UrbanToronto

Construction Continues on Phase 2 at The Residences at Central Park

Anthony Teles — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 17:00:00 -0400

Since UrbanToronto’s last update in May, 2026, construction has continued to advance on the three towers of Phase 2 at The Residences at Central Park in North York’s Bayview Village area. Designed by Core Architects for Amexon Development Corporation, a 19-storey and two 31-storey residential towers are being built to the south of the completed Phase 1 building. The 12-acre masterplanned community sits just north of Leslie station on Sheppard Line 4, with the Oriole GO station waiting for funding to be moved within steps of the site too.

At the start of this month, Phase 2 continued its rise just above-grade, mostly hidden behind hoarding. Only one more floor has been added in a month, but this is where the floor-plates are the largest, at the top of the parking garage and the main floor of the podium that ties all the towers of Phase 2 together. Around the central crane, shoring and scaffolding support decking for the main floor slab, while newly poured concrete columns topped with projecting rebar define where the next forms will be set up.

Looking northeast to ongoing Phase 2 construction, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor CLT

Looking east from a passing GO train, Phase 2's three cranes can be seen behind a protective wall built beside the rail corridor, where work on the podium's main level is reflected in new concrete columns and shear walls. Beyond, the mature tree canopy of the East Don River ravine provides the natural setting that has shaped the masterplan, with the future Central Park Common and planned pedestrian connections (including a direct stairway to the ravine trail system) set to further merge the community with its surrounding parkland.

Looking east to the three cranes for Phase 2, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor yrt+viva=1system

Seen at night, the completed 31-storey Phase 1 tower is now illuminated as occupancy progesses, its lit suites bringing the building to life above the East Don River ravine. Continuous projecting balcony bands wrap each floor-plate. Below, the six-storey podium features a grid of white precast panels framing recessed balconies. At grade, the brightly illuminated double-height lobby animates the frontage through full-height glazing, with newly landscaped sidewalks, street lighting, and planting beds beginning to establish the public realm that will eventually connect with the broader Central Park Common.

Looking east at night to the occupied Phase 1 tower, image by Ed Skira

The wider masterplanned community will continue to take shape as future phases are completed, centred around the three-acre Central Park Common. Planned as the project’s social and pedestrian heart, the landscaped open space will feature a central lawn, timber seating platforms, shaded café-style gathering areas, a curved trellis pavilion, and pedestrian promenades linking the five buildings. Approximately 35,000 ft² of retail space will activate the shared podium frontages, complemented by additional indoor and outdoor amenity spaces.

Central Park Common, image courtesy of Amexon Development Corporation

At full build-out, The Residences at Central Park will deliver 1,478 residential suites across five buildings ranging in height from 46.5m to 105.9m.

Looking northeast to The Residences at Central Park, designed by Core Architects for Amexon

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.

Industry Updates: Development Charge Reductions, Rental Growth, Infrastructure Investment

Anthony Teles — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:51:29 -0400

This month’s industry updates highlight continued efforts to accelerate housing delivery, alongside announcements affecting transportation, public infrastructure, and city-building across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. New initiatives from the City of Toronto and Mississauga include development charge reductions, transit-oriented planning reforms, and funding applications for housing-enabling infrastructure. At the same time, organizations including the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA), and Infrastructure Ontario continue advancing industry advocacy, procurement, professional development, and networking opportunities, while developers announce new rental projects and construction milestones across the Greater Toronto Area.

Toronto skyline, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor thecharioteer

Announcements

Arcadis Expands Western Canada Leadership Team
Arcadis has announced three senior appointments supporting the continued growth of its Western Canada practice, welcoming Maren McBride as Principal and Landscape Architect, Antoine Henry as Senior Project Manager, Transportation Engineering, and Sahar Safaie as Disaster and Climate Risk Management Specialist. Collectively bringing experience across landscape architecture, transportation infrastructure, urban design, and climate resilience, the new leaders strengthen the firm’s multidisciplinary capabilities in delivering complex city-building, mobility, and environmental projects.

BILD and OHBA Welcome Toronto Development Charge Reductions
BILD and the OHBA have welcomed the City of Toronto’s new Development Charge Reduction Program, which will lower development charges by 40% to 60% through funding provided under the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build. Industry organizations say the reductions will improve project viability by helping offset rising construction costs, encouraging new housing starts, and supporting employment across the residential construction sector. The announcement marks the first municipal agreement under the provincial and federal program.

Station House Toronto Earns Rainbow Registered Accreditation
Hazelview Investments' Station House, a purpose-built rental community, has received Rainbow Registered accreditation from Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce, recognizing its commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for residents, employees, and visitors. Opened in 2026 at Bloor and Dufferin as part of the Bloor Crossing masterplanned community, the development adds more than 1,100 rental homes to Toronto’s west end while becoming Hazelview’s ninth residential community to receive the national designation.

Starlight Marks Topping-Off at Donvale Commons Rental Development
Starlight Investments has reached the topping-off milestone at Donvale Commons, its purpose-built rental infill development near Sheppard Avenue East and Don Mills Road, marking completion of the building’s structural frame as work advances toward occupancy. The project will deliver 160 new rental homes, including a nine-storey apartment building and three blocks of townhomes, while improving an existing rental property through new landscaped spaces and resident amenities. Donvale Commons forms part of Starlight’s broader infill development strategy.

Mississauga Seeks $2.2B for Housing-Enabling Infrastructure
The City of Mississauga has identified five major infrastructure projects as part of its application for up to $2.2 billion through the new Development Charges Reduction Program under the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build. The proposed investments include transit facilities, community centres, road infrastructure, and a downtown convention and music venue, with the projects collectively intended to support tens of thousands of new homes while accommodating future growth. Mississauga’s application follows the City’s decision to reduce development charges by up to 100% and builds on a series of recent housing initiatives.

Infrastructure Ontario Prepares RFQ for PTSI Centre of Excellence
Infrastructure Ontario and Runnymede Healthcare Centre have provided advance notice of an upcoming Request for Qualifications for the Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) Centre of Excellence for First Responders, with procurement expected to begin later this month. The combined RFQ will invite teams to prequalify for the construction of two facilities (a five-storey clinical hub in Toronto and a residential recovery centre in Caledon) that together will establish Canada’s first dedicated treatment network for first responders and frontline healthcare workers experiencing post-traumatic stress injury.

Province Awards Contract for Ontario Place Parking Structure
The Ontario government has awarded a $198 million design-build contract to Pomerleau for a new five-storey parking structure at Ontario Place, following a competitive procurement process led by Infrastructure Ontario. The provincially owned facility will provide up to 3,500 parking spaces, approximately 680 electric vehicle charging stations, bicycle parking, and bus facilities, forming part of the broader redevelopment of the waterfront destination. According to the Province, the garage is expected to generate up to $60 million in annual revenue while supporting future attractions, including the new Ontario Science Centre and expanded public parkland.

Prominent Torontonians Call for Review of Airport Expansion Plans
More than 20 prominent Toronto public figures, including former elected officials, business leaders, and cultural leaders, have signed an open letter urging the federal government to pause proposed expansion plans for Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport pending further public consultation and review. Organized through the Reality Check campaign, the letter calls on the federal government to maintain the existing Tripartite Agreement until a comprehensive, evidence-based long-term plan for Toronto’s Inner Harbour is publicly presented and debated. The initiative raises questions surrounding transportation, environmental impacts, waterfront planning, and regional airport capacity.

Hazelview and Sierra Break Ground on Leaside Rental Project
Hazelview Investments and Sierra Corporation have broken ground on a new 15-storey purpose-built rental building at 383-389 Cleveland Street in Toronto’s Leaside neighbourhood, delivering 217 rental homes along the Eglinton Line 5 corridor. Originally planned as a condominium, the project has been redesigned as rental housing and will include 43 affordable units, 33 accessible suites built to CSA standards, and a range of family-sized homes supported by federal, municipal, and private investment. The development also marks Hazelview’s first project to incorporate a geothermal heating and cooling system, with occupancy anticipated in 2028.

Toronto and Ontario Advance Gardiner and DVP Upload
The City of Toronto and Province of Ontario are advancing the final stages of an agreement that will transfer ownership and responsibility for the Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway to the Province in Fall 2027 as part of the Ontario–Toronto New Deal. The upload is expected to relieve the City of its largest state-of-good-repair liability, unlocking approximately $1.9 billion over the next decade for investments in transit, housing, municipal infrastructure, and other civic priorities. Until the transfer is complete, the Province will provide up to $353 million for the operation and maintenance of the two expressways, in addition to funding previously allocated for ongoing maintenance and rehabilitation work.

Mississauga Advances Transit-Oriented Pre-Zoning Initiative
Mississauga’s Planning and Development Committee has approved a plan to pre-zone lands across 35 Major Transit Station Areas, streamlining approvals for higher-density, mixed-use development along key transit corridors. The initiative establishes zoning standards in advance, reducing planning hurdles and supporting the City’s long-term goal of accommodating up to 114,000 new homes while concentrating growth around the Hurontario-Main Line 10 LRT, Transitway, and other higher-order transit routes. The proposed zoning amendments implement the City’s Official Plan 2051 and form part of a larger strategy to accelerate housing delivery and create transit-supportive communities.

Events & Awards

City of Vaughan Communications Team Earns National PR Award
The City of Vaughan’s Communications, Marketing and Engagement department has earned Bronze for In-House Team of the Year at the Canadian Public Relations Society’s 2026 Awards of Excellence, recognizing leadership, collaboration, and measurable impact in organizational communications. Vaughan was recognized alongside organizations including the University of Toronto and SickKids, with the award highlighting the department’s work in strategic communications, digital engagement, and community outreach.

BILD to Host Economic and Land Market Update Webinar
BILD will host a members-only Economic & Land Market Update webinar on July 13, bringing together industry experts to discuss economic conditions and development trends affecting the Greater Toronto Area. Economist Marc Ercolao of TD will provide an overview of the broader economic outlook, including consumer confidence, household debt, and CUSMA-related considerations, while CBRE Vice Chairman Mike Czestochowski will examine current conditions in the GTA land market.

BILD to Host Custom Builder and Renovator Summer Social
BILD will host its annual Custom Builder & Renovator Summer Social on July 23 at The Brick Midnorthern Commercial Design Centre in Richmond Hill. Designed as an informal networking event, the evening will bring together custom builders, renovators, and other industry professionals to connect and exchange ideas in a showroom setting featuring kitchen and interior design displays. Attendance is limited to encourage meaningful networking opportunities among members and professionals from across the residential construction sector.

OHBA Golf Classic Returns This July
The OHBA will host its annual Golf Classic on July 29 at Lionhead Golf Club in Brampton, bringing together homebuilding and development professionals for one of the association’s signature networking events. The tournament offers members an opportunity to strengthen industry relationships while connecting with builders, developers, consultants, and other stakeholders from across Ontario. The event combines recreational activities with professional networking.

OHBA to Host Reception During AMO Conference
The OHBA will host its annual reception alongside the Association of Municipalities of Ontario Conference on August 18 in Ottawa, bringing together municipal leaders and representatives from the residential development industry. The event is intended to encourage dialogue between local decision-makers and industry stakeholders on housing delivery, planning, and growth-related policy issues.

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42-Storey Rental Tower Proposed in Glen Park

Anthony Teles — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:59:10 -0400

In Toronto’s Glen Park neighbourhood, Sydbrook Capital is proposing what could become the tallest building in the area. Designed by KIRKOR Architects and Planners, the 42-storey purpose-built rental tower at 673 Coldstream Avenue would rise near Glencairn station on University Line 1, adding to the accelerating wave of high-rise applications within the Glencairn and Lawrence West Protected Major Transit Station Areas.

Looking southwest to 673 Coldstream Avenue, designed by KIRKOR Architects and Planners for Sydbrook Capital

The proposal applies to an assembly of 673, 675, 677, and 679 Coldstream Avenue, just east of Marlee Avenue and half a block north of Glengrove Avenue West. The rectangular site is currently occupied by four one- and two-storey detached houses that would be demolished to make way for the redevelopment. The surrounding streets remain predominantly low-rise residential, with detached homes bordering the site to the north, south, and west, although the broader Marlee-Glen Park neighbourhood is undergoing rapid transformation as numerous mid- and high-rise residential developments are proposed.

