged View

Craig White — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400

One of the rarer views of the skyline from across Toronto Harbour is from the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, where the wooden plank docks and the High Performance Sailing Centre (the older building to the left) are visual reminders of bygone days. The ever taller and more crowded horizon behind it all, however, tells you without a doubt that this is 2026.

image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ADRM

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Glazing Enclosing KESKUS Estonian Cultural Centre in The Annex

Anthony Teles — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 16:30:16 -0400

Since UrbanToronto’s early July, 2026 update, glazing has progressed across the three-storey KESKUS Estonian Cultural Centre on Madison Avenue in Toronto’s Annex. Designed by Kongats Architects for the Estonian Credit Union in partnership with the Estonian Foundation of Canada and Tartu College, the project replaces a former Green P lot and incorporates the restored heritage building at 11 Madison Avenue, with restoration led by Robyn Huether Architect. Rising above the TTC’s University Line 1 and Bloor Line 2 tunnels, KESKUS will provide a long-envisioned hub for Toronto’s Estonian community.

From Madison Avenue in late July, 2026, large-format glass panels enclose most of the second and third storeys, spanning the projecting north and south wings and wrapping their courtyard elevations. A central two-storey bay on the west elevation remains open, flanked by new panels that reveal portions of the steel frame and floor plates. Yellow weatherproofing remains exposed along the slab edges and parapets, black perimeter defines the bases of the glazed assemblies, and orange temporary guardrails follow the jagged roofscape. Below, construction vehicles alongside staged formwork and other materials occupy the future courtyard, which is shaped to resemble a map of Estonia.

Looking northeast to glazing progress across the KESKUS courtyard from Madison Avenue, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor rdaner

A closer view shows the south wing’s angular, cantilevered form, with jumbo glazing turning around a full-height structural column and revealing the third floor's steel floor-plate. Metal clamps and hardware align the panels at their open vertical joints, while a bolted black steel base assembly anchors the glass above the recessed ground floor. An unfilled bay to the left awaits glazing, and yellow DensGlass weatherproofing remains uncovered above and below the glazed volume. Through the glass, we see an open rooftop section likely awaiting further glazing.

Looking southeast to the south wing’s cantilevered glazing and exposed facade bays, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor rdaner

Earlier this month, white weatherproofing covers the south elevation. Rows of insulation boards are being installed across the wall’s lower portion above the exposed concrete, with several areas left open. At the corner, the south wing’s full-height glass volume projects over a recessed ground floor, where additional glazing forms a transparent base; the similarly glazed north wing stands across the courtyard.

Looking northeast to glazing and building-envelope work along the south elevation, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor 70Challenger

Glazing now fills much of the ground-floor frontage beneath both projecting wings and extends across the recessed courtyard elevations. The substantially glazed upper storeys reveal steel columns, beams, and circulation areas behind the facade. A blue articulated boom lift and CAT compact track loader occupy the courtyard among pallets, insulation, and other staged materials as crews complete the remaining lower-level bays and future mid-block connection to Huron Street. Tartu College adjoins the site at right, with Cielo Condos rising behind.

Looking east to ground-floor glazing across the north and south wings and central courtyard, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor 70Challenger

Upon completion, the 17.07m-tall centre will contain a performance hall, learning and meeting spaces, offices, a studio, retail space, an Estonian Credit Union branch, a rooftop terrace, and a courtyard connected to Huron Street by a mid-block pedestrian passage. KESKUS remains targeted to open later this year as a permanent home for Estonian cultural, educational, and community programming.

Looking east to the KESKUS Estonian Cultural Centre, designed by Kongats for Estonian Credit Union

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Final Tunnel Segment for Eglinton Line 5 West Extension Fully Mined

Nolan Xuereb — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:30:14 -0400

This past week, the Province of Ontario announced the completion of the final section of tunnelling for the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension. Known as the Mount Dennis Connection, this 500-metre segment of twin tunnels will carry Eglinton Line 5 trains west from the LRT's current terminus at Mount Dennis station toward the elevated viaduct that will carry the line over the Eglinton Flats and into Etobicoke.

Looking west from Mount Dennis station along the northside of Eglinton Avenue West towards the tunnel portal used to access the recently completed tunnel segment, August 11, 2026, image courtesy of the Province of Ontario

This extension will stretch Eglinton Line 5 an additional 9.2 kilometres west across the rest of the former borough of York and the breadth of Etobicoke, terminating shortly after crossing into Mississauga at Renforth Drive, adjacent to the Renforth Drive MiWay, GO, and TTC bus terminal. Once complete, LRTs will continue westward from the current terminus of the recently opened line at Mount Dennis station, stopping at every major arterial along Eglinton Avenue to Toronto's western city limits.

A diagram of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension's route and stations through York, Central Etobicoke and Mississauga, image courtesy of Metrolinx

The Mount Dennis Connection makes up just 500 metres of the nearly 10-kilometre project, situated between the tail tracks of Mount Dennis station—just east of Weston Road—and a new tunnel portal west of Pearen Street, allowing LRTs to avoid the area's steep grade changes.

A map of the ECWE detailing the grade of various segments of the extension, with the recently completed tunnel highlighted in red, April 2026, image courtesy of Metrolinx

Due to the tunnel's short length and a relatively constrained eastern portal beside Mount Dennis station, a tunnel boring machine — the prevalent method for transit excavation in Canada — was not used. Instead, the Mount Dennis Connection was mined "by hand" using heavy machinery and power tools, a technique known as the sequential excavation method. Without the power of a tunnel borer, excavation progressed at a slower pace than typical recent subway construction, taking well over a year to complete after commencing in April 2025, in line with projections of 1 to 2 metres of daily progress.

The start of excavation, using heavy machinery and hand tools in lieu of Tunnel Boring Machines, April 8, 2025, image courtesy of Metrolinx

Once the bedrock, soil, and other subsurface materials beneath Mount Dennis were removed, crews began reinforcing the tunnel walls by casting rows of concrete shells to prevent cave-ins and allow detailed interior work to begin.

Looking through a recently mined segment of tunnel with the Mount Dennis Connection, March 2026, image courtesy of Metrolinx

In the photo below, a heavily reinforced tunnel is visible prior to track laying. (This specific tunnel was built during construction of the now-open portion of Eglinton Line 5.) With excavation on the new extension tunnel complete, crews will carry out similar lining and finishing work inside the Mount Dennis Connection ahead of the eventual installation of track equipment and signalling.

Inside one of the tunnels bored under Eglinton Avenue West, image courtesy of Aecon

As work on the first tunnel segment for the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension progressed, major advances were also made on the soon to be connected elevated guideway. This photo from July 29th captures the complex web of formwork erected to cast the concrete viaduct that will carry the Line 5 extension over both the low-lying Eglinton Flats and the adjacent Humber River.

Looking east towards the skeleton of formwork being used to construct the columns that will carry the ECWE's elevated viaduct over the Humber River, July 29, 2026, image courtesy of UrbanToronto forum contributor jer1961

The grade-changing connection will be facilitated by a tunnel portal currently under construction on the former southern portion of Pearen Park, just west of the intersection of Pearen Street and Eglinton Avenue West. As seen in the photo below, structural work on the portal is well underway, with Eglinton Avenue temporarily narrowed and realigned to make space for the expansive works underway.

Looking east towards the under-construction tunnel portal to the west of Pearen Street that will connect the Mount Dennis Connection to the elevated guideway, August 11, 2026 image courtesy of the Province of Ontario

Once complete, the portal will seamlessly transition Line 5 trains between the underground segment and the open air, and provide riders with views of the acres of parkland that surround the Humber River. The rendering below illustrates the current design for the portal structure and surrounding landscaping, which will feature an extensive tree replanting campaign to replace and expand upon the tree canopy that existed in the park prior to the start of construction here in early 2024.

A rendering looking west towards the Eglinton Flats, as a LRV travels east from the elevated guideway through a tunnel portal, image courtesy of Metrolinx

UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on Eglinton Line 5 West Extension, but in the meantime, you can learn more about it from our Database files, linked below. If you'd like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum threads or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.