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

WND Associates has submitted Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications to the City of Toronto on behalf of the developer. The proposal envisions a 42-storey residential building rising from a seven-storey plus mezzanine podium, reaching a height of 145.15m. Above the podium, the tower would step back beginning at the eighth floor, where an outdoor amenity terrace would wrap the building.

Looking southeast to 673 Coldstream Avenue, designed by KIRKOR Architects and Planners for Sydbrook Capital

The building would contain 32,759m² of residential Gross Floor Area, producing a Floor Space Index of 14.42 times coverage of the 2,273m² assembly. A total of 461 purpose-built rental apartments are proposed, comprising 301 one-bedroom units, 112 two-bedroom units, and 48 three-bedroom units. Vertical circulation would be served by four elevators, equating to approximately one elevator for every 115 residential units, indicating high-speed motors will be required for adequate response times.

Site plan, designed by KIRKOR Architects and Planners for Sydbrook Capital

Residents would have access to 1,056m² of indoor and 789m² of outdoor areas distributed between the ground floor, seventh floor, and rooftop, with landscaped outdoor spaces at grade. The tower would ahve an 800m² typical floor-plate. Three underground parking levels would accommodate 93 vehicle parking spaces, including 87 resident spaces and six visitor spaces. The proposal also includes 518 bicycle parking spaces, split between 415 long-term spaces and 103 short-term spaces.

Ground floor plan, designed by KIRKOR Architects and Planners for Sydbrook Capital

The site is approximately a 450m walk from Glencairn station on University Line 1, while Lawrence West station is roughly 700m away. Surface transit is available via nearby TTC bus routes, providing connections to the subway network and Eglinton Line 5. Active transportation options include bike lanes along Marlee Avenue and nearby cycling facilities on Glencairn Avenue, Roselawn Avenue, and Elm Ridge Drive, complemented by access to the York Beltline Trail, Viewmount Park Trail, and Wenderly Park Trail.

An axonometric view looking south to 673 Coldstream Avenue and the surrounding area, image from submission to City of Toronto

The proposal joins a growing concentration of high-rise redevelopment plans transforming the Marlee-Glencairn area. These include 111 Wenderly Drive at 13 storeys and 726-736 Marlee Avenue at 26 storeys to the northwest, followed by the 24-storey Marlee Condos proposal and the 38-storey 699 Lawrence West development farther north. South of the site, The Wilde is planned at 30 storeys, while the area surrounding Glencairn station has emerged as a focal point, with proposals including 280 Viewmount at 33 storeys, 253-263 Viewmount at 36 and 39 storeys, 351-377 Marlee Avenue at 37 and 39 storeys, 262-274 Viewmount Avenue at 39 storeys, and 250 Viewmount Avenue at 40 storeys.

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News Roundup for June 25, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:30:00 -0400

A look at Toronto condo multiplexes seeing an HST rebate bump, as questions arise on whether it will last; Council to consider motion calling on Live Nation Canada to reduce Rogers Stadium noise; internal Ford government notes admit it will ‘not reach’ 1.5M homes target; and other news.

These Toronto condo multiplexes are seeing an HST rebate bump. Will it last? (The Star)

Council to consider motion calling on Live Nation Canada to reduce Rogers Stadium noise (CBC)

Internal Ford government notes admit it will ‘not reach’ 1.5M homes target (Global News)

‘Every dollar counts’: Pride Toronto seeks help to close $700K shortfall (CTV News)

World Cup bringing boost to local businesses (CityNews)

Community rallies to save 150-year-old Parkdale tree from possible development (CBC)

Canada Pension Plan manager sells Toronto office at $74.5-million loss to move to new building (The Star)

Ontario passenger rail changes could speed up travel, link to Alto: mayors (Global News)

Toronto saw significant increase in speeders after camera removals: city report (CBC)

When the CN Tower opened 50 years ago, there were secrets. These are the stories they couldn’t tell you then (The Star)

Path to the City

Craig White — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

In Toronto's Port Lands, Biidaasige Park brings lush landscapes alongside the new mouth of the Don River to a place that has spectacular views of the Downtown waterfront skyline. Follow this path, and around a bushy meander of two you will seemingly end up at the foot of one tall building or another, possibly looking up at SkyTower at Pinnacle One Yonge, set to wrap up construction late this year as Canada's tallest building.

A path through Biidaasige Park seems to lead from a wilderness to civilization, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Rascacielo

This image comes to us courtesy of UrbanToronto Forum contributor Rascacielo. 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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290 Old Weston Road Seeks More Height Near Future UP Express Station

Anthony Teles — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 17:00:00 -0400

Since receiving Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) approval for 29 storeys in 2022, plans for 290 Old Weston Road have been revised, now seeking 36 storeys via a Minor Variance application. Designed by Architecture Unfolded for i-Squared Developments, the proposal is planned steps from the future St Clair–Old Weston UP Express station in the intensifying Keele-St Clair area of Toronto.

Looking southwest to 290 Old Weston Road, designed by Architecture Unfolded for i-Squared Developments

The mostly triangular assembly of 290 Old Weston Road and 21 and 23 Old Weston Road butts up against the CPKC/Metrolinx Kitchener rail corridor. Formerly occupied by Cadet Cleaners and associated industrial uses, the brownfield site has since been cleared and remains vacant. The surrounding area is undergoing significant change as former employment lands and underused properties give way to mixed-use redevelopment.

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

In 2020, i-Squared Developments proposed a 29-storey mixed-use tower designed by TACT Architecture. The proposal ultimately received OLT approval in June, 2022, permitting a 29-storey residential building with office uses and a maximum of 370 dwelling units. Since then, a growing concentration of taller transit-oriented developments has been proposed in the area. Now, McCarthy Tetrault LLP has submitted a Minor Variance application to the City of Toronto on behalf of the developer.

Looking west to the previous design by TACT Architecture for i-Squared Developments

A 36-storey tower would rise from the western portion of the site to a height of 120.2m, replacing the previously approved 29-storey, 98.55m design. Along Old Weston Road, a separate six-storey office building would stand 28.86m, compared to the previous plan where office space was integrated into the podium of a single mixed-use building.

Across the site, Gross Floor Area (GFA) would increase from 23,509m² to 35,314.66m², yielding a Floor Space Index of 7.48 times coverage of the 6,963m² property. Residential GFA would grow from 18,866m² to 33,349m², while office space would be reduced from 4,643m² to 1,966m². The residential program would expand from 277 to 452 units, comprising 284 one-bedroom, 129 two-bedroom, and 39 three-bedroom-plus units. Four residential elevators are proposed for the tower, equating to approximately one elevator for every 113 units, indicating high speed motors would be required to provide adequate response times when all elevators are operating.

Site plan, designed by Architecture Unfolded for i-Squared Developments

Plans call for 16 affordable and supportive housing units to be operated by the Luso Canadian Charitable Society. According to the applicant, the revised design adds an additional supportive housing floor beyond what had previously been contemplated through discussions with City staff.

Residents would have access to 933m² of indoor and 905m² of outdoor amenities. Below grade, the development would be served by a four-level underground garage, one level more than the three-storey garage approved in 2022. Vehicular parking would increase from 157 to 240 spaces, including 216 resident spaces and 24 visitor spaces. Bicycle parking would include 205 long-term and 46 short-term spaces, alongside 11 employment spots.

Ground floor plan, designed by Architecture Unfolded for i-Squared Developments

The site is roughly 200m south of St Clair Avenue West, placing it within a short walk of TTC streetcar service along the corridor and bus routes operating on Old Weston Road. The future St Clair–Old Weston station on the Union Pearson Express corridor — a catalyst for intensification throughout the surrounding area — is to be approximately 550m north of the site.

The growing cluster of high-density developments include an 11-storey building proposed at 1745 St Clair Avenue West to the northeast. To the north, 1799 St Clair Avenue West would introduce three towers ranging from 42 to 50 storeys, while 189 Old Weston Road to the south proposes three buildings between 11 and 39 storeys. Northwest of the site, proposals include the 33-storey 611 Keele development and Juno Residences, planned with 28- and 35-storey towers. Further north and west, 77 Union would add five towers ranging from 22 to 39 storeys, while the St. Clair–Old Weston Station Transit-Oriented Community envisions three towers rising between 47 and 56 storeys.

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Inside Forma: Touring the Engineering Behind Frank Gehry’s Toronto Towers

Anthony Teles — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:30:26 -0400

Yesterday, UrbanToronto joined members of Forma’s project team for a guided tour of the construction site. Designed by the late Frank Gehry and his Los Angeles-based Gehry Partners, with Toronto's Adamson Associates Architects as Architect of Record, the two-tower development from Great Gulf, Dream Unlimited, and Westdale Properties will ultimately include an 84-storey ‘supertall’ tower reaching 308m, set to become the tallest building ever designed by the Toronto-born architect, but currently it's Forma's 73-storey East Tower which is rising above King Street West in Toronto’s Entertainment District, while its stainless steel facade grows upwards floor by floor.

Looking northwest to Forma, image by Anthony Teles

The tour began with opening remarks from representatives of Canadian engineering titan Smith + Andersen and Westdale Properties in a gallery space at the sales office dedicated to Gehry and the project.

Scale model of Forma in the gallery space, image by Anthony Teles

Attendees were next taken into the tower’s lower levels to examine mechanical and electrical installations, the first stop taking place in the basement-level Enwave room, where representatives from Smith + Andersen outlined the building’s heating and cooling strategy. Forma is connected to Enwave’s district energy network, which supplies chilled and heated water to much of Downtown Toronto. The team explained that while the system is often associated with Deep Lake Water Cooling, lake water itself does not enter the building. Instead, cold water drawn from Lake Ontario cools Enwave’s distribution network through a series of heat exchangers, with Forma receiving chilled water that is then transferred through its own heat exchange equipment. Heating is supplied through a combination of technologies within the district energy system, including heat recovery processes, heat pumps, and conventional heating sources.

Unlike most residential towers, Forma avoids the prominent mechanical louvres that often punctuate facades, so the engineering team divided the building into three vertically stacked zones, with mechanical equipment distributed through a series of levels higher in the tower to serve each section efficiently. The main plant room is located on Basement Level 4, a space that would typically be considered too compressed for equipment of this scale, though according to the project team, the room was enlarged relative to a conventional installation to fit the required systems.

Enwave equipment installed in the basement, image by Anthony Teles

The tour then moved to the generator room on Basement Level 2, where the electrical team reviewed the tower's backup power equipment. Among the features is a large emergency generator paired with a remote radiator system that extends upward to approximately the fifth floor, allowing heat generated during operation to be dissipated elsewhere. Adjacent electrical distribution infrastructure and dedicated cooling equipment support the installation, while its location directly beneath the loading dock was selected with long-term maintenance and equipment replacement in mind.

The next stop was on Level 21, where representatives from RJC Engineers, EllisDon, and members of the facade team discussed the development and installation of the building envelope. RJC’s involvement dates back to the project’s early design stages in 2017 and 2018, when the team began working alongside Gehry Partners and Italian facade contractor Permasteelisa Group to develop a custom system capable of realizing the project’s unconventional geometry. Before installation could begin, a full-scale performance mock-up underwent extensive testing, including evaluations for air infiltration, water penetration, structural movement, wind loading, and maintenance impacts.

Sample stainless steel cladding panel, image by Anthony Teles

Standing beside active installation work, the team explained that Forma’s glimmering exterior is composed of approximately 1,700 unique stainless steel panels, produced through a manufacturing process spanning facilities in Italy and Montreal. Each panel begins as a laser-cut sheet marked with precise locations for bends and fasteners before being individually formed using specialized presses. Installation methods vary depending on location within the building, with the smaller residential-floor panels lifted into place using spider cranes, while larger podium-level sections required tower-crane lifts and custom monorail systems to navigate the tight urban site.