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Revised Strachan House Redevelopment Approved at Wellington and Strachan

Anthony Teles — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 13:52:00 -0400

Updated renderings reveal the revised design for the City-owned Strachan House redevelopment, for which City Council approved Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments in July, 2026. Advanced by CreateTO and Homes First Society through Toronto Builds, the DTAH-designed mixed-income community pairs an 8-storey supportive housing building with a revised 29-storey rental tower incorporating the designated Strachan House.

Looking southwest to Strachan House, designed by DTAH for Homes First Society and CreateTO

The irregular 5,530m² site comprises 53 Strachan Avenue and 805 and 805A Wellington Street West at the southeast corner of Wellington and Strachan. It contains the vacant former Strachan House lumber mill, the two-storey Maple Green stable building, the Garrison Flats Community Garden, and critical Toronto Water infrastructure near the southwest corner. The below-grade Metrolinx rail corridor runs along the south, while Stanley Park and its planned extension lie east. Mid-rise residential and commercial buildings line Wellington to the north, 5- to 16-storey residences stand west, and taller towers rise beyond the tracks.

Looking south to the current site, image retrieved from Google Maps

The red-brick planing mill was built in 1888 for John B. Smith & Sons, then one of Toronto’s largest lumber companies. Its industrial use ended in 1967, and Levitt Goodman Architects converted it into Strachan House in 1996. The “StreetCity” supportive housing adaptation, operated by Homes First until 2022, received a Governor General’s Award in Architecture in 1999. The property joined Toronto’s Heritage Register in 2024 and was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act in 2026.

Looking southwest to the previous design from April, 2026 by DTAH for Homes First Society and CreateTOLooking southwest to the previous design for the high-rise's podium, designed by DTAH for Homes First Society and CreateTO

A shared courtyard would separate the 8-storey, 31.4m east building from the 29-storey, 95.96m west tower. The resubmission reduces the latter from 30 storeys but redistributes much of its mass into the base, increasing the southern and eastern podium sections from 3 to 6 storeys.

Looking southwest to the high-rise's podium, designed by DTAH for Homes First Society and CreateTO

The revised plan contains 377 purpose-built rental homes, down five from 382. The mid-rise remains unchanged with 81 affordable supportive units: 63 studios and 18 one-bedrooms. The high-rise drops from 301 to 296 units, comprising 28 studios, 132 one-bedrooms, 106 two-bedrooms, and 30 three-bedrooms; seven would be home-occupation units facing Wellington. Its 60 affordable rentals bring the site-wide total to 141. Despite the shorter tower, Gross Floor Area rises from 33,489m² to 33,909m², divided between 5,437m² in the mid-rise and 28,471m² in the high-rise, for a Floor Space Index of 6.13 times lot coverage.

Site plan, designed by DTAH for Homes First Society and CreateTO

Strachan House would be incorporated into the high-rise’s podium through retention and reconstruction. The north brick wall would remain in place, while the west elevation, eight western bays of the south elevation, and a short eastern return would be dismantled and rebuilt. The mill’s smokestack would also be reconstructed, with interpretive elements recalling John B. Smith & Sons and the later “StreetCity” residence. Plans include 968m² of indoor and 1,072m² of outdoor amenity space, plus 280m² of flexible ground-floor amenity or retail space facing Wellington. The mid-rise would have two elevators, approximately one per 41 units, and the high-rise three, or about one per 100 units.

Ground floor plan, designed by DTAH for Homes First Society and CreateTO

At grade, there would be 14 vehicle spaces — nine resident and five visitor spaces, unchanged from the previous plan — plus two loading spaces accessed from Wellington. The 422 bicycle spaces would comprise 345 long-term and 77 short-term spaces, down from 432. The landscaped courtyard would provide arrival, circulation, and shared outdoor space, while the community garden would move into the adjoining park. Construction would begin with the mid-rise before proceeding to the larger mixed-income component.

Looking southeast to Strachan House, designed by DTAH for Homes First Society and CreateTO

The 63 Ossington bus and overnight 363 service stop at Strachan and Canniff, about a two-minute walk away, while the 504 King streetcar is three minutes away at King and Strachan. The 509 Harbourfront and 511 Bathurst streetcars run along Fleet Street, 520m south. Exhibition GO Station is about 1.5km away on foot, while St Andrew, the nearest Line 1 station, is 2.25km east. Garrison Crossing, 150m east, provides a pedestrian and cycling connection over the rail corridor.

A map of the site and surrounding area, image from submission to City of Toronto

The project joins continuing intensification along King West and through Liberty Village. To the north, the proposed 13-storey Bellwoods House and 17-storey 952 King West would rise near the 19-storey 950 King West, now under construction. To the east, proposals at 689, 778, and 675 King West reach 18, 20, and 21 storeys, respectively, while The Yards ranges from 12 to 39 storeys. Farther west, the 17-storey 1071 King West is under construction as plans advance for Liberty Yard’s three 32- to 36-storey towers and a 44-storey tower at 80 Lynn Williams.

A high-angle view looking southwest to Strachan House, designed by DTAH for Homes First Society and CreateTO

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News Roundup for August 17, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:30:00 -0400

A Toronto developer promised affordable homes for LGBTQ+ youth and seniors, but now it’s bankrupt; province, feds roll out $1B for municipalities that don't charge development fees; Ontario’s top court clears way for Toronto bike lane removal; and other news.

A Toronto developer promised affordable homes for LGBTQ+ youth and seniors. Now it’s bankrupt (The Star)

Province, feds roll out $1B for municipalities that don't charge development fees (CBC)

Ontario’s top court clears way for Toronto bike lane removal (The Globe and Mail)

Mike Layton is running for Toronto city council again, setting up a ‘clash of titans’ in University-Rosedale (The Star)

Zanzibar Tavern owner 'devastated' as Toronto Fire crews tackle fire, heavy smoke (CBC)

Swim

Craig White — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Aqualuna at Bayside, a condo in Toronto's East Bayfront, is a made up of a pair of peaks with a valley in its middle, and at the bottom of the valley? A pool of clear blue water of course, just where you want to enjoy a swim of a warm summer day.

Looking down on the pool between the two peaks at Aqualuna at Bayside, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor hawc

This image comes to us courtesy of UrbanToronto Forum contributor hawc. Want to see your work featured as a Daily Photo? You can post in the City Photos & Videos section of the UrbanToronto Forum, or submit your images to our UrbanToronto Flickr Pool for your chance to be featured on our Front Page.

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Ontario’s Infrastructure Pipeline: Delivery Challenges for Transformative Projects

Guest Columnist, Thomas Bamonte — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:26:00 -0400

The array of projects currently in Ontario’s infrastructure pipeline will transform the province’s transportation network, increasing connectivity and offering relief to overcrowded roads and transit lines. The Ontario Line, Scarborough Subway Extension, and Yonge North Subway Extension will redefine travel patterns for residents throughout Toronto and beyond, while new and expanded rail transit systems in Ottawa, Hamilton and Mississauga are set to improve capacity on busy corridors in their respective cities. Finally, the GO Expansion project is set to end up being one of Ontario’s most transformative infrastructure projects in the past 60 years, with it anchoring the Greater Toronto Area’s continued ascendancy as a global metropolis. Upon their completion, these projects will together accommodate for continued population and economic growth, while also providing opportunities to better integrate the regional transit network with the communities that they serve.

GO trains layover between rush hours at the Don Yard, while a crane related to Ontario Line construction rises in the foreground, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor globalexpress

Yet as these projects have been planned and begun construction, they have been beset by a series of challenges that are in large part a direct result of the province’s infrastructure pipeline being stalled for so long. Because Toronto built so little new transit infrastructure for decades (with the decade-plus gap between the opening of the Sheppard subway and the Spadina subway extension being of particular note), it does not have the homegrown local talent needed to design, build and manage the large-scale projects it currently has in its pipeline. By contrast, cities such as London and Madrid have kept up a consistent flow of new projects that keep their local professionals working and helps train new ones to work on the next phase of projects, with the result that some of the most prominent individuals in the field are from such locations. Metrolinx’s much-maligned reliance on armies of consultants is related to this of this lack of local knowledge and experience: if the Greater Toronto Area had not virtually stopped building subway lines for decades, then the talent necessary for the successful completion of the projects it currently manages would be found here, rather than needing to be imported from places where transit expansion is constantly occurring.