Sample folded stainless steel facade panel, image by Anthony Teles

The final portion of the tour focused on the tower’s structural engineering, beginning with a ride to Level 32 before continuing upward via stairs to Level 35, at the current base of the Rail Climbing System, where representatives from RJC Engineers discussed how the building’s form is achieved. Both Forma towers are organized into a series of vertical “stacks” that correspond with changes in the massing. While the primary reinforced concrete shear wall system continues largely uninterrupted from the tower floors to the foundation, perimeter columns shift position at transition levels, requiring substantial transfer structures and cantilevered elements to support the changing floor-plates.

RJC representatives discuss the development of Forma's building envelope, image by Anthony Teles

Wind loads become increasingly significant at higher heights, influencing everything from the foundation design to the concrete mix used throughout the building. The project relies on high-strength concrete, heavily reinforced structural walls and columns, deep foundations anchored into bedrock, and extensive wind-tunnel testing conducted by RWDI. A slosh damper near the top of the tower will help control occupant comfort by reducing perceptible movement during high winds. On the construction side, rail-climbing formwork systems have helped EllisDon maintain floor cycles of roughly a week despite the complexity of the structure.

Rail Climbing System at the 35th floor, image by Anthony Teles

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Toronto Secures $1.5B for Infrastructure, Affordable Housing

Anthony Teles — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:25:34 -0400

The City of Toronto has secured up to $1.5 billion in federal and provincial funding to support major infrastructure projects. Announced yesterday by the City, the Province of Ontario, and the Government of Canada, the funding will flow through the Development Charge Reduction Program as part of the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build. In exchange, Toronto will reduce development charges by 40% to 60%, depending on housing type, between 2026 and 2029, with the funding helping offset revenues that would otherwise be used to fund growth-related infrastructure identified in the City’s 10-Year Capital Plan.

“People should be able to afford a home in our city. Today’s announcement will make that easier while creating tens of thousands of good jobs in Toronto,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “Through our strong partnership with the Provincial and Federal government, we’re reducing the cost of building new homes and ensuring the City can keep investing in the infrastructure we need to support communities.”

Beyond lowering housing-related charges, the funding package is intended to support a range of transportation and municipal infrastructure projects already identified in the City’s capital program. Proposed investments include the purchase of new TTC buses and modernization of Line 2 signalling to increase service capacity, alongside watermain upgrades serving the Lower Don Lands and South Leslieville.

Road and transportation improvements identified under the program include the Liberty Village New Street project, reconstruction of the Scarlett Road rail overpass, widening of Steeles Avenue East between Tapscott Road and Ninth Line, improvements along John Street between Front and Stephanie streets, the southward extension of Broadview Avenue at Eastern Avenue, upgrades to the St Clair Avenue West corridor between Keele Street and Old Weston Road, and a new road connection extending Tradewind Avenue north to Sheppard Avenue East to connect with Doris Avenue in the North York City Centre area.

“Together, we’re building Ontario and Canada strong,” said Gregor Robertson, Federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister Responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. “By partnering with Ontario, the federal government is helping speed up housing construction by lowering upfront costs and investing in housing-enabling infrastructure projects — building strong, resilient communities that boost housing supply and drive economic opportunities.”

Toronto skyline, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor hawc

The City estimates that the development charge reductions, combined with the associated infrastructure investments, could help unlock more than 44,000 new homes while providing roughly $1.95 billion in relief to the development industry. Under the proposed framework, development charges would be reduced by 60% for single-detached and semi-detached houses, dwelling rooms, and apartments or multi-unit homes containing two or more bedrooms, including condominium and rental units. Studio and one-bedroom apartments and multi-unit homes would receive a 40% reduction. The Province estimates the changes would lower costs by approximately $83,000 for a newly constructed single or semi-detached home in Toronto, with further savings available through the temporary removal of the provincial and federal portions of the HST on new homes.

“We know that it costs too much and takes too long to build new homes in Ontario,” said Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack. “Our government will continue to work with our municipal and federal partners to break down these barriers and get more homes built.”

The announcement is also being used to advance the City’s purpose-built rental housing objectives. With the infrastructure funding expected to reduce pressure on development charge revenues, Toronto is launching a second phase of its Purpose-Built Rental Housing Incentives Stream, offering indefinite development charge deferrals for rental projects that dedicate at least 20% of their units as affordable housing. The new phase is expected to support up to 10,000 rental homes, including a minimum of 2,000 affordable rental units, with priority given to projects that are ready to proceed to construction.

The expansion builds on the program’s first phase, introduced in 2024, which supported more than 8,000 rental homes, including over 2,000 affordable units. A City staff report released in 2025 noted that 58 projects seeking support through the program could not be accommodated, primarily due to the City’s limited financial capacity.

The latest measures build on a series of housing-related incentives introduced by the City over the past two years. Since 2024, Toronto has frozen development charges by maintaining 2024 rates rather than applying annual index increases, introduced a 15% property tax reduction for new multi-residential buildings through a dedicated tax subclass, expanded development charge exemptions for multiplexes of up to six units, and provided a range of fee, charge, and property tax relief programs for rental, affordable, rent-controlled, and ownership housing. According to the City, these initiatives had contributed approximately $1.2 billion in financial support toward housing development as of the first quarter of 2026.

You can leave a comment at the bottom of this page, or read more about Affordable Housing initiatives in UrbanToronto's City of Toronto - Affordable Housing Master Thread where you can also add to the ongoing discussion.

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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.

News Roundup for June 24, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:30:00 -0400

Toronto's Pride celebrations are almost here, but next year's may have to be scaled back; AfroFest organizers facing challenges securing permit from City of Toronto due to event size; part of Church Street is now car-free, but the summer pilot is way over budget thanks to policing, security; and other news.

Toronto's Pride celebrations are almost here, but next year's may have to be scaled back (CBC)

AfroFest organizers facing challenges securing permit from City of Toronto due to event size (CityNews)

Part of Church Street is now car-free. But the summer pilot is way over budget thanks to policing, security (CBC)

Ontario raising speed limits on more highways (CTV News)

Mandate accessibility, revamp public schools — and get rid of Billy Bishop airport: Here’s what these Torontonians would do if they were mayor (The Star)

Part of Church Street is now car-free. But the summer pilot is way over budget thanks to policing, security (CBC)

Don River New

Craig White — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:51:42 -0400

Despite a new mouth into Lake Ontario a couple of kilometres to the south, the Don River is still prone to flooding further north when heavy rains hit. Last week when the skies opened over Toronto, for one day the Richmond Hill GO line was submerged as a secondary, muddy channel for the Don in the area around the Bloor and Bayview access to the Don Valley Parkway.

The Don River takes a new path through the valley north of Bloor, 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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First Crane Rises at 7Central in Vaughan Metropolitan Centre

Anthony Teles — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:35:37 -0400

Since UrbanToronto last featured 7Central in a 2017 story looking at the opening of the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre subway and Viva BRT stations, the surrounding district has transformed into one of the GTA’s fastest-growing urban centres. Now, the first crane has been installed as construction advances on the mixed-use development from Graywood Developments and Phantom Developments. Designed by Arcadis, the project occupies the former Hilton Garden Inn site at the southeast corner of Highway 7 and Interchange Way, and will introduce three towers ranging from 40 to 55 storeys, including a substantial purpose-built rental component.

In December, 2025, early site preparation and foundation work were underway at 7Central following the demolition of the former hotel. Two large shoring and caisson drilling rigs dominate the foreground, marking the start of the deep foundation program required for the site’s future high-rise towers. Beside them, a tracked crawler crane is positioned among stockpiled materials and equipment, supporting ongoing excavation and foundation operations.

Looking northwest to shoring rigs and foundation equipment onsite after demolition of the former hotel onsite, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor YongeBloor

Looking south from Highway 7 in April, 2026, excavation for 7Central’s three-level underground garage was well advanced, with the site defined by a large rectangular excavation enclosed by shoring walls lined with timber lagging. Orange weatherproof tarps drape the perimeter shoring along the south and west edges of the pit, while a large drilling rig occupies the foreground as deep foundation work continues below grade. Nearby, sections of a lattice boom await assembly for a crawler crane, alongside site offices, equipment containers, and staged construction materials. Excavators and service vehicles are seen at grade around the excavation perimeter to the south. To the right are Menkes Developments and QuadReal Property Group’s Festival Condominiums (front) and Encore at Bravo (under construction behind it).

Looking south across the excavation and shoring walls, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ImmenselyMental

Looking across the site in May, 2026, deep foundation work was progressing within the excavation as a crawler crane equipped with a lattice boom operated among stockpiled materials. Cylindrical steel casings and bundled rebar cages staged at grade await installation into drilled pile shafts, part of the substantial foundation system required for the site’s soil conditions. A red articulating boom lift was positioned to the extreme left.

Looking northwest to crawler crane operations and foundation pile work, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor johnbento

This month, we look south to the installation of its first crane, rising on the south side of the excavation. Below, tracked excavators are active on the pit floor amid ongoing foundation and below-grade construction activities. Timber lagging and tieback-supported shoring walls line the perimeter, with rows of tieback anchors clearly visible along the south and west elevations beneath orange weatherproof tarps. To the left, a graded haul road descends from grade into the excavation, providing access for construction vehicles and equipment. Around the crane base, construction materials have been staged in preparation for the next phase of work.

Looking south to 7Central’s first tower crane rising above the excavation, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ImmenselyMental

Once complete, 7Central will deliver three towers ranging from 140.22m to 184.24m in height, containing a total of 1,831 residential units, including 715 purpose-built rental homes.

Looking southeast to 7Central, designed by Arcadis for Graywood Developments and Phantom Developments

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Next CVU and UrbanToronto 2026 Walking Tour June 30

Craig White — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:50:00 -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 examining how transit infrastructure and urban development have shaped Toronto’s growth. The Transit+Towers: Transit-Oriented Development in Toronto public tours follow Yonge Street along its corridor from Union Station to Midtown.

Organized by CVU’s Canada office, the 2026 program runs from late May through October, 2026, with evening departures scheduled across multiple dates, allowing participants to experience the city during active hours. Each tour is structured as a guided walk through key sites, pairing historical context with present-day conditions to illustrate how Toronto’s built form has evolved. The series is designed to engage both industry professionals and curious residents.

"Transit-oriented development shapes Toronto's most dynamic downtown neighbourhoods, where transit and towers grow up together," said Isaac Work of the 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.”

The two-hour walking tour examines how rapid transit investment has influenced growth along the Yonge Street corridor. Framed as a continuous case study stretching back to the subway’s 1954 debut, the route connects a sequence of sites where infrastructure and development have intersected in different ways over time, revealing how density, land use, and investment patterns have responded to transit access.

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

Beginning at Union Station’s Great Hall and proceeding north to Yonge and Eglinton, the tour follows a five-stop route that moves through distinct phases of city-building. Early stops highlight the role of legacy infrastructure and adaptive reuse, from the regional hub at Union to the evolving block at College Park, while Bloor-Yonge introduces the complexities of large-scale redevelopment in a high-demand node. Farther north, St Clair presents a shift in built form and architectural expression, before the tour concludes at Eglinton, where new towers reflect intensification tied to Eglinton Line 5.

Across these stops, the tour explores the forces that shape transit-oriented development beyond planning policy alone. Participants are guided through examples of projects delayed or reshaped by financial pressures, sites where heritage considerations have influenced outcomes, and areas where construction activity has preceded the arrival of new transit service. With active construction sites, recently completed buildings, and emerging clusters all visible along the route, the experience offers a grounded look at how transit and development interact in practice across one of Toronto’s most important corridors.

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

Complementing the transit-focused walk, CVU is also offering From the Ground Up: The PATH and Pedestrian Toronto, a tour centred on the city’s extensive underground network and its relationship to the public realm above. Beginning at Toronto City Hall, the route examines how roughly 30km of interconnected concourses, tunnels, and indoor spaces support daily movement through the downtown core, while also shaping how streets, plazas, and building entrances are designed at grade.

Tours for Transit+Towers are scheduled across five remaining dates from late June through October, with all departures from Union Station set for 5:30 PM:

Tuesday, June 30 — coming soon, reserve the last few tickets now!
Thursday, July 23
Tuesday, August 18
Thursday, September 17
Tuesday, October 20

Tickets can be purchased here. Participants are responsible for their own TTC fare(s). As the tour is planned for 2 hours, it should be accomplishable with one TTC fare as long as you're paying by Presto or a credit card.