The first fare-paying train on Eglinton Line 5 emerges into the West Don Valley in February, 2026, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor hawc

The myriad problems of the Eglinton LRT demonstrate the issues that arise from not consistently building new transit infrastructure. As the first project of its scale in decades, those working on it (at least the ones who were not brought in from other cities) would have had no experience working on a project of that scale; something that undoubtedly contributed to the delays that afflicted it. At the same time, however, the problems encountered on Eglinton have come to serve as learning experiences, allowing those involved to create conditions for smoother delivery of future projects. This is particularly evident through such changes as revised construction staging and the ways that public-private partnerships used for such projects are now structured differently (for example, the Eglinton LRT used one large contract while work on the Ontario Line has been divided into a series of smaller ones).

Piers for the West Don Valley Crossing rise for the Ontario Line, under construction in Toronto, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor kotsy

In the longer term, as projects such as these (along with others like GO Expansion and Ottawa’s continued rail network growth) continue and are eventually completed, the current burst of projects will allow for smoother delivery of future projects in the pipeline. The amount of ongoing work will allow the growth of a strong local talent pool that possesses the necessary skills to work on future Ontario projects (allowing for a reduction in reliance on expensive consultants), while the challenges faced by earlier projects have provided governments with a better understanding of how best to partner with private consortiums. At the same time, this positive outcome is reliant on the current projects not being a blip in an otherwise disappointing recent history of transit expansion. Rather, in order to retain existing talent and look to the future, the region’s infrastructure pipeline needs to remain open. Future projects (such as extensions to the Sheppard Line 4 subway and Ontario Line 3, or the proposed upgrades to the GO Milton line) should be shovel-ready by the time the current projects are wrapping up, allowing for a continuous stream of ongoing expansions. In addition to the problems described above, for this to occur it will also require an avoidance of the kinds of politicization of transit projects that has plagued projects and regional transit plans in recent decades. The benefits of a free-flowing transit infrastructure pipeline are of the most tangible sort, however, and offer positive outcomes for politicians, professionals and citizens alike.

Exhibition station on the Lakeshore West GO line being expanded to also serve Ontario Line 3, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor kotsy

The above challenges have not gone unnoticed by those involved in the delivery of Ontario’s infrastructure. An event in July hosted by Aphex, a UK-based construction planning company that recently established its North American headquarters in Toronto, brought together professionals from all facets of the industry, and despite the participants ultimately competing against each other for bids, there is a strong consensus that they all need to be ready for what comes next. This acknowledgement serves as recognition that Ontario’s current infrastructure boom is like nothing that has come before it, and those involved are making preparations for it to continue. As this occurs, UrbanToronto will look more deeply into the industry as it gears up to deliver these transformative projects — starting with an upcoming webinar this Fall for which we will be announcing details soon.

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Thomas Bamonte is an urban planner with extensive experience in the real estate industry. He is based in Toronto and blogs at https://theurbanistfoodie.substack.com/

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Site Plan Application Advances Housing Now Towers at Six Points

Anthony Teles — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:20:41 -0400

A Site Plan Approval application (SPA) has been submitted for 28- and 43-storey rental towers at 970 Kipling Avenue, a City-owned Housing Now site in Toronto’s Six Points area. Proposed by Kilmer Group and CreateTO, the submission includes new renderings by Hariri Pontarini Architects, Design Architect, with Graziani + Corazza Architects now acting as Architect of Record.

Looking southeast to 970 Kipling Avenue, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for Kilmer Group and CreateTO

The 8,723m² property occupies Block 5 of the seven-block Bloor-Kipling redevelopment, at the northwest corner of Dundas Street West and Kipling Avenue in Islington City Centre. Currently vacant except for a temporary construction office, it is among seven City-owned development blocks created across 7.24 hectares by replacing the former Six Points interchange with a new street network.

Looking west to the current site, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor HousingNowTO

Block 5 was advanced through CreateTO’s Housing Now initiative, now part of the Toronto Builds framework, with Kilmer Group as developer and lessee. A Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA) submitted in March, 2026 was recommended by the Planning and Housing Committee and adopted by City Council in May, followed by the SPA in June.

A high-angle view looking northwest to the March, 2026 design by Hariri Pontarini Architects for Kilmer Group and CreateTO

The submission retains two towers at opposite ends of a mostly triangular four-storey podium framing a courtyard. The 28-storey tower fronting Kipling Avenue would reach 97.25m, down from 99.7m previously, while the western 43-storey tower would rise 142.7m, down 2.6m from 145.3m.

Looking northeast to the podium, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for Kilmer Group and CreateTO

The plans contain 63,926m² of Gross Floor Area (GFA), including 62,666m² of residential and 1,260m² of retail space, for a Floor Space Index of 7.33 times coverage of the lot. Compared with Zoning allowances, total GFA has decreased by 182m² and residential GFA by 380m², while retail has grown by 199m². The rental count falls by one to 839 units: 10 studios, 318 one-bedrooms, 428 two-bedrooms, and 83 units with three or more bedrooms. All 198 affordable rentals remain.

Site plan, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for Kilmer Group and CreateTO

Indoor and outdoor amenity areas would each total 1,678m², only 2m² less than previously proposed. Seven elevators remain planned (three in the shorter tower and four in the taller one), equating to about one per 120 units, indicating high-speed motors would be needed for provide acceptable response times when all elevators are operational.

Ground floor plan, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for Kilmer Group and CreateTO

Two underground levels would hold 217 vehicle spaces, down from 228. Resident parking falls from 164 to 131 spaces, while visitor parking rises from 36 to 54 and retail parking from 28 to 32. Bicycle parking decreases from 644 to 640 spaces, comprising 571 long-term, 59 short-term, and 10 publicly accessible spaces.

A high-angle view looking northeast to 970 Kipling Avenue, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for Kilmer Group and CreateTO

Kipling station is about 600m away, or an eight-minute walk, with access to Bloor Line 2, numerous TTC buses, GO Transit’s Milton Line, and MiWay regional buses through the wider terminal. The proposed 48km Dundas Bus Rapid Transit corridor would run west from Kipling through Mississauga, Oakville, and Burlington to Hamilton. Protected cycling infrastructure serves Dundas Street West, Kipling Avenue, and Bloor Street West.

An aerial view of the site and surrounding area, image from submission to City of Toronto

The proposal is one of a growing cluster of proposals in Etobicoke Centre. Across Kipling, the Etobicoke Civic Centre is under construction with four connected volumes of seven to 16 storeys, while nearby projects include the under-construction The Stella at 26 and 30 storeys and 3725 Bloor Street West planned at 43 storeys. West of the site, the Six Points Plaza redevelopment proposes six buildings of eight to 45 storeys, beginning with a 36-storey first phase. Other proposals include 8 Jopling Avenue South at 29 and 38 storeys, 5 Jopling South at 39 storeys, 5238 Dundas Street West at 41 storeys, and 4 Beamish Drive at 45 storeys, while the 50-storey Kipling Station Condos is under construction to the southwest.

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Industry Updates: New Home Sales Rise, Resale Inventory Tightens, Rental Funding Announced

Anthony Teles — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:02:06 -0400

This month’s industry updates highlight shifting housing market conditions, new government measures supporting residential construction, and continued professional programming across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Data from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), HouseSigma, and the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) point to tighter resale inventory and improving new home sales, while an expanded HST rebate and a $2.7-billion federal investment aim to support new rental and affordable housing development. At the same time, BILD and the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) are bringing industry members, municipal leaders, and development professionals together through networking events, market discussions, and educational programming.

Toronto skyline, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor hawc

Announcements

BILD and OHBA Report Increase in Second-Quarter New Home Sales
BILD and OHBA report that 8,410 new homes were sold across Ontario during the second quarter of 2026, up 130% from the same period last year. A study commissioned by the organizations attributes an estimated 4,765 of those sales to the enhanced provincial and federal HST rebate program, which removes the sales tax from eligible new homes priced below $1 million. According to BILD, the additional activity helped protect an estimated 17,300 construction jobs and preserve $2.8 billion in economic output, while OHBA expects recently introduced development charge reductions to provide further support for home building.