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Six Towers Proposed at Aldershot GO in Burlington

Anthony Teles — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 11:50:50 -0400

A Step 1 submission has been filed for a Transit Oriented Community (TOC), a mixed-use redevelopment proposed on Metrolinx-owned lands beside Aldershot GO station in Burlington. Designed by WW+P for Infrastructure Ontario, the proposal calls for six towers ranging from 30 to 48 storeys. Planned within the Aldershot GO Major Transit Station Area (MTSA), the development would introduce the tallest buildings currently proposed in the Aldershot area.

A high-angle view looking west to the Aldershot Transit Oriented Community, designed by WW+P for Infrastructure Ontario

The overall landholding spans approximately 5.3 hectares, although the development proposal focuses on a 4.2-hectare portion after excluding a stormwater management block at the northwest corner that is being conveyed separately to the City. The site at 119 Masonry Court is located east of Waterdown Road and north of Masonry Court, immediately south of the Lakeshore West rail corridor and west of the GO station south commuter parking lot. Surrounding uses reflect the area’s ongoing transition toward higher-density development.

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

The submission represents the first formal planning step for the project, with further municipal, stakeholder, and public consultation anticipated as the TOC process continues. The master plan organizes the site into four development blocks that can be built independently over time. Six mixed-use towers are proposed, consisting of two 30-storey towers rising 103.53m, two 40-storey towers rising 133.88m, and two 48-storey towers rising 157.88m. The tallest buildings would be positioned closest to the rail corridor and GO/VIA station. Podiums would range from six to 12 storeys, with the taller podium elements concentrated along the northern portion of the site. Typical tower floor-plates would be approximately 790m², with minimum tower separation distances of 25m throughout the development.

Site plan, designed by WW+P for Infrastructure Ontario

Across the site, the proposal would deliver 2,713 residential units within approximately 222,665m² of Gross Floor Area, including 220,610m² of residential space and 2,055m² of retail and commercial uses. The unit mix would consist of 1,639 one-bedroom units, 780 two-bedroom units, and 294 three-bedroom units. The development would achieve a Floor Space Index of 5.26. Retail and service-commercial uses would be concentrated at grade along Masonry Court and internal streets.

Looking northwest to the Aldershot Transit Oriented Community, designed by WW+P for Infrastructure Ontario

Amenities would comprise 7,978m² of indoor and 3,063m² of outdoor areas. There would be five elevators in each of the two 48-storey towers and four elevators in each of the remaining four towers. Depending on the building, ratios would range from approximately one elevator for every 91 to 112 units, requiring higher speed motors where the ratios are worse to provide acceptable service response times.

Ground floor plan, designed by WW+P for Infrastructure Ontario

The public realm plan includes a new 5,287m² public park at the northwest corner of the site. Additional open spaces would be distributed throughout the development in the form of landscaped courtyards and gathering spaces between tower groupings, complemented by a linear greenway along the southern edge of the site. Below grade, three levels of underground parking would accommodate 1,287 vehicle spaces, including 1,151 resident spaces and 136 visitor spaces. Cycling transportation infrastructure would include 1,357 long-term and 272 short-term spaces, alongside eight non-residential spots and 64 dedicated GO commuter spaces.

In addition to a new station access connection proposed at the north edge of the site, the development would be served by GO Train, GO Bus, Burlington Transit, Hamilton Street Railway, and VIA Rail services operating from the station. Longer-term transit improvements nearby include Bus Rapid Transit planned along Plains Road. Existing cycling infrastructure along Waterdown Road, Lasalle Park Road, and portions of Plains Road provides connections to the broader cycling network, including the Waterfront Trail and Happy Valley Trail.

A high-angle view looking north to the Aldershot Transit Oriented Community, designed by WW+P for Infrastructure Ontario

The proposal is the latest of several intensification plans around the GO station. Mid-rise developments are proposed to the southeast and south. More substantial growth is planned to the southwest, where proposals include dual seven-storey towers at 1085 Clearview Avenue, 9- and 18-storey buildings at 53-71 Plains Road East, a 24-storey tower at 1026 Cooke Boulevard, a 29-storey tower at 1033 Waterdown Road, 30- and 32-storey towers at 1074 Cooke Boulevard, the three-tower Stationwest Phase 2 ranging from 30 to 34 storeys, and a 35-storey proposal at 2 Masonry Court.

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News Roundup for June 23, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:30:00 -0400

Budget for Toronto’s Church Street pedestrianization pilot project more than triples due to policing, security costs; Metrolinx writes off $500M in signalling upgrades that are no longer useful; construction to begin next month on Leaside Bridge safety barrier; and other news.

Budget for Toronto’s Church Street pedestrianization pilot project more than triples due to policing, security costs (The Star)

Metrolinx writes off $500M in signalling upgrades that are no longer useful (Global News)

Construction to begin next month on Leaside Bridge safety barrier (CityNews)

How the FIFA World Cup is bringing a pan-African vibe to life in Toronto (CBC)

Panama, Croatia face must-win game tonight in Toronto (CTV News)

For Ma

Craig White — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Forma, as evidenced by its partially raised weather protection screens, continues its climb above King Street just west of the Financial Core in Downtown Toronto. The building is about to go through its first shift, above which the next set of floors will be offset from the stack below.

Looking north across David Pecaut Square to Forma, under construction in Downtown Toronto, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor steveve

This image comes to us courtesy of UrbanToronto Forum contributor steveve. 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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Sections Fully Formed as Pinnacle Lakeside Phase 1 Climbs Higher

Anthony Teles — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 16:29:55 -0400

Since UrbanToronto’s previous update in January, 2026, Pinnacle Lakeside Phase 1 has continued to rise in Toronto’s East Bayfront neighbourhood. Designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects, the project from Pinnacle International at the southwest corner of Lake Shore Boulevard East and Sherbourne Street now has its 15-storey building topped off, while the 44- and 54-storey towers continue climbing. Meanwhile, plans for Phase 2 have evolved, now calling for 60- and 70-storey towers.

In May, 2026, the 44-storey southwest condo tower (in the foreground to the left) had risen to eight storeys, with formwork and concrete walls in place for the ninth floor, while a blue concrete boom pump stood beside the crane. Behind it, the 15-storey rentals building has topped out, with dark glazing and white spandrel framing panels installed across 14 floors. To the right, the 54-storey condo tower’s wedge-shaped 15-storey podium has reached full height, revealing its V-shaped massing and outward-sloping perimeter columns. Formwork is staged on the podium roof behind the parapet walls, while materials are staged between the buildings at grade.

An elevated view looking north to the three buildings at Pinnacle Lakeside Phase 1, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor jackattack

Earlier this month, the 15-storey rental building was captured with glass balcony guards installed to the seventh floor along the west elevation. Behind it, the 54-storey condo tower had climbed to roughly 23 storeys, with crews working around a blue concrete boom pump. Formwork is visible on the 24th floor beside the crane, while slab decking extends across portions of the 25th floor on the left.

A high-angle view looking southeast to the topped-out 15-storey building and rising 54-storey tower, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor mburrrrr

From Lower Sherbourne Street, we see the podium of the 54-storey tower and its curving balcony edges. Along the east elevation, glazing, spandrel panels, and mechanical louvres are installed to the seventh floor, while the lower southeast corner remains exposed. At grade, the tower’s angled perimeter columns are wrapped in white weatherproofing. The newly constructed east–west street corridor is visible to the left.

Looking west from Lower Sherbourne Street to facade installation on the tallest tower's podium, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Diablo1983

Looking from across the Gardiner Expressway, formwork and rebar are visible on the 25th floor of the tallest tower. Below, glazing, spandrel panels, and mechanical louvres have advanced to about the ninth floor and extend across the seven-storey connecting volume linking the two northern structures. To the right, blue weatherproofing is visible along portions of the 15th-floor slab of the topped-out rental building.

Looking south across the Gardiner Expressway to the northern buildings, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ProjectEnd

From Queens Quay East, cladding has advanced to approximately the 10th floor of the tallest tower’s podium volume, with portions of the 11th floor now enclosed. Dark framing is installed across the first three podium levels. In the background, the 15-storey building has sections of white and black cladding installed along the top floor beneath the mechanical penthouse. To the left, work on the 44-storey tower is progressing on the 10th floor, and partial slab decking extends across the 11th-floor level. The tower’s contrasting massing features a curving east elevation and a projecting volume on the south face terminating in an angled slab at the eighth floor.

Looking north to Queens Quay East to construction and cladding progress on the three towers, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor GameOnBrad

When complete, Pinnacle Lakeside Phase 1 will range in height from 57.95m to 174.86m and deliver 1,261 condominium units. To the west, Phase 2 is seeking permission to rise to 197m and 226.35m and add 1,390 units.

Looking northwest to Pinnacle Lakeside Phase 1, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for Pinnacle InternationalLooking north to Pinnacle Lakeside Phase 2, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for Pinnacle International

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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Eglinton Line 5 West Extension Tunnel, Elevated Guideway Progressing

Nolan Xuereb — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:19:16 -0400

On the west side of Toronto, the West Extension of Eglinton Line 5 has reached a major milestone. The segment of the tunnel immediately west of Mount Dennis station is now fully mined, and work on the elevated guideway is also advancing. As part of the 9.2-kilometre extension of the recently opened Eglinton Line 5 LRT, this project will bring the Light Rail Transit line across the entire western width of the city — through York and Etobicoke — before terminating at Mississauga's eastern limits.

Looking east over the ECWE guideway west of Emmet Avenue, May 2026, image courtesy of Metrolinx

In a recently released presentation to the Metrolinx Board of Directors, the provincial transit agency announced that the 500m segment of the extension's tunnel from the current Line 5 terminus at Mount Dennis station to Pearen Park has been entirely mined. The short tunnel will allow light rail vehicles to navigate the dramatic change in grade where Eglinton Avenue intersects with Weston Road before surfacing onto an elevated guideway over the Eglinton Flats. With mining now complete, the multi-step process to complete the tunnel structure can get underway in advance of installing the track bed and signalling infrastructure necessary to facilitate modern rapid-transit operations.

An image of the now fully mined tunnel from Mountt Dennis station to Pearen Park, June 2026, image courtesy of Metrolinx

Work to the west of this initial tunnel has also advanced dramatically since UrbanToronto's last update earlier this year. Set to bridge 1.5 kilometres along the north side of Eglinton Avenue where it traverses the Humber Valley, an elevated guideway will carry Line 5 service over the Eglinton Flats, a broad lowland area divided into parkland and golf courses. With the majority of the support columns now erected, the piece-by-piece construction of the guideway's deck has made major progress. Though it will eventually cede the longest-elevated guideway in Toronto title to the northwest portion of the under-construction Ontario Line 3, this section of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension marks the first segment of new elevated rapid transit built in Toronto in decades.

Looking east along Eglinton Avenue West as the deck of the LRT's future elevated guideway is assembled, May 2026, image courtesy of UrbanToronto forum contributor fanoftoronto

In the run-up to construction for this segment of the line, the guideway plan (as opposed to tunnelling under the valley) faced opposition from some locals who expressed concerns regarding the temporary loss of tree canopy in the Eglinton Flats, and the disruption of private events held within the public parkland. However, the elevated alignment was ultimately selected because the area is one of the most hydrologically complex in the City of Toronto.

A map of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension through York and Etobicoke, image courtesy of Metrolinx

As the name suggests, the Eglinton Flats are a series of lowlands stretching east of the Humber River near its intersection with Eglinton Avenue West. This already waterlogged locality is bounded on three sides by the geographic ridges where the neighbourhoods of Mount Dennis and Rockcliffe-Smythe sit. As a result, the area is infamously prone to flooding—the most damaging example being caused by Hurricane Hazel in 1954. In the years before the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) banned development in floodplains, homes and businesses extended from the historic centre of Mount Dennis down toward the Humber River. This settlement pattern abruptly ended with the devastating floods brought by Hurricane Hazel, which wiped away nearly all buildings within the Eglinton Flats and cost many people their lives.

An image of the homes that once to dotted the Eglinton Flats following the arrival of Hurricane Hazel, 1954, image courtesy of the City of Toronto Archives

The need to avoid another disastrous flood, this time affecting a multi-billion-dollar transit line carrying thousands of people, left Metrolinx with two choices. The first option was to bore a tunnel at an incredible depth beneath the Humber River, drilling through the solid sediments found dozens of metres below the loamy surface-level floodplain. This approach would have driven up project costs by hundreds of millions of dollars and necessitated extensive waterproofing that required constant upkeep and remained prone to leaking. The alternative option was to elevate Line 5, wholly separating it from the waterlogged ground below while delivering immense savings due to the lower costs and shorter timelines associated with elevated construction.

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

This technique is far from new to Toronto; the TTC implemented the exact same design almost directly south of the Eglinton Flats when constructing Old Mill station on Bloor Line 2 in the 1960s. In the decades since opening, Old Mill station has not only remained free from the near-annual floods below it, but has also gained a reputation for the stunning views riders enjoy while crossing the Humber River valley—a perk future riders of Line 5 will share when traversing the Eglinton Flats.

Looking west towards Old Mill station on Bloor-Danforth Line 2 from Bloor Street West, image courtesy of the TTC

UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, 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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Covenant House To Rework Youth Services Hub on Gerrard at Yonge

Anthony Teles — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:06:54 -0400

A Site Plan Approval application has been filed with the City of Toronto to rebuild Covenant House’s main facility on Gerrard Street just east of Yonge, replacing its existing interconnected buildings with a purpose-built seven-storey youth services hub. Designed by Hilditch Architect, the project would modernize Canada’s largest youth-serving agency while expanding its capacity. The proposal would retain and restore the designated heritage facade of the former Willard Hall building along Gerrard Street East, with restoration overseen by ERA Architects.

Looking northwest to Covenant House Redevelopment, designed by Hilditch Architect for Covenant House Toronto

The proposal applies to the property at 20 Gerrard Street East and 21 McGill Street, located on the north side of Gerrard Street East just east of Yonge Street. The site is currently occupied by Covenant House’s interconnected four- and five-storey facilities, comprising the former Willard Hall building fronting Gerrard Street and a former YMCA building fronting McGill Street that was acquired and integrated into the operation in 2000. The surrounding area forms part of the evolving Downtown Yonge corridor, characterized by a mix of institutional, residential, and commercial uses.

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

Covenant House has provided emergency shelter, transitional housing, healthcare, education, employment, and housing supports to more than 110,000 young people over the past 40 years. With the existing buildings having reached the end of their useful lifespan, Urban Strategies Inc has submitted a Site Plan Control application to the City on behalf of the owner.

The proposal would replace the existing buildings with a seven-storey institutional development rising 34.33m. Occupying the full depth of the site between Gerrard Street East and McGill Street, the building would contain 13,285m² of Gross Floor Area, resulting in a Floor Space Index of 5.83 times coverage of the 2,280m² lot. The facility would provide 158 beds within 114 rooms, accommodating a mix of crisis shelter, transitional housing, and supportive housing functions. Beyond housing, the building would consolidate Covenant House’s wellness, healthcare, education, employment, housing support, and community programming within a single purpose-built facility.

Site plan, designed by Hilditch Architect for Covenant House Toronto

The principal south facade of the designated former Willard Hall building would be retained in situ along Gerrard, along with a portion of the east return wall, while a section of the west wall would be reconstructed to maintain the building’s historic form. Heritage restoration work would include masonry conservation, repointing, stone repairs, restoration of window proportions, installation of historically appropriate wood windows, and rehabilitation of the building’s central name band.

Existing stairs would be removed, and the ground floor reconfigured to align with the three arched entrances along Gerrard Street East, creating barrier-free access directly from the sidewalk. The project would also remove the existing interior court space between the original 1911 building and the 1921 addition. The building’s two entrance porticos are proposed to be dismantled, stored, and reinstalled following construction.

Looking north to Covenant House Redevelopment, designed by Hilditch Architect for Covenant House Toronto

Below grade, the project would include two underground levels. No vehicular parking spaces are proposed. Bicycle facilities would include 50 spaces, comprising 30 long-term and 20 short-term spaces.

College Station on Yonge Line 1 is located approximately 260m north, while TMU station is roughly 400m south. Surface transit service is available through the nearby 506 Carlton and 505 Dundas streetcar routes, as well as the 97 Yonge and 19 Bay bus routes. Cycling infrastructure includes protected cycle tracks on Gerrard Street East and Yonge Street, providing connections across the downtown core.

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

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News Roundup for June 22, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:30:00 -0400

HST boost led to nearly fourfold increase in Toronto-area new single-family home sales in May; Ford government mum on whether it will offer update on its 1.5M homes goal; transit summit held in advance of fall municipal elections; and other news.

HST boost led to nearly fourfold increase in Toronto-area new single-family home sales in May (The Star)

Ford government mum on whether it will offer update on its 1.5M homes goal (Global News)

Transit summit held in advance of fall municipal elections (CityNews)

Tenants accused of unpaid rent will have to pay half to bring up other complaints at Ontario hearings (CBC)

Expanded HST rebate on new Ontario homes launches Monday after three-month wait (The Star)

Toronto election could be turning point for non-profits fighting gentrification (Global News)

HST rebate helped boost new home sales in GTA last month but condo sector continues to struggle: report (CTV News)

Opinion: The new Indigenous House at U of T Scarborough accomplishes a rare 21st-century feat (The Globe and Mail)

Art Crawl

Craig White — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Hamilton residents and visitors take over James Street North during the June, 2026 Art Crawl. The street, which has of boutiques, galleries, and eating establishments, is seeing a new, 12-storey purpose-built rental building rise, eventually to house about 200 more people to further enliven the charming Boho area.

People stroll James Street North in Hamilton during the June, 2026 Art Crawl, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Lachlan Holmes

This image comes to us courtesy of UrbanToronto Forum contributor Lachlan Holmes. 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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Concord Sky Climbs Into Tapering Tower Floors Above Yonge and Gerrard

Anthony Teles — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 17:00:00 -0400

After yesterday’s look at neighbouring 8 Elm, we return today to Yonge and Gerrard to check in on Concord Sky, where both the tower’s height and facade installation have advanced since UrbanToronto’s last update in February, 2026. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates with architects—Alliance as Architect of Record, and with heritage preservation overseen by ERA Architects, the 85-storey mixed-use condominium tower from Concord Adex continues to rise above in Downtown Toronto.

A drone view in May, 2026 captured Concord Sky on the left alongside 8 Elm on the right. The reinforced concrete superstructure has climbed to approximately 30 storeys, with projecting rebar indicating preparations for the next pour. A concrete boom pump sits between the cranes. Below, curtain wall installation extends to roughly the 20th floor along the west elevation, where reflective vision glass gives the lower floors a sleek appearance. Several openings remain unfinished, marked by temporary wood infill panels.

A drone view looking southeast to Concord Sky’s rising superstructure beside 8 Elm, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor kotsy

From Yonge Street, the south elevation reveals curtain wall installation reaching approximately the 21st floor. Below the first major step-back, fins are in place, while exposed insulation remains visible beside the construction hoist. The step-back forms an open amenity level framed by exposed concrete columns and beams. Above, a cantilevered glazed volume projects from the south face and wraps around the east elevation.

Looking northeast to the south elevation and amenity terrace step-back, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor skycandy

A close-up of the current upper floors captures the emerging taper. Slab-edge formwork and perimeter safety screens mark active work on the next floor cycle. Along the south end, successive floors step inward as the floor-plate narrows, a transition reflected in the shifting column layout, including a newly introduced support column positioned farther south than those below. Several storeys lower, a cantilevered loading platform projects from the south elevation, providing material staging space for crews.

A close-up view looking west to the tapering upper floors and active formwork, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor skycandy

This month, from Yonge and Gerrard streets, a projecting volume on the north elevation begins at the 10th floor before wrapping around the east side. At street level, the retained heritage buildings remain supported by the steel retention structure stabilizing the Gerrard Building and Richard S. Williams Block during construction.

Looking southeast from Yonge and Gerrard to Concord Sky rising above the retained heritage buildings, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor flonicky

A view of the west elevation highlights the facade composition. Much of the envelope is enclosed with vision glass framed by fins extending across multiple storeys. The taller 10th-floor amenity level is distinguished by an expanded glazed section and elongated cladding panels. Projecting volumes and step-backs add depth to the massing. At the base, substantial portions of the podium remain in exposed concrete, with unfinished soffits and visible structural columns.

Looking east to the facade composition and stepped podium-to-tower transition, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor flonicky

Once complete, Concord Sky will rise 300.2m, just clearing the threshold for ‘supertall’ status, and deliver 1,407 condominium units.

Looking southeast to Concord Sky, designed by KPF and architects—Alliance for Concord Adex

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More Infill Towers Proposed at Mississauga Tower-in-the-Park Site

Anthony Teles — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 11:47:09 -0400

A new proposal has been submitted to the City of Mississauga for a site dubbed Forest Park Circle in the Rockwood Village neighbourhood, transforming what was once planned as a two-tower condominium infill development into a six-tower residential community. Designed by 4 Architecture Inc for Lormel Homes, the new plans would add three new 20-storey towers alongside a previously approved 25-storey building while retaining the site’s two existing 18-storey rental apartment towers. The proposal marks a significant evolution from the former Chelsea on the Green concept, increasing the maximum height from 15 to 25 storeys—the tallest in the area—and shifting from a condominium-focused project toward a mix of rental and flexible residential tenure options.

Looking north to Forest Park Circle, designed by 4 Architecture Inc for Lormel Homes

The proposal applies to the 3.75-hectare property at 4100 Ponytrail Drive and 1850 Rathburn Road East. The site is occupied by two 18-storey rental apartment towers built on a Tower-in-the-Park style setting of landscaped open space and surface parking. Across Rathburn to the north is a commercial plaza anchored by Longo’s and Shoppers Drug Mart, with townhouse and detached housing and extensive parks in the surrounding lands.

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

An Official Plan Amendment application was first submitted in 2012 for what was then known as Chelsea on the Green, a Turner Fleischer-designed condominium project proposing two infill towers of 12 and 15 storeys alongside the existing rental buildings. The proposal received approvals following several years of review and public debate, but never advanced to construction. More recently, a Minor Variance approved in May, 2025 permitted one of the planned buildings to rise to 25 storeys. That tower is now proceeding through Site Plan Approval, while the latest submission adds three more residential buildings. Glen Schnarr & Associates Inc has submitted Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications to the City of Mississauga on behalf of the developer.

Previous plan for Chelsea on the Green, designed by Turner Fleischer for Lormel Homes

The revised proposal would introduce three new 20-storey apartment towers rising to 70.25m, joining the approved 25-storey, 81m-tall tower. Located in the southern portion of the property adjacent to a hydro corridor and open space lands, the new buildings would expand the previously approved infill concept into a six-building community.

A high-angle view looking southeast to Forest Park Circle, designed by 4 Architecture Inc for Lormel Homes

The latest plans would add 695 units, comprising 233 one-bedroom units, 154 one-bedroom-plus-den units, 202 two-bedroom units, 51 two-bedroom-plus-den units, 19 three-bedroom units, and 36 three-bedroom-plus-den units. Combined with the approved 285-unit tower, the proposal would increase the number of new units from 278 under the previous plan to 980, over and above the 385 units in the two existing buildings. The residential Gross Floor Area would rise from 24,295m² to 70,579m², while Floor Space Index would increase from 1.60 to 2.75 times coverage of the property. The application would permit a range of tenure options, including rental housing, senior-oriented housing, and commercial uses.

Site plan, designed by 4 Architecture Inc for Lormel Homes

The new towers are proposed atop five-storey podiums, with floorplates ranging from approximately 588m² to 750m². Separation distances would include 30m between the proposed towers, 24m between one new building and an existing rental tower, and 46m between another new building and the second existing tower. The approved 25-storey tower is planned to sit 27m and 31m from the existing buildings. Indoor and outdoor amenity space is proposed at approximately 3.5m² per unit. Each new tower would be served by three elevators, translating to roughly one elevator for every 73 to 95 units, depending on the building, indicating generally satisfactory response times.