TRREB Reports Tighter GTA Resale Market Conditions in July
TRREB reports that 5,995 homes were sold across the Greater Toronto Area in July, down 0.9% from a year earlier, while new listings declined 17.8% to 14,484. With supply falling more quickly than sales, market conditions tightened year over year and continued to do so on a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, potentially reducing buyers’ negotiating power. The average selling price declined 4.5% annually to $1,003,956, though TRREB says prices could begin to stabilize if tightening conditions persist and consumer confidence improves.

HouseSigma Reports July Decline in GTA Sales and Inventory
HouseSigma reports that 5,514 homes were sold across 28 Greater Toronto Area municipalities in July, down 12.9% from June and 6.8% from the same month last year. Active inventory declined more sharply, falling 22.3% year over year to 25,677 listings and raising the share of available homes sold during the month to 21.5%. The overall median price fell 4.4% annually to $870,000, while longer listing periods and fewer available properties reflected competing pressures within the market.

BILD Reports Improvement in June GTA New Home Sales
BILD reports that 1,175 new homes were sold across the Greater Toronto Area in June, a substantial increase from the record low recorded a year earlier but still 52% below the 10-year average, with single-family homes driving much of the improvement. Condominium apartment sales rose modestly year over year to 273 units, though they remained 85% below the 10-year average as the sector continued to face pricing constraints and elevated inventory. According to BILD, Ontario’s expanded HST rebate, lower prices, and greater buyer choice are supporting renewed activity, while changes to the rebate’s construction timing requirements could help accelerate a condominium market recovery.

Federal Government Announces $2.7-Billion Toronto Rental Housing Investment
The federal government has announced a $2.7-billion investment over three years to advance more than 18 housing projects and deliver approximately 5,600 rental homes across Toronto. The portfolio will include 1,800 deeply affordable, supportive, or rent-controlled units, with construction expected to begin on 4,500 homes by the end of 2026. Funding will support non-market projects on City-owned land and provide low-cost financing for private-sector developments, while the City of Toronto will contribute land, capital funding, and property-tax exemptions.

Events & Awards

OHBA Reception to Bring Housing Industry and Municipal Leaders Together
OHBA will hold its reception during the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference on August 18 at Metropolitain Brasserie in Ottawa. The event will connect municipal decision-makers with residential development industry leaders for networking and discussions focused on housing and community-building priorities across Ontario.

BILD Builder Invitational Returns to Angus Glen
BILD will hold its Builder Invitational Golf Tournament on August 26 at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, offering members of the residential construction sector an afternoon of golf and professional networking. The members-only event will connect builders, developers, renovators, trades, and suppliers, with each participating group required to include at least one builder, developer, or renovator. This year’s tournament will feature food, refreshments, contests, and hospitality throughout the course, replacing the post-round reception offered in previous years.

BILD to Host Panel Discussion and Tour at Scotiabank Arena
BILD will host a panel discussion and guided walking tour at Scotiabank Arena on September 3, bringing together representatives from Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and developers involved in community-building projects across Toronto. The panel will examine how partnerships have influenced surrounding neighbourhoods, delivered community benefits, and contributed to the city’s continued development, while also highlighting current and planned initiatives. Attendees will then tour areas of the arena not normally open to the public and learn about its history and the $350-million Scotiabank Arena Reimagination Project.

BILD Webinar to Examine Economic and Land Market Outlook
BILD will host a webinar on September 10 examining the economic and land market conditions affecting housing and development across the Greater Toronto Area. BMO Capital Markets senior economist Robert Kavcic will discuss Canada’s fiscal environment, interest rates, and real estate trends, while CBRE vice-chairman Mike Czestochowski will address land supply, demand, and pricing in the GTA. Offered free exclusively to BILD members, the online session is intended to support industry planning and decision-making amid changing market conditions.

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Everyone, from construction workers to brokers to real estate executives are encouraged to share news with us to be featured in our weekly updates. If you have some industry-related news to share, let us know by contacting us here.

Cladding Reaches Upper Floors at Cielo Condos in The Annex

Anthony Teles — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:27:34 -0400

Facade installation has continued at Cielo Condos, the topped-off 34-storey mixed-use condo tower at Bloor and Huron streets in The Annex. Designed by KPMB Architects for Collecdev-Markee Developments, with heritage conservation by ERA Architects, the project incorporates the retained Gothic Revival walls of Bloor Street United Church and the restored George C. Pidgeon House with residential, office, retail, community, amenity, and worship spaces.

From across both Bloor and Huron streets in late July, 2026, the church’s stone walls and green spires remain supported by heritage-retention steelwork, with scaffolding along Bloor and green construction netting on Huron. Behind them rise columns of reflective windows with grey spandrel panels covering slab edges, both framed by projecting white aluminum panels. Installation of the cladding was three floors from reaching the top. Balconies, still awaiting their guards, rise both to the left and on the east elevation to the right.

Looking northwest from Bloor and Huron streets to Cielo’s advancing tower cladding above the retained church walls, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor AlbertC

Looking to the southwest from further up Huron Street, the east elevation in shade below follows the same pattern as the south above, while a similar situation can be seen on the north elevation that's grabbing the late day sun. The exposed concrete of the podium levels reveals that more work remains here: cylindrical columns and canted supports engineered to transfer loads around the active TTC Line 1 and Line 2 subway tunnels below await the extended podium section beams to be constructed here.

Looking southwest from Huron Street to the east elevation, canted columns, and mixed-use podium, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor AlbertC

A close-up from across Huron Street shows the first brick-faced precast panels affixed to podium slab edges beside the retained church wall. Cylindrical reinforced-concrete columns support the projecting slabs.

Looking west from Huron Street to brick-faced precast cladding and exposed podium structure, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor AlbertC

A southwest-facing drone view captures Cielo at its full height, with cladding installed through the uppermost residential floor below the exposed concrete mechanical penthouse. At grade, a second crane can be seen that will be used to construct the north podium, connecting it above the subway tunnels to Pidgeon House. The tower overlooks the low-rise Annex, Toronto’s western neighbourhoods, while Humber Bay Shores, Lake Ontario, and even the Mississauga City Centre skyline appear in the distance.

A high-angle view looking southwest to Cielo’s tower enclosure, mechanical penthouse, and northern podium construction, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor rhinocopter

This month, viewed from the adjacent KESKUS Estonian Cultural Centre's construction site, Cielo’s construction hoist extends up the west elevation. The projecting volume at right is fully clad apart from weatherproofing exposed along its return, while vertical aluminum fins that will frame the balconies have reached approximately the 26th floor.

Looking east from the KESKUS courtyard to the construction hoist and advancing west elevation cladding, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor 70Challenger

From the Bloor Street sidewalk, the tower rises above the meeting of the contemporary podium and retained church walls. Reflective curtain wall framed by horizontal aluminum fins encloses office, community, and residential amenity spaces, while the return awaits finished cladding. Between the podium and stone church tower, an open structural bay lined with heritage-retention steelwork marks the future connection to the reconstructed sanctuary and its worship and gathering spaces.

Looking northeast from Bloor Street to the glazed podium and its connection with the retained Gothic Revival church walls, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor 70Challenger

Cielo Condos stands 130.35m tall and will deliver 349 condominium suites.

A high-angle view looking south to Cielo Condos, designed by KPMB Architects for Collecdev-Markee Developments

* * *

News Roundup for August 14, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:30:00 -0400

Nearly 50% of this Toronto rental tower will be 2- and 3-bedroom units, if the city approves it; a look at what to expect as IndyCar gets underway in Markham; monthly fare capping on the TTC starting September 1st; and other news.