Ground floor plan, designed by 4 Architecture Inc for Lormel Homes

Parking would be accommodated through a two-level underground garage connecting the existing parking structure with the approved and proposed phases. The development would provide 771 vehicular parking spaces, including 670 resident and 101 visitor spaces, compared to 429 spaces in the earlier scheme, which included 373 resident and 56 visitor spaces. Bicycle parking would total 452 spaces.

Looking south to Forest Park Circle, designed by 4 Architecture Inc for Lormel Homes

The site is served by MiWay Route 20, with stops directly in front of the property providing connections to Kipling Station on Bloor Line 2 in Toronto. Route 26 Burnhamthorpe is accessible nearby along Burnhamthorpe Road East. Regional transit access is available through the Dixie Transitway Station, approximately 20 minutes away by transit, where GO Bus routes provide connections across the GTHA. Multi-use trails run along Rathburn Road East and Ponytrail Drive, with direct access to the adjacent Hydro One corridor trail system and cycling infrastructure along Burnhamthorpe Road East.

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

The proposal joins a growing number of higher-density residential projects emerging around the Mississauga–Etobicoke border. To the east in Etobicoke, the 20-storey 340 Mill Road is under construction, 210 Markland would introduce three towers ranging from 9 to 12 storeys, and 4340 Bloor West is planned at 13 storeys. South of the site in Mississauga, redevelopment proposals include the 14-storey 1785 Bloor Street, the 17-storey 1750 Bloor Street, a pair of 18-storey towers at 1840-1850 Bloor Street, and the three-building 3403-3445 Fieldgate Drive proposal ranging from 13 to 22 storeys. 1315 Bough Beeches is proposed southwest of the site at 13 storeys.

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News Roundup for June 19, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 09:30:00 -0400

New cafe in Church-Wellesley Village a ‘healing’ space for Toronto’s queer community; Zellers stages a comeback in Toronto with new store in North York; Toronto celebrates Canada’s historic World Cup win; and other news.

New cafe in Church-Wellesley Village a ‘healing’ space for Toronto’s queer community (Global News)

Zellers stages a comeback in Toronto with new store in North York (CBC)

Toronto celebrates Canada’s historic World Cup win (CityNews)

Why is it so hard to find Indigenous cuisine in Toronto? (CBC)

This Toronto developer has pre-sold 75% of units during a condo crash. Here’s how (The Star)

Weekend need-to-know: World Cup continues as summer arrives (CityNews)

Riverview

Craig White — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

The Don River looks placid as it runs below bridges; the venerable Lakeshore East GO corridor bridge, and just beside it, the new Lower Don Crossing, being constructed for the new Ontario Line subway. Behind it all, light levels drop at the end of another day behind Toronto's Downtown skyline.

The Lower Don Crossing is gradually coming together to the east of Downtown Toronto, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor kotsy

This image comes to us courtesy of UrbanToronto Forum contributor kotsy. 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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8 Elm Climbs Into Upper Floors as Cladding Advances in Downtown Toronto

Anthony Teles — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:26:35 -0400

Since UrbanToronto’s last update in February, 2026, 8 Elm has continued its ascent higher above Yonge and Elm streets in Downtown Toronto, with the building's bronze-coloured envelope also advancing. Designed by Arcadis for Reserve Properties and Capital Developments, with heritage restoration overseen by GBCA Architects, the 69-storey condominium tower is taking on an increasingly finished appearance.

In May, 2026, a close-up of the southeast corner highlights the facade’s defining elements: bronze-toned aluminum cladding wraps projecting balcony slabs and vertical I-eam type accents, creating a strong grid that contrasts with reflective glazing and transparent balcony guards. The corner's continuous stack of rounded balcony slabs forms a prominent curved edge, with bullnose soffit cladding.

A close-up view looking northwest to the bronze-toned cladding, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor skycandy

This month, looking east along Elm Street, forming has advanced into the upper floors. The south elevation at right is dominated by the full-height construction hoist. Along the west elevation, glass balcony guards have reached the 30th floor, while bronze-toned panels extend tod the 39th floor. At street level, restored heritage masonry lines Elm Street, while cantilevered material-staging platforms project from the upper north and south elevations.

Looking east to the construction hoist and tower rising above the heritage base along Elm Street, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ProjectEnd

From across Yonge Street at Edward, the structure has risen to approximately the 50th floor. A white concrete boom pump arches across the top to the left of the crane. Just below the top, three cantilevered platforms provide place to store forming materials on the tight site.

Looking northwest from Yonge Street to the tower crane rising beside the east elevation, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Rascacielo

From the intersection of Yonge and Elm, the lower levels showcase the contemporary tower rising above its restored heritage podium. Seen behind the hoarding, retained masonry facades have been substantially uncovered since the previous update, revealing cleaned red brickwork, reconstructed window openings, and restored cornice detailing. Above, the the building steps back for several floors to provide prominence to the heritage structure before cantilevering out to form larger floor-plates.

Looking northwest to the heritage podium and contemporary tower above, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Rascacielo

A southwest-looking drone view captures 8 Elm rising behind Concord Sky. Concrete forming has advanced to the 52nd floor, where we see rows of perimeter formwork panels and wooden sideforms. Below, the building envelope has climbed to the 42nd floor. At the base, exposed concrete walls await cladding.

A drone view looking southwest to forming and cladding progress at the upper levels, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor kotsy

Upon completion, 8 Elm will stand 218.2m and deliver 819 condominium units.

Looking northwest to 8 Elm Street, designed by Arcadis for Reserve Properties and Capital Developments

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Revised 1230 The Queensway Grows, Shifts from Condos to Rental

Anthony Teles — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:06:13 -0400

In South Etobicoke's Queensway area, revised plans have shifted 1230 The Queensway from a condominium development into a purpose-built rental project. Designed by Turner Fleischer, the 14-storey proposal has been resubmitted to the City of Toronto by ELM Developments and Leader Lane Developments following the site’s 2025 rezoning approval under the previous ownership of Starbank Development Group. The updated plans increase the unit count while maintaining a similar height.

Looking northeast to 1230 The Queensway, designed by Turner Fleischer for Leader Lane Developments and ELM Developments

The proposal applies to a site at the northeast corner of The Queensway and Culnan Avenue, just east of Kipling Avenue. The site is currently occupied by a single-storey Bank of Montreal branch and its surface parking. The Queensway corridor has become a focal point for intensification, with a growing concentration of mid-rise and high-rise residential developments replacing older commercial properties.

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

In October, 2024, Starbank Development Group submitted a Zoning By-law Amendment application for a 13-storey condominium building containing 150 units. That proposal subsequently received City Council approval. The latest submission advances the project into the Site Plan Approval stage under new proponents, while retaining Turner Fleischer as the project designer. The applicant has indicated that a future Minor Variance application will be required, as discussions with City staff continue regarding matters including building height and bicycle parking requirements.

Previous plan, designed by Turner Fleischer for Starbank Development Group

The revised proposal calls for a 48.15m tall mixed-use building, just centimetres shorter than the 49m previous design. While the applicant continues to describe the building as 13 storeys, UrbanToronto considers the rooftop amenity level to function as a 14th storey. The revised plan maintains the general form established through the rezoning process, although updated elevations indicate changes to the upper-storey massing and architectural expression, with larger floor-plates extending higher into the building profile.

Looking north to 1230 The Queensway, designed by Turner Fleischer for Leader Lane Developments and ELM Developments

The building would contain 175 purpose-built rental units, an increase of 25 suites over the previously approved 150-unit condominium proposal. The unit mix would consist of 18 studios, 64 one-bedrooms, 63 two-bedrooms, and 30 three-bedrooms. (The number of three-bedroom units doubling from 15 to 30.) Gross Floor Area rises from 11,522m² to 13,342m², with the Floor Space Index increased from 6.6 to 7.64 times coverage of the 1,754m² site. Residential floor area would now total 13,116m², while the ground-floor retail component was reduced from 499m² to 226m².

Site plan, designed by Turner Fleischer for Leader Lane Developments and ELM Developments

Residents would have access to 455m² of indoor amenity space and 245m² of outdoor amenity areas. Two elevators would serve the development, resulting in an elevator ratio of approximately one elevator for every 88 units, indicating generally short waits for service when both elevators are operating. The revised ground-floor layout introduces a larger leasing office and residential amenity presence along The Queensway frontage.

Ground floor plan, designed by Turner Fleischer for Leader Lane Developments and ELM Developments

Below grade, four levels of underground parking are proposed, containing 126 vehicular parking spaces, increased from 111, including 110 spaces for residents and 16 visitor spaces. Bicycle parking has decreased from 113 spaces to 67 spaces, consisting of 60 long-term and seven short-term spaces. The applicant is seeking relief from the City’s bicycle parking requirements through a future payment-in-lieu arrangement.

Looking northeast to the podium, designed by Turner Fleischer for Leader Lane Developments and ELM Developments

The site is approximately 220m east of Kipling Avenue and about 200m north of the Gardiner Expressway. TTC bus routes operating along The Queensway, Kipling Avenue, and Islington Avenue connect the area to Bloor Line 2, including Kipling station, approximately 2.5km to the northwest. The station offers connections to MiWay bus services and GO Transit rail service.

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

The proposal joins a growing cluster of developments around the Queensway corridor. To the east, construction is underway on the 12-storey 1156 The Queensway, and the 12-storey Joya Condos is planned. To the southeast, proposals include the three-tower 2 St Lawrence ranging from 8 to 20 storeys, the 33-storey 18 Zorra, IQ Condos Phase 3 with three towers between 19 and 42 storeys, and 40-60 St Lawrence with three towers ranging from 26 to 43 storeys. To the west, applications at 1306 The Queensway and 1325 The Queensway envision tower clusters rising between 13 and 41 storeys and 11 and 46 storeys, respectively. To the south, the large-scale redevelopment proposed at 1255 The Queensway would introduce 15 towers ranging from 12 to 65 storeys.

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UTPro Dashboard Report: Hat-trick! Three Months in a Row of Increasing Pre-Con, Under Construction Projects in the GGH

Ash Navabi — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:45:00 -0400

As the World Cup takes hold of the city, new data from UTPro shows that construction and development plans for large-scale projects have both increased for the third straight month in the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

Our UTPro Public Dashboard is 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 June 16, 2026.

The pipeline at a glance

As of June 16, 2026, in the 10 regions of the Greater Golden Horseshoe (Toronto, Durham, Halton, Peel, York, Hamilton, Simcoe, Waterloo, Wellington, and Niagara), there are 3,671 projects in pre-construction, an increase of 14 from the 3,657 last previous month. In total, there is about 1.468 billion square feet of Gross Floor Area in pre-construction (up 0.4% from 1.462 billion last month), of which 1.157 billion ft² is residential GFA (up 0.3% from last month's 1.153 billion ft²) for 1.805 million dwelling units (up 0.01% from 1.804 million units last month).

Under construction projects also increased to 705, up 20 from 685 last month. There is about 199.2 million ft² of Gross Floor Area under construction (up 2.1% from 195.2 million ft² last month), of 130.4 million ft² is residential GFA (up 2.6% from 127.0 million ft² last month) for 238,645 dwelling units (up 2.4% from 232,949 from last month).

Looking north to M4, M3, and M5; three new buildings under construction at M City in Mississauga, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ImmenselyMental

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.

News Roundup for June 18, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:30:00 -0400

Waterfront Toronto takes a step toward first buildings for new Port Lands island community; Hamilton advances proposed data centre moratorium in city council; noise levels at Rogers Stadium still an issue for neighbouring residents; and other news.

Waterfront Toronto takes a step toward first buildings for new Port Lands island community (The Star)

Hamilton advances proposed data centre moratorium in city council (The Globe and Mail)

Noise levels at Rogers Stadium still an issue for neighbouring residents (CityNews)

Ghana supporters shut down Yonge and Dundas to celebrate win against Panama in World Cup group play (CTV News)

Online betting strongly favours one Toronto mayoral candidate. What do the odds tell us? (The Star)

Coveview

Craig White — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Biidaasige Park in Toronto's Port Lands will be expanding to the west soon, giving Torontonians and visitors more space to enjoy a naturalized environment next to the harbour, and one where the Downtown skyline gets to show off. In front of it, as seen from the new mouth of the Don River, the reconstructed shoreline offers new shallow water habitat that has been quickly taken to by many species of wildlife. In the foreground, is that a stupid Canadian wolf bird?

A cove helps to naturalize the new mouth of the Don River on the west side of Biidaasige Park, 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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Park Road's Exterior Nearing Completion in Bloor-Yorkville

Anthony Teles — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 15:54:33 -0400

Since UrbanToronto’s last update in October, 2025, the 28-storey Park Road condo in Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood has topped off and seen its crane removed. Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects for Capital Developments, the project occupies a compact triangular site bounded by Church Street, Collier Street, and Park Road, boasting a distinctive wedge-shaped massing with a sweeping curve for its south elevation.

By March, 2026, below, Park Road had reached its full height. The mechanical penthouse was fully formed but still unclad, with exposed concrete walls above the completed residential floors and glazing installed along portions of the upper enclosure. Gold-toned, pre-finished aluminum panels and reflective floor-to-ceiling glazing wrap nearly the entire facade, accented by projecting mullion caps and slender framing elements. The uppermost residential floor also remains unclad, while the construction hoist continues to rise along the north elevation.

Looking southeast to the topped-off tower and mechanical penthouse, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Tormick

In April, 2026, a massive Mammoet mobile crane occupied Church Street as crane dismantling was underway overhead, and as rooftop mechanical equipment was lifted into place. The fully deployed multi-axle Liebherr LTM 1650 is steadied by outriggers extending across the roadway, and substantial rear counterweights. Behind it, Park Road's west elevation highlights the tower’s wedge-shaped profile as floor plates narrow toward the north end of the site.

Looking east to crane removal operations and the west elevation, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Space Gary

In May, 2026, the crane was gone, and the gold-toned panel system extended across all residential floors while the construction hoist remained affixed to the north elevation. From this angle, we see Park Road's tapered west elevation and its series of stepped cantilevers and projecting balconies.

Looking southeast to Park Road’s completed facade and tapered wedge-shaped profile, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ImmenselyMental

Another shot from May, this one from a balcony near the top of One Bloor East, revealed the sweeping south elevation tracing Church Street below. Sections of the mechanical penthouse remain unfinished, while the tower's footprint is clearly legible from above, broadening toward the east and tapering toward the west. The rooftop mechanical enclosure occupies the wider eastern portion of the roof.

A high-angle view looking northeast to Park Road’s curved south elevation, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor BloorMan

This month, we look up from across Church Street and Park Road toward the east elevation. Vertical fins articulate the first three storeys, while changes around the fourth floor create both a cantiliever and a step-back, transitioning between the lower levels and the tower above. Beginning at the 15th floor, balconies introduce depth to the otherwise flat elevation. At grade, temporary fencing and construction staging remain in place as finishing work progresses, while a mobile boom lift positions workers beneath the fourth-floor cantilever along the south elevation to complete soffit and exterior detailing.

Looking northwest from Church Street and Park Road to the east elevation, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor NextBlockOver

With the lower levels' exterior is now largely complete, attention has shifted to the mechanical penthouse. Cladding now wraps most of the west face and the curving south elevation, while sections at the very top remain exposed and await final installations. White and orange tarps cover active work areas, above which a parapet wall traces the building’s profile, interrupted by an opening along the south side. At the tapered west end of the roof, materials and equipment remain staged as work advances toward completion.

A distant view looking east to progress on the mechanical penthouse , image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Rascacielo

Park Road stands 97.43m tall and will deliver 303 condominium units.

Looking east to Park Road, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects for Capital Developments

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Updated Quayside Plans Advance Rental-Focused First Phase

Anthony Teles — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:48:05 -0400

A new round of Site Plan Approval (SPA) resubmissions has been filed for Quayside Blocks 1B, 1C, and 2 in Toronto’s East Bayfront, advancing the first phase of the new high-rise neighbourhood's purpose-built rental and affordable housing program. The submissions refine the September, 2025 scheme through updated applications for Buildings 1B and 1C, a revised SPA for Building 2, and a Master SPA resubmission.

Looking northwest to Quayside, designed by architects—Alliance, Allies and Morrison, Henning Larsen Architects, and Teeple Architects for Dream Unlimited, Great Gulf, and Waterfront Toronto

The latest filings arrive as Waterfront Toronto's Quayside plan moves closer to construction, with demolition and site preparation beginning this month. The proposal has also been reshaped by a partnership restructuring, with Dream Unlimited now controlling the Phase 1 rental component and Great Gulf holding the condominium component separately. The updated plans maintain a rental-focused first phase while revising affordable housing, shifting community facilities between buildings, and adjusting heights and floor area.

Building 1B, designed by Henning Larsen Architects for Dream Unlimited

The applications apply to the western portion of Quayside, a 2.8-hectare development area within the broader 4.9-hectare masterplan. The lands comprise 257, 259, and 291 Lake Shore Boulevard East, 200 Queens Quay East, and 2 Small Street, occupying the block bounded by Lake Shore, Bonnycastle, Queens Quay, and Small Street. The site is currently occupied by low-rise commercial and office buildings. The surrounding area has transformed substantially over the past decade and continues to intensify with a mix of residential, commercial, institutional, and recreational uses.

Building 1C, designed by Teeple Architects for Dream Unlimited

The broader redevelopment emerged in June, 2023, when Quayside Impact Limited Partnership (QILP), led by Dream Unlimited and Great Gulf in partnership with Waterfront Toronto, submitted plans for a mixed-use waterfront community spanning five development blocks. The original concept included five towers, a mass-timber mid-rise, affordable housing, community facilities, and a central Community Forest. In July, 2024, Toronto City Council approved zoning for the western portion of the site, permitting towers of 55, 64, and 70 storeys alongside a 12-storey mass-timber building, while planning approvals for the eastern blocks continued separately.

Building 2, designed by Allies and Morrison with architects—Alliance as Architect of Record for Dream Unlimited

A substantial redesign followed in September, 2025 as the development team reworked the project to accelerate rental and affordable housing delivery. The revised proposal split the approved 70-storey tower into two condominium towers, replaced the block-long mass-timber mid-rise with a series of conventional affordable rental buildings, and converted Building 2 from condominium tenure to purpose-built rental. Council approved the updated framework in December 2025, permitting four towers and three mid-rise buildings across the western portion of Quayside. More recently, a holding symbol removal application was submitted in February 2026.

September, 2025 design for Quayside, designed by architects—Alliance, Henning Larsen Architects, and Teeple Architects for Dream Unlimited, Great Gulf, and Waterfront Toronto

Building 1B, designed by Henning Larsen Architects with architects—Alliance as Architect of Record, would remain the tallest component of Phase 1. The purpose-built rental tower would rise 66 storeys and 225.05m, slightly shorter than the 231.4m version proposed in 2025. The building would contain 720 rental units, down from 729, comprising 553 market-rate and 167 affordable rental units. Seven elevators would serve the building, equating to approximately one elevator per 103 units. Gross Floor Area (GFA) has been refined from 52,700m² to 51,828m², including 51,160m² of residential space and 668m² of new institutional space accommodating a daycare use.

Previous plan for Building 1B, designed by Henning Larsen Architects for Dream Unlimited

The revised plans expand amenity space, increasing indoor amenities from 1,510m² to 1,874m², while outdoor amenities adjust slightly from 907m² to 853m². A 1,314m² POPS (Privately Owned Publicly-accessible Space) is proposed adjacent to the building, contributing to the larger Community Forest at the centre of the block. Below grade, Building 1B would share parking and service areas with Buildings 1C and 2. Parking increased modestly from 202 to 206 spaces, including 203 residential and three institutional spaces, while bicycle parking dropped from 570 to 402 spaces.

Ground floor plan, Building 1B, designed by Henning Larsen Architects for Dream Unlimited

Along Queens Quay East, Building 1C has continued to evolve from the affordable rental mid-rise concept introduced in 2025. Designed by Teeple Architects with architects—Alliance as Architect of Record, the project would consist of two connected 13-storey building volumes rising 49.9m and 53.91m. The affordable rental program grows from 377 to 396 units, including nine studios, 174 one-bedrooms, 146 two-bedrooms, and 67 three-bedroom-plus units. Four elevators would serve the building, yielding a ratio of approximately one cab per 99 units. Total GFA increases from 32,781m² to 34,212m², with residential floor area rising to 31,690m².

Previous plan for Building 1C, Toronto, designed by Teeple Architects for Dream Unlimited

The most significant changes involve the non-residential program. Retail space has been reduced from 1,583m² to 665m², while 1,857m² of institutional space has been introduced for community-oriented uses including a planned library and community hub component. Amenity space expands from 497m² to 1,196m² indoors and from 433m² to 515m² outdoors. Vehicular parking would include 12 resident spaces, while bicycle parking decreases from 512 to 321 spaces.

Ground floor plan, Building 1C, designed by Teeple Architects for Dream Unlimited

At the northeast corner of the site, Building 2 has undergone further refinement. Designed by Allies and Morrison with architects—Alliance as Architect of Record, the tower would rise 56 storeys and 185.5m, up from the previous 54-storey, 183.9m scheme. Residential GFA expands from 37,636m² to 40,384m², with total GFA adjusted slightly to 40,654m², and with the unit count growing from 576 to 618 market-rate rental units. Five elevators would serve the building, resulting in a ratio of roughly one cab per 124 units, indicating high speed motors would be required to provide adequate response times.

Previous design for Building 2 by architects—Alliance for Dream Unlimited

The building’s program has shifted as community uses have been redistributed elsewhere within the development. The 3,060m² Community Hub, proposed in 2025, has been removed, replaced by a 270m² office component intended for leasing and management functions. Amenity space increases from 1,076m² to 1,300m² indoors and from 875m² to 987m² outdoors. Parking rises from 149 to 165 spaces, including 156 resident and nine visitor spaces, while bicycle parking decreases from 372 to 345 spaces.

Ground floor plan, Building 2, designed by architects—Alliance for Dream Unlimited

Existing TTC bus service provides direct connections between the East Bayfront and Union Station via Queens Quay East, while additional routes connect northward to Line 2 stations. Looking ahead, the Waterfront East LRT, to begin construction in 2027, would run immediately south of the site along Queens Quay East. Waterfront Toronto is also advancing extensive public realm and cycling improvements throughout Quayside and the surrounding East Bayfront. A new mid-block pedestrian connection and a 1,700m² Community Forest are intended to strengthen public access throughout the site.

Looking northeast to equipment onsite as of June, 2026, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Diablo1983

Other development activity continues to reshape East Bayfront. To the east, proposals at 307 and 351 Lake Shore Boulevard East would introduce towers ranging from 41 to 49 storeys, while future phases of Quayside are planned to add four buildings across Blocks 3 and 4 ranging from 12 to 72 storeys. To the south, Tridel and Hines’ Bayside community includes the 13-storey Aqualina and Aquavista, the 14-storey Aquabella, and the 18-storey Aqualuna. West of the site, 180 Queens Quay East would add three towers between 15 and 22 storeys, while construction continues on Pinnacle Lakeside’s first phase, featuring towers from 15 to 54 storeys, with a 43-storey second phase planned.

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FastTrackTO: 10 Points For Speeding Up Our Streetcars, Part 3

Nolan Xuereb — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 11:27:11 -0400

Earlier this Spring, a new advocacy group called FastTrackTO proposed a bold 10-point plan to speed up Toronto's infamously and maddeningly slow streetcar network, to reduce travel times by as much as 40 per cent. Media coverage of the plan upon its release in March was decent, but UrbanToronto is digging more deeply into the plan across this last of three stories on the topic, putting it squarely front and centre in peoples' minds as anticipation for Toronto's 2026 municipal election this Fall begins to build. To help accomplish this, we are presenting the plan in depth, in three parts, looking at how for it to succeed fully, the City's agencies needs to address each of the points.

Our first week's coverage of the FastTrackTO plan explored their first three proposals for a better streetcar and light rail network:

One: Make Transit Signal Priority Work Better,
Two: Split the Crossing, Speed Up Signals, and
Three: Stop Slowing Down Streetcars That Could Safely Go Faster.