Nearly 50% of this Toronto rental tower will be 2 and 3 bedrooms, if the city approves it (The Star)

What to expect as IndyCar gets underway in Markham (CBC)

Monthly fare capping on the TTC starting Sept. 1 (CP24)

Parrish, Crombie tied in race to become Mississauga’s next mayor, according to poll (Global News)

Ontario unveils new data centre framework amid calls for moratoriums (CBC)

Bullnose

Craig White — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400

The sun sets on another week at UrbanToronto, and on a new building upping the urban quotient in King West. Located just east of where the Kitchener Corridor steampunks its way through the air above King Street, 1071 King West has been designed to get the best out of its wedge-shaped lot with a dramatic bullnose. Clad in a warm red brick, the building basks in the late day afterglow.

1071 King West is Toronto's newest flatiron building, seen here from the Kitchener Corridor underpass, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor smably

This image comes to us courtesy of UrbanToronto Forum contributor smably. Want to see your work featured as a Daily Photo? You can post in the City Photos & Videos section of the UrbanToronto Forum, or submit your images to our UrbanToronto Flickr Pool for your chance to be featured on our Front Page.

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Next CVU and UrbanToronto 2026 Walking Tour August 18

UrbanToronto Staff — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 16:30:00 -0400

UrbanToronto has partnered with the Council on Vertical Urbanism (CVU, formerly the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat) for a 2026 walking tour series. The Transit+Towers: Transit-Oriented Development in Toronto public tours travel along the Yonge corridor from Union Station to Midtown, exploring how subway infrastructure and high-rise development have combined to transform Toronto over more than seven decades.

Organized by CVU’s Canada office, the evening series runs from late May through October, inviting both industry professionals and city-curious residents to experience the city during active hours. Guided stops combine historical insight with observations of present-day streets, buildings, and construction activity, turning the Yonge corridor into an open-air lesson in urban change.

“Transit-oriented development shapes Toronto's most dynamic downtown neighbourhoods, where transit and towers grow up together,” said Isaac Work of CVU. “These tours are an opportunity to understand how the city is being built and who's shaping it. We're proud to partner with UrbanToronto to get people out into the urban classroom, the best venue for understanding how that relationship works on the ground.”

Over two hours, participants will trace the effects of rapid transit on development along Yonge Street, from the subway’s opening in 1954 to the latest wave of intensification. The corridor offers a decades-long record of how access to transit has redirected investment, encouraged density, and altered the mix of uses surrounding Toronto’s stations.

The CVU and UrbanToronto Transit+Towers walking tour stops to hear about about College Park, image by Will Miranda

Starting at Union Station’s Great Hall, the tour moves north through five snapshots of Toronto’s evolution: Union, College Park, Bloor–Yonge, St Clair, and Yonge and Eglinton. Together, the stops span the reuse of historic infrastructure, the challenges of redeveloping major interchange nodes, changing approaches to tower design, and a growing Midtown skyline shaped in anticipation of Eglinton Line 5.

The walk also considers the less predictable forces behind the skyline, including financing challenges that stall or alter projects, heritage considerations that shape new construction, and development that moves ahead before promised transit arrives. With cranes, completed towers, and emerging clusters visible along the way, participants can see how policy, economics, and infrastructure converge (and sometimes collide) on the ground.

Looking up to One Bloor West, sparkling in the sun, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor steveve

CVU’s companion tour, From the Ground Up: The PATH and Pedestrian Toronto, shifts the focus below street level. Setting out from Toronto City Hall, the walk explores how the PATH’s roughly 30km of linked tunnels and concourses move people through the core while influencing the entrances, plazas, and streetscapes encountered above.

Three Transit+Towers walks remain in the 2026 series, each departing Union Station at 5:30 PM:

Tuesday, August 18 — coming soon; reserve the last few tickets now!
Thursday, September 17
Tuesday, October 20

Tickets are available here. Attendees must cover their own TTC fare(s), though the two-hour itinerary should fit within a single fare when tapping with PRESTO or a credit card.

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Demolition Complete, Excavation Underway for TMU Residence at 100 Bond

Anthony Teles — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 14:42:26 -0400

Following yesterday’s demolition update on the Toronto Coach Terminal redevelopment and today’s look at two upcoming University of Toronto student residences, another Downtown student housing project is advancing after demolition. At 100 Bond Street — a project designed by Arcadis and developed by Cedar Podium in partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University — early excavation is underway after the Imperial Pub (which closed in 2025 after 81 years) and adjoining low-rise buildings were cleared. The new building will be a 21-storey residence at the northwest corner of Bond and Dundas streets, just east of Sankofa Square.

Looking west from Bond Street in May, 2026, a yellow excavator fitted with a concrete pulverizer was dismantling the former pub’s low-rise masonry structure, generating dust behind the perimeter fencing, while a second excavator operated beside debris bins to the north. The partially demolished building exposed red-brick party walls, plaster finishes, and severed timber roof and floor assemblies.

Looking west from Bond Street to demolition of the former Imperial Pub, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor bcmc

Seen from Victoria Street Lane, a CAT excavator works behind a pile of brick and mixed debris. Removal of the rear elevation reveals timber floor joists, roof framing, interior partitions, and fractured masonry party walls, illustrating the interconnected construction of the Imperial Pub complex.

Looking east from Victoria Street Lane to the exposed interior of the Imperial Pub complex, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor skycandy

Several days later, the southern buildings were reduced to crushed masonry, splintered timber, and mixed debris being sorted by tracked excavators. Demolition reached 98–110 Bond Street to the north, where removal of the upper storey and roof exposes timber joists, partitions, and the irregular edges of load-bearing brick walls.

Looking northeast as demolition advances to the northern buildings at 98–110 Bond Street, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor skycandy

Later in May, two excavators work across a mound of brick, timber, and steel as the remaining low-rise buildings are razed. A masonry wall fragment retains a gable scar and faded signage marking a vanished adjoining structure, while the gutted basement below contains fractured foundations, residual debris, and standing water.

Looking north across the exposed basement and demolition debris at 100 Bond, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor bcmc

By June, 2026, the northern end was covered by splintered joists and studs mixed with brick, concrete masonry units, plaster, sheet metal, and severed services. Several excavators occupy the cleared footprint, with one bucket resting in a small graded working area opened amid the rubble.

Looking west across the debris pile at the northern end of the 100 Bond site, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor flonicky

Along Dundas Street East, the former pub and neighbouring buildings were reduced to red brick, broken masonry, and timber framing. Sections of basement and foundation wall remain visible behind the street-facing hoarding.

Looking west along Dundas Street East to the cleared former Imperial Pub site, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor flonicky

In late June, two excavators sit atop a consolidated mound of crushed masonry, timber, and mixed demolition waste at the northern end, while a third occupies the rough-graded southern foreground. A partially dismantled neighbouring elevation remains at right.

Looking northwest to excavators sorting demolition debris at 100 Bond, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor FormerTorontonianBackInTO

This month, two tracked excavators work across the cleared southern end as a crew member monitors the operation. One digs into the former building footprint beside a stockpile of excavated soil, with sections of the old masonry and concrete foundations remaining at right.

Looking southwest to early excavation at the southern end of the 100 Bond site, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ProjectEnd

Meanwhile, excavators advance bulk excavation across the northern end, cutting into the former building footprints and stockpiling spoil toward the northeast corner. A compact trench roller and small ride-on roller work over the churned soil, while the exposed subgrade marks the transition to earthworks for the residence’s single underground level.

Looking north across excavation and earthworks at the future TMU residence site, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ProjectEnd

Upon completion, the new TMU student residence will provide 393 suites containing 1,382 beds.

Looking northwest to 100 Bond, designed by Arcadis for Cedar Podium and Toronto Metropolitan University

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Freshly Redesigned U of T Residences to Bring 1,200 Beds to St George Campus

Anthony Teles — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0400

Fresh renderings reveal revised plans for two University of Toronto residences that will add 1,206 beds to the St George campus. New Harbord Residence at 40–56 Harbord Street is a 13-storey residence intended primarily for graduate students, designed by Danish firm COBE Architects, with Toronto-based architects—Alliance as architect of record. Meanwhile, architects—Alliance has also designed a 49-storey residence intended primarily for undergraduate students at 167–171 College Street, at its southwest corner with McCaul Street. Both are being advanced by U of T and private partner Tricon Living.

Looking north to New Harbord Residence, designed by COBE Architects for University of Toronto and Tricon

The designs respond to markedly different contexts: COBE’s broad, landscaped masonry mid-rise addresses the lower-scaled Huron-Sussex neighbourhood, while the slender College Street tower would mark a southeastern gateway to the campus on a street with an increasing number of towers. They are the first projects under U of T’s Build More Housing initiative, pairing university land and residence operations with Tricon’s capital and development platform. Governing Council approved their scope in June, 2026 as U of T confronts a housing shortfall, with just 7,788 residence beds serving more than 71,000 St George Campus students.

Looking west to 167-171 College Street, designed by architects—Alliance for the University of Toronto and Tricon

The 1,537m² Harbord site is between Spadina Avenue and Huron Street, beside Graduate House, and has been vacant since its previous buildings were demolished in November, 2023.

Looking northwest to the current site for 40 Harbord Street, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Paclo

Across campus to the southeast, the 1,087m² College Street site contains two low-rise buildings, including Communications House, both slated for removal. Its downtown surroundings include university, hospital, research, and commercial uses along College Street.

Looking southwest to the current site for 167-171 College Street, image retrieved from Google Maps

Harbord originated as a 2019 application for a 188-bed Graduate House extension that secured Official Plan and zoning approvals but never completed the Site Plan Approval process. Rising construction costs later put the Michael Maltzan Architecture-designed project on hold before U of T revived the site this year as a larger, wholly redesigned residence with Tricon as partner. The College Street site, previously considered for an unbuilt three-storey retail development, was selected through U of T’s 2024 review of near-term housing opportunities. Both projects passed through university governance in Spring of this year, with U of T indicating it would voluntarily submit them for scoped Site Plan review by the City.

Previous design for 40 Harbord Street, designed by Michael Maltzan Architecture for University of Toronto

COBE’s Harbord design is a broad, red-toned masonry building patterned with arched window openings. Larger arches create a transparent ground-floor colonnade, while step-backs march diagonally up its southern frontage and planted terraces articulate the upper massing and carry greenery across the main elevation. The building's irregular profile and landscape-filled openings soften the transition toward Huron-Sussex, with a taller arch emphasizing the eastern end.

Looking north to the ground realm features of New Harbord Residence, designed by COBE Architects for University of Toronto and Tricon

Spanning approximately 8,253m² of Gross Floor Area (GFA), the residence would contain 79 apartments and 282 beds, up from 188 in the previous scheme. Its 17 two-bedroom and 62 four-bedroom apartments are intended mainly for graduate students. Amenities would include a social lounge and communal kitchen, study pods, an outdoor terrace, parcel lockers, shared study and social areas on each residential floor, and a grab-and-go food use at grade.

Looking west through the ground-floor colonade at New Harbord Residence, designed by COBE Architects for University of Toronto and Tricon

At College and McCaul streets, architects—Alliance has arranged the 49-storey tower as stacked volumes separated by projecting transition levels. Red-toned fins and horizontal bands create a fine grid across its glazed elevations, while a transparent corner base would animate the intersection.

The building, spanning approximately 28,295m² of GFA, would provide 302 units and 924 beds, primarily for undergraduates, in two- and four-bedroom semi-suites and apartments. Amenities would include communal kitchens and lounges, study pods, games areas, a gym, laundry facilities, parcel lockers, and ground-floor food and retail uses.

A high-angle view looking southeast to 167-171 College Street, designed by architects—Alliance for the University of Toronto and Tricon

U of T would operate both residences and oversee student life. Each is planned with a green roof, geothermal heating, a high-performance facade, and long-term bicycle facilities, while targeting LEED Gold and Toronto Green Standard Version 5 Tier 1. Their private or semi-private bedrooms and shared study, social, wellness, and kitchen spaces reflect U of T’s 2024 student housing consultation.

The Harbord site is steps from the 510 Spadina streetcar and 94 Wellesley bus, with the streetcar connecting to Spadina station. At College and McCaul, the 506 Carlton streetcar stops nearby, while Queen’s Park station on University Line 1 is a short walk east at University Avenue, and College station is farther east on the Yonge side of the line.

An aerial view of 40 Harbord Street and the surrounding area, image retrieved from Google Maps

Both residences would join ongoing development in and around the St George campus. Northwest of Harbord, the eight-storey Samuel Bennet U of T Residences are proposed, while the four-storey Innis College expansion is under construction farther northeast. Around College and McCaul, plans include the 19-storey Ronald McDonald House to the south, 45-storey 191 College to the west, and, to the east, towers of 24 and 57 storeys at 700 University Avenue and 60 storeys at 149 College Street.

An aerial view of 167-171 College Street and the surrounding area, image retrieved from Googl Maps

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News Roundup for August 13, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:30:00 -0400

In two Toronto communities near new transit, nearly 1 in 10 face eviction; parallel construction projects on Carlton, Wellesley streets frustrating Toronto community; micro-shelter community being built in Scarborough; and other news.

In two Toronto communities near new transit, nearly 1 in 10 face eviction. How can we protect more tenants? (The Star)

Parallel construction projects on Carlton, Wellesley streets frustrating Toronto community (CBC)

Micro-shelter community being built in Scarborough (CityNews)

Ontario’s real estate regulator orders disciplinary hearing for former RECO chair over trust account violations (The Star)

Bradford vows Bloor Street W. bike lanes are 'coming out' if he's mayor (CBC)

Play Time

Craig White — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400

The play areas at Biidaasige Park have been a huge hit since the new treasure in Toronto's Port Lands opened last summer. As fun as the Badlands Scramble, the Snowy Owl Theatre, and Cableway Canyon are on the ground, they are as colourful from the air.

The play area at Biidaasige Park in Toronto's Port Lands has quickly become a city-wide favourite, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor hawc

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What to Fix Next: Part 2, Downtown Toronto TTC Stations

Reece Martin — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 16:45:11 -0400

In ten years, the Toronto Subway will feel like a properly large urban rapid transit system; we will have gone from 2026's 82 subway stations to well over 100, service will have stretched all across the city and into the surrounding suburbs, and the core of the network will be significantly denser thanks to the addition of Ontario Line 3.

The Program

TTC Subway, Light Rail, Streetcar Map, 2026, image via the Toronto Transit Commission

In the first part, we started with the aspects of Toronto's stations that should be looked at across the system. In this second part, we will look at downtown stations that need upgrades. In the final part, we will dig into where particular improvements would benefit particular suburban hubs.

Central City Stations

Union

Ironically, the station that I think probably deserves upgrading the most is actually Union, which got a total overhaul in the not so distant past. The reality with Union is that while it is in pretty good shape, it also clearly needs more capacity. The walkway between Royal Bank Plaza and Union Station proper on the concourse level, as well as the platforms themselves, are insufficiently sized and frequently highly-congested, and this will only increase as the return to the office increases, downtown continues to grow, and GO service massively ramps up, along with more VIA and Ontario Northland rail service as well. One thing that seems worth trying is getting rid of some of the things ringing the fare paid zone of the concourse, including fare payment booths and fare machines and moving these uses to the outer wall of the concourse, allowing for better sight lines and more gates.

Union would also clearly benefit from screen doors to aid those narrow platforms, plus overhauled wayfinding given its location in a complex and ever-changing hub at the centre of the city.

Union subway station's added second platform is a blueprint for other congested stations, image by Reece Martin

Fortunately, there are plans to eventually expand the streetcar portion of the station, which would also add new entrances to the station further to the south in CIBC Square and deeper within Union rail station. Expanding the walkways serving these entrances to improve capacity and also creating a direct connection to Scotiabank Arena from the expanded streetcar platforms seem like sensible additions, as well as potentially adding a small level beneath the current subway platforms (which passengers could be directed to use with new wayfinding) for coming and going to the streetcar platforms from the Vaughan-bound subway platform. This would not increase the number of stair sets these passengers would use, but would relieve congestion on the main concourse level.

Pape, Queen, and Osgoode

For all of Pape, Queen, and Osgoode, I think the needs are similar. These stations need wider platforms to handle passengers using them as walkways to get to the Ontario line (I’m thinking of Queen in particular with its north entrance from the Eaton Centre), and with much higher passenger volumes, since it seems like the Ontario line itself is coming with minimal changes to the legacy stations. They all also ought to have screen doors as the connected Ontario line stations will.

Lots of art and colourful painting which extends onto the ceiling makes Queen station stand out, image by Reece Martin

I also just think that the opening day condition of the Line 1 portion of Eglinton station was just so embarrassing (looked at more in the next part when we look at suburban TTC hubs) that these stations really ought to get a fresh coat of paint, and their ceiling slats put back in time for the other line’s opening. The alternative is the TTC making it clear again to Torontonians that it doesn’t much care about the facilities they use every day — even while Metrolinx seems to do a better job of maintenance and the TTC does not want to give up more responsibility to the provincial agency.

St George

When you consider how massive the daily ridership is at St George, the station really does feel like it has not gotten nearly enough attention. Obviously more than at Union, the whole station needs a new coat of paint, but also honestly a lot more amenities. With Union you can pop into the rail station for food or a washroom, but there isn’t actually a whole lot around St George, so more than almost any other station, some amenities here would be great.

Another thing that is pretty clearly needed is enhanced wayfinding and circulation. The TTC seems to be kicking St George around as another station which needs additional platforms, akin to at Bloor-Yonge, however here that will likely need to come with more new circulation, and potentially a new lower level underneath the currently lower island platform to allow circulation to the new platforms serving trains in the other direction without going all the way up and back down.

TMU (Dundas)

TMU is probably the most undersized station on the Toronto subway system today, acting as the main gateway to Toronto Metropolitan University, as well as to the Eaton Centre, Sankofa Square, and the Yonge Street strip. The station only has entrances from its south end, and lacks much circulation space because it is so shallow that surface entrances connect directly to platform adjacent mezzanines on each side. TMU station therefore is often dangerously crowded.

Some stations like TMU desperately need new entrances for safety, capacity, and to extend their reach, image by Reece Martin

Platform screen doors are an obvious need at TMU given the congestion, but both widening the platforms (even if only in certain areas) and constructing a new northern entrance are also critical. Such a new entrance has seemed to be waiting for a suitable redevelopment at one of the sites adjacent to the north end of the station, but this waiting game should stop and either a property should be expropriated or Elm and Gould streets should be massively shrunk to allow space for substantial entrance structures. These structures should probably feature four escalators and multiple elevators each, providing escalators both to the adjacent platform — southbound for Elm and northbound for Gould, and a new spacious lower concourse where passengers can switch sides. Direct connections into adjacent buildings, and a potential substantial widening of the southbound platform to create a glassed-in out of fare-paid zone walkway would allow the PATH network to extend north to a future development on the Chelsea Hotel site, Aura, and the TMU student learning centre.

Queens Park

Like TMU, Queens Park serves a major university, in this case the University of Toronto, as well as major hospitals and government buildings.

Queens Park in general has seen better days visually speaking, and also really would benefit from a larger line of fare gates. A redundant elevator and modernised escalators would improve access, as would widening the various passageways from the concourse level and getting rid of the various small sets of stairs. Elevators really also ought to be added at each entrance, so that for the privilege of using an elevator one does not need to trek across the huge surface intersection.

More indoor connections also should be made. Connecting indoors to the University of Toronto’s Medical Science building (possibly by way of other buildings) and the new Schwartz Reisman Innovation centre.

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Reece Martin is a well-known advocate for good transit, worldwide. He is based in Toronto and blogs at The Transit Brief.

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Crane Rises as Demolition Wraps at Toronto Coach Terminal Redevelopment

Anthony Teles — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 16:08:29 -0400

Two months after UrbanToronto’s last update, the old Toronto Coach Terminal redevelopment has quickly moved from demolition into construction across its two parcels a couple blocks north of City Hall. On the west portion, excavation for 130 Elizabeth Street’s single underground level is advanced enough that a crane already stands where the future architects—Alliance-designed 44-storey mixed-use rental and institutional tower will rise. Ont he east portion at 610 Bay Street, crews have dismantled the former bus bays and are preparing to excavate two underground levels for a 16-storey mixed-use building designed by Studio Gang, where architects—Alliance is architect of record.

Developed by Kilmer Group and Tricon in partnership with CreateTO, with heritage work overseen by ERA Architects, the project will preserve and restore portions of Toronto’s landmark 1931 Charles Dolphin-designed coach terminal, while bringing market-rate and affordable rental housing, health care, education, and commercial uses to the block.

At 610 Bay in June, 2026, demolition debris fills the foreground. Beyond, partial dismantling of the remaining bus-bay canopy exposes its columns and framing, while a tracked excavator fitted with a concrete pulverizer works alongside compact equipment and support vehicles.

Looking southeast across demolition of the former bus bays at the 610 Bay east site, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ProjectEnd

At 130 Elizabeth in July, 2026, bulk excavation advances for the tower’s single underground level. A large tracked excavator cuts into the remaining soil at the centre of the pit as smaller excavators and support equipment work near the perimeter. A graded earth haul ramp descends from the west side to the excavation floor, with concrete shoring and timber lagging retaining the cut along the property line.

Looking southwest across excavation and perimeter shoring at the 130 Elizabeth west site, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor AlbertC

By late July, the east site’s bus bays have completely disappeared, revealing the parcel’s full length toward Bay Street. Churned soil and heavy-equipment tracks cross the stripped, rough-graded building footprint, while a yellow tracked excavator and green counterpart in the background process a diminishing stockpile of broken concrete and foundation material at the far end.

Looking east across the cleared 610 Bay parcel following demolition of the bus bays, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ProjectEnd

Later that month, crews prepare the reinforced-concrete base for the crane near 130 Elizabeth’s northwest corner, installing a reinforcing-steel cage within timber formwork ahead of the concrete pour. From the west side, a mobile crane extends its boom over the shored excavation and lowers its hoist line into the work zone. Bundled rebar and equipment are staged nearby, while an access ramp descends into the pit from the northeast.

Looking north to tower crane foundation work within the 130 Elizabeth excavation, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor GameOnBrad

Earlier this month, site clearance at 610 Bay is substantially complete, leaving a broad, rough-graded working surface. Excavation has begun near the east end beside the retained portion of the Charles Dolphin-designed heritage bus terminal hall. Bundled components and conduit are staged in the foreground, with soil and other material stockpiled nearby.

Looking southeast across the cleared 610 Bay site toward the retained terminal building, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor AlbertC

From Edward Street, a newly erected luffing-jib crane now rises above the west parcel’s excavation. Blue fencing, hoarding, and temporary overhead protection secure the street frontage.

Looking southwest from Edward Street to the newly erected tower crane at 130 Elizabeth, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor GameOnBrad

Most recently at 130 Elizabeth, a large tracked excavator and compact track loader work across the excavation base around a localized deeper cut. A sloped haul ramp climbs toward the north edge, framed by perimeter soldier-pile-and-timber-lagging shoring. Reinforcing-steel cages, formwork lumber, excavator attachments, and other equipment are staged throughout the pit.

Looking northeast across excavation and foundation preparations at the 130 Elizabeth site, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor busybeaver

Upon completion, the east and west buildings will rise 55.45m and 147.7m respectively, delivering 280 rental homes at 610 Bay and 547 at 130 Elizabeth.

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UrbanToronto Forum Reaches Milestone 50,000 Members!

UrbanToronto Staff — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 15:27:03 -0400

The UrbanToronto Forum has reached a major milestone: we are celebrating having crossed the 50,000 members threshold! More than just a big, round number, those 50,000-plus members represent a community that has spent over two decades documenting Toronto’s growth, exchanging ideas, sharing images, and debating how the city should evolve. We’re commemorating the occasion by thanking everyone who helps make the Forum such an essential part of UrbanToronto.

Toronto skyline, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor skycandy

As of this writing, across 33,394 threads, 50,014 Forum members have contributed 2,341,219 messages and over 750,000 photos providing a historical overview of Toronto development over more than two decades. Together, they form a continually expanding record of what's going on in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, wherever shovels are going in the ground, tracking proposals and construction, sharing in-the-field updates, and examining everything from architecture and transit to planning and public space.

The Forum’s has existed since 2002 as a Toronto-focused discussion space, offering members a local home base as an alternative to global forums such as SkyscraperPage and SkyscraperCity. Initially known as the Toronto Skyscraper Forum, its conversations quickly expanded well beyond tall buildings, covering architecture, planning, transportation, and development news; following a member poll, the community adopted the name UrbanToronto.

Title page for the EZBoard version of the UrbanToronto Forum, captured by WaybackMachine.com

Not long ago, UrbanToronto celebrated 20 years and reflected on how closely the Forum’s evolution has tracked Toronto’s own. After outgrowing the limitations of EZBoard, the Forum was purchased by early member Ed Skira who began to build a wider-reaching UrbanToronto media site. Along the way, our members and staff have chronicled more than two decades of transformation across the region, from individual building proposals and construction sites to major shifts in city-building.

That lasting value comes from what members bring to the UrbanToronto Forum every day, reporting on and debating architecture, planning, transit, parks, politics, and the broader future of the region. Development proposals get examined in detail, construction is followed closely through photographs and reports, and question get answered as contributors share knowledge with fellow city-watchers. There simply wouldn't be an UrbanToronto with the enthusiastic contributions of our Forum members.

An early meet-up of UrbanToronto Forum members, image by Jason Paris

Beyond the members, the Forum is read by about 200,000 people a month from around the globe, and now the conversation takes place on other platforms as well: UrbanToronto has built an audience of 30,100 followers on Instagram; 53,100 followers on Twitter; and 20,300 followers on TikTok, where it has earned 315,400 likes.

To all 50,000-plus Forum members, and to everyone following UrbanToronto across our social channels, thank you for contributing your photographs, updates, questions, knowledge, and opinions to this growing community. Whether you have been here since the early days or have only recently joined the conversation, we invite you to keep watching, documenting, and debating the Toronto region with us. Here’s to the next milestone!

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Four Towers and Eco-Park Proposed for Former Guelph Factory Site

Anthony Teles — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 11:56:02 -0400

One of Guelph’s most impactful redevelopment proposals would transform the former W.C. Wood Plant No. 2 into a mixed-use residential community in The Ward, just east of Downtown, and within a short distance of Guelph Central GO and VIA station. Designed by Giannone Petricone Associates for Wood Development Group, with landscapes by Janet Rosenberg & Studio, the masterplan would introduce towers reaching as high as 23 storeys, lower-rise buildings, and new parkland. The Guelph Junction Railway bisecting the former industrial property would be bordered by an Eco-Park with a multi-use trail, while the surviving factory would be adaptively reused and the neighbouring Sacred Heart Catholic School yard expanded.

A high-angle view looking west to Plant No. 2 Redevelopment, designed by Giannone Petricone Associates for Wood Development Group

Spanning 3.95 hectares, the property comprises 33, 37, 39, and 45 Elizabeth Street, 64 Duke Street, 69 Huron Street, and 60 Alice Street, occupying much of the block bounded by those streets. The railway divides it into two irregular parcels: a northern surface parking lot and a larger southern parcel containing a one-storey warehouse wrapped around the surviving factory. Primarily used for storage, the warehouse also houses food distribution, children’s nutrition, and other community programs. The surrounding historically mixed industrial-residential neighbourhood contains low-rise houses, small businesses, and remaining industrial and commercial properties.

An axonometric view looking northwest to the current site, image from submission to City of Guelph

The site’s industrial history dates to 1916, when the F.E. Partridge Rubber Company built the surviving three-storey factory on Huron Street. Later used for textile and paper-box production, it was eventually incorporated into Plant No. 2 after W.C. Wood acquired the neighbouring Duke Street lumber yard in the late 1960s. The surrounding warehouse followed in the 1970s, with the plant taking its present form by the mid-1980s.

Looking southwest from Huron Street to the current site, image retrieved from Google Maps

The masterplan organizes five buildings across three blocks, placing the tallest elements near the centre and lower forms along the site’s edges. The North Block would contain a central 19-storey tower with a two-storey podium and six-storey park-facing component, a three-to-four-storey building along Elizabeth Street, and four-storey stacked townhouses beside an internal plaza. On the south parcel, the West Block would comprise 14- and 23-storey towers rising from a shared three-storey podium, with six-storey intermediate sections. The East Block would pair a 16-storey tower on a two-storey podium with the three-storey factory, which could receive a two-storey addition. Together, the buildings are estimated to accommodate 825 to 875 homes.

Site plan, designed by Giannone Petricone Associates for Wood Development Group

The proposal calls for 87,900m² of new gross floor area, totalling approximately 94,000m² with the retained factory, for a floor space index of 2.2 times coverage of the site. Potential neighbourhood-serving commercial and community spaces would accompany homes ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, including family-sized apartments, stacked townhouses, and grade-related suites with individual entrances. Approximately 1,050 resident and visitor parking spaces would be provided within one underground level beneath each parcel and structured podium garages, along with about 1,000 long- and short-term bicycle spaces.

Looking west from Huron Street to Plant No. 2 Redevelopment, designed by Giannone Petricone Associates for Wood Development Group

The built-form strategy uses two- and three-storey podiums, intermediate-height wings, and tower separations of at least 25m. Floor-plates would be limited to 1,200m² above the sixth storey and 1,100m² above the eighth, while long facades would be divided into smaller volumes. Approximately 17,400m², or 44% of the site, would form the public realm, including the Eco-Park and rail trail, expanded Sacred Heart schoolyard, and Huron Square outside the restored factory. Plazas, tree-lined private streets, Duke Mews, and a pathway to Alice Street would complete the network.

Looking south from the Rail Corridor to the Plant No. 2 Redevelopment, designed by Giannone Petricone Associates for Wood Development Group

Redevelopment would require demolition, soil remediation, and the relocation of sanitary and storm sewers from beneath the warehouse to the rail corridor. Following separate preparation work on each parcel, phased construction would deliver the three-building North Block (which could proceed independently) and the West and East blocks on the south parcel. The final south-parcel phase would restore the factory and complete the 16-storey tower, Eco-Park, rail trail, Huron Square, Huron Lane, and schoolyard edge.

Plant No. 2 lies within Guelph’s Downtown Major Transit Station Area, approximately 600m, or a seven-to-ten-minute walk, from Guelph Central station. The hub serves VIA Rail and GO Transit’s Kitchener Line, with 22 platforms for Guelph Transit and regional GO buses; additional local stops are found on Elizabeth and Ontario streets. Cycling infrastructure would include the existing and planned all-ages-and-abilities facilities on Elizabeth Street and an on-site multi-use path extending the Guelph Junction Railway trail network.

An aerial view of the site and surrounding area, image from submission to City of Guelph

Farther west, a cluster of higher-density proposals is emerging around Guelph Central station. These include a 14-storey development at 26–40 Carden Street, a new main library under construction at the 17- and 19-storey Baker District Redevelopment, a 23-storey proposal at 58 Wellington Street East, and a 25-storey development at 70 Fountain Street East.

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News Roundup for August 12, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 09:30:00 -0400

Brad Bradford pledges to rip up Bloor Street bike lanes, build up ravine trails if elected mayor; Toronto charity building micro-shelter village in Scarborough; estimated cost of Toronto’s Ontario Line 3 has tripled, Metrolinx CEO says; and other news.

Brad Bradford pledges to rip up Bloor Street bike lanes, build up ravine trails if elected mayor (The Star)

'Everyone is chipping in to make this happen': Toronto charity building micro-shelter village in Scarborough (CBC)

Estimated cost of Toronto’s Ontario Line has tripled, Metrolinx CEO says (The Globe and Mail)

Toronto’s Ontario Line now costs $2B per kilometre. Why is building transit here so expensive? (The Star)

Ontario Line cost jumps to $34B, more than triple amount initially projected (CBC)

Hazel McCallion LRT construction likely won’t be done until 2027: Metrolinx CEO (CityNews)

Toronto tenants say federal cash is going to developer who plans to demolish their homes (The Star)