The initial items touched on some of the most straightforward, low-cost solutions to chronic issues plaguing Toronto's surface rail network.

Last week's coverage of the plan explored FastTrackTO's fourth, fifth and sixth proposals:

Four: Prevent Unnecessary Emergency Stops,
Five: Eliminate Left Turns Where They Don't Belong, and
Six: Stop Stopping at Every Switch.

These middle-of-the-pack items touched on fixes to operational and traffic systems that would be modest in cost but require a rethink of operational norms.

This week, the final four look deeper into decades of unquestioned practices, stretching from what kinds of streetcars we buy to the placement of the stops they serve. Speaking with UrbanToronto, FastTrackTO co-founder and respected transit expert Jonathan English explained that the city could revolutionize travel in the urban core if an active approach to improving and optimizing Toronto's legacy surface rail network were adopted.

Seven: Stop Installing Obsolete Switches

As touched on in last week's segment, Toronto has been installing outdated streetcar switches city-wide for almost as long as the TTC has been running the streetcar network. Known as single-blade switches, these archaic devices result in increased wear on track components, slower, rougher, jerkier rides for passengers, and more noise for nearby residents and businesses.

Luckily, a solution—straightforwardly known as double-point switches—has existed for the past century, and in fact have been installed recently on Eglinton Line 5, Finch West Line 6, and at the Leslie Barns. FastTrackTO proposes that the TTC adjust its procurement and maintenance standards to ensure that these new switches are installed every time a track intersection on the streetcar network is torn up for reconstruction. The switch would require a slight increase in the operational budget to purchase the double-blade switches, but English alleges it would "save countless staff-hours for each intersection upgraded, as streetcars would be able to travel faster and more safely across the city."

Looking across the intersection of King Street West and Dufferin Street, where a web of switches connect intersecting streetcar tracks, 2025, image by Nolan Xuereb

Eight: Optimize Stop Spacing Across Entire Routes, Not One Stop at a Time

Stop spacing has long stood as one of the single most contentious topics of operational reform eyed for application to the streetcar network. The current messy distribution of stops has been altered over decades of changing travel patterns and societal demands, never having been rationalized through a cohesive review of the stops as part of a broader transit network. FastTrackTO seeks to resolve this suboptimal arrangement through a line-by-line overhaul of the streetcar network's stops.

"It's no coincidence that Toronto operates one of the slowest and most stop-heavy streetcar networks in the world," says English. Examples of hyper-frequent stops are not hard to find, such as on Dundas Street West through Chinatown. For decades, over just 500 metres of roadway, the 505 Dundas streetcar stopped a jolting four times, with stop spacing never exceeding 200 metres. Only within the last two years did the TTC finally remove the stop at Huron Street, yielding at last to countless complaints from riders. However, this was a one-off removal, and by instead performing a comprehensive review and slimming down the streetcar network's stops, FastTrackTO asserts that riders will see an increase in speed and reliability while accessible stop spacing distances are maintained.

A string of closely spaced stops on the 505 Dundas Streetcar, averaging under 200m between each, between Spadina Avenue and McCaul Street, image courtesy of Google

Nine: Make Replacement Buses History with Modular Track Diversions

The entirety of Toronto's streetcar network is essentially never running all at once, with segments of at least one line routinely replaced by shuttle buses. Most frequently caused by the reconstruction and expansion of utilities or the reinstallation of streetcar tracks, this practice has come to be known as "bustitution." These haphazard arrangements often result in winding detours around the impacted corridor and poorly coordinated linear transfers between the disrupted portion of service and the uninterrupted portion of the line.

As impossible as it may sound today, this disruptive practice was not always the TTC's go-to method for managing construction zones. For most of its history, the commission relied on a far more rider-centric approach: laying temporary, short stretches of bypass tracks around the impacted segment of roadway. This allowed streetcars to simply skirt past the construction site and continue their routes uninterrupted, requiring only a slight reduction in speed to safely navigate the tighter track geometry. For reasons unknown, the TTC abandoned this standard procedure by the 1980s in favour of full-scale route closures. Meanwhile, international transit agencies across Europe and Asia continue to successfully deploy temporary bypass tracks to this day to minimize service impacts. FastTrackTO advocates for a return to this prior best practice, arguing that reviving it is essential to ending the incessant service disruptions that currently artificially lengthen trips and drive away frustrated riders.

A St. Clair Streetcar pulls onto the temporary bypass around the construction of St. Clair West station on University Line 1, 1977, image courtesy of Richard Glaze via the Transit Toronto Collection

Ten: Plan for Double-Ended Streetcars in the Next Procurement

Lastly, Plan for Double-Ended Streetcars in the Next Procurement seeks to introduce greater routing flexibility to the downtown network. The current single-ended fleet requires dedicated on-street or off-street loops to turn around. This limits routing potential and compromises network flexibility, as a single track blockage can bring an entire line to a standstill. FastTrackTO wants the TTC's next fleet procurement to prioritize double-ended streetcars, allowing for long-term infrastructure planning to accommodate the transition.

"Toronto's current streetcars need a loop to turn around, locking up valuable real estate and limiting routing choices," says English. "Our LRTs already use bidirectional vehicles with cabs at both ends for greater flexibility. Procuring double-ended vehicles for the streetcar network would free up loop sites and allow vehicles to turn around almost anywhere using a single crossover."

English suggests deploying them incrementally on lines like the new Waterfront East LRT. "Doors on both sides open up the possibility of island platforms for faster, safer boarding, and new cars could feature level boarding to improve accessibility. The decisions made in the next procurement will shape the network for decades."

A double-ended streetcar operating in Warsaw, Poland, 2015, image courtesy of Adrian Grycuk via https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pesa_Jazz_Plac_Wile%C5%84ski_w_Warszawie.JPG

This wraps up the last of FastTrackTO's proposals to overhaul the operation of Toronto's streetcar and light rail networks, and in the process, deliver a fundamentally more reliable and rapid means of getting across the city. With a mayoral election nearing and the field of candidates narrowing, Toronto's unending transportation crisis is bound to once again take centre stage. As the streetcar network's ridership and average speeds continue to flatline—if not outright decline—there may very well be political appetite to finally revamp the city's most neglected icon.

A TTC Flexity streetcar parked on King Street West at Shaw Street, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor kotsy

This article is the third and final in a series of three examining FastTrackTO's "10-Point Plan to Fix Toronto’s Streetcars and LRT". UrbanToronto will continue to follow updates on Toronto's surface rail network, but in the meantime, you can learn more about our new Light Rail Transit lines from our Database files, linked below. If you'd like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Forum threads, or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: This article has been republished with wording changes to clarify two points.

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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 June 17, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:30:00 -0400

Luxury homebuyers are flocking to this Alberta city, as Toronto sales drop 17 per cent; Mayor says city not being told about Billy Bishop plans, port authority asked her to sign NDA; homeownership increased for recent immigrants in Canada and decreased for Canadian-born individuals, according to StatsCan; and other news.

Luxury homebuyers are flocking to this Alberta city, as Toronto sales drop 17 per cent (The Star)

Mayor says city not being told about Billy Bishop plans, port authority asked her to sign NDA (CBC)

Homeownership increased for recent immigrants in Canada and decreased for Canadian-born individuals: StatsCan (CityNews)

Toronto rolling out AI chatbot to help residents navigate 311 services (CBC)

Lassonde Art Trail in the newest addition to the Port Lands revitalization project (CityNews)

Do you like your soccer on land, on water, or in the water? Floating futsal billed as a Canadian first (The Star)

Dockview

Craig White — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Colourful Muskoka Chairs, the stored Atlas Crane, and the Downtown Toronto skyline in the distance all make for a spectacular viewpoint from the Ookwemin Minising dock for the new east-west Toronto Harbour water taxi. The new service, just a pilot project at this point, will take people to and from this new park at the mouth of the Don River to the foot of Yonge Street, and over to Bathurst Quay.

The Ookwemin Minising dock for Toronto Harbour's new east-west water taxi service has some great views, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor skycandy

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Construction Advances on 316 Junction on Campbell Avenue in the West End

Anthony Teles — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:52:31 -0400

A crane now stands over the future site of a building dubbed 316 Junction in Toronto’s Junction Triangle area. Developed by Marlin Spring Developments and Trolleybus Urban Development and designed by Jahan Mehr Architects, the 26-storey purpose-built rental building is advancing toward construction on Campbell Avenue north of Dupont Street, following months of excavation and shoring work that began last year.

In September, 2025, demolition and site clearing had been completed, leaving the development parcel largely levelled and prepared for excavation. Two large green drilling rigs are positioned near the north and south ends of the site, where crews are advancing the shoring system that will support the excavation required for the project’s two levels of underground parking. Nearby, excavators and compact earthmoving equipment work around stockpiled excavated earth at the northwest corner, while lengths of steel casing are staged at the south end. Temporary construction fencing encloses the property along Campbell Avenue and the surrounding laneways.

A high-angle view looking northwest to early shoring operations after demolition, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor keeganUT

From the site’s southwest corner in February, 2026, excavation had advanced substantially, with the deepest portions of the dig extending toward the north and west property lines. Timber lagging was installed between soldier piles along the north shoring wall. Multiple excavators operate at different elevations throughout the excavation, while haulage and support equipment remain active at grade. Temporary fencing and guardrails secure the site perimeter.

Looking northeast across the deepening excavation, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor AlbertC

In March, 2026, excavation for the project’s two-level underground garage was nearing completion, enclosed by shoring walls reinforced with tiebacks. A temporary earth ramp remains in place along the east side of the site, providing construction access between street level and the excavation floor, where a tracked excavator is positioned partway down the slope. At the base of the excavation, telehandlers, equipment, and construction materials are staged across the prepared subgrade.

Looking southeast into the below-grade excavation and dirt ramp, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ProjectEnd

Looking across the south end of the site in April, 2026, cylindrical steel rakers brace the excavation at the southwest and southeast corners, providing lateral support to the shoring system to resist pressure from the earth behind them along the perimeter walls. Excavators continue fine grading and earthmoving operations, with one machine working from grade and another positioned on a temporary soil bench within the excavation to bring materials to the surface to be hauled away. Near the lower-left corner, rebar has been installed as the first stage in the eventual forming of a circular column, while equipment and materials remain staged across the excavation floor.

Looking east across the excavation and rakers, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor AlbertC

This month, looking northwest from Campbell Avenue, a newly erected crane now rises above the site. The crane stands near the east side of the property behind construction hoarding and fencing. In the foreground, a tracked excavator remains on site as below-grade work continues, while construction staging areas and site facilities occupy portions of the perimeter.

Looking northwest to the newly erected tower crane, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor vic

Upon completion, 316 Junction will rise 88.35m while delivering 314 rental homes, including 63 affordable rental units alongside market-rate and rental replacement units.

Looking northwest to 316 Junction, designed by Jahan Mehr Architects for Marlin Spring Developments and Trolleybus Urban Development Inc

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5300 Yonge Rental Resubmission Adds Height, Drops Seniors Residence

Anthony Teles — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:18:48 -0400

A revised proposal has been submitted for 5300 Yonge Street in Toronto’s North York Centre area, where plans now call for a 48-storey mixed-use rental tower rising on the west side of Yonge between Ellerslie and Churchill avenues. Designed by Graziani + Corazza Architects for Mirabella Development Corporation, the new submission replaces a previously approved 40-storey scheme that incorporated a seniors' residence component, instead proposing a larger purpose-built rental development.

Looking northwest to 5300 Yonge Street, designed by Graziani + Corazza Architects for Mirabella Development Corporation

The proposal applies to the property municipally addressed to 5294 through 5306 Yonge Street. The site is currently occupied by a low-rise commercial plaza and related uses fronting Yonge Street. The surrounding area is characterized by a mix of newer high-rise residential towers, mixed-use developments, community facilities, and remaining low-rise commercial properties.

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

An initial Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment application was submitted in 2017 for a 33-storey condominium tower containing 328 units and approximately 600m² of retail space. Subsequent revisions reduced the scale of the proposal before it advanced through Ontario Land Tribunal proceedings, culminating in site-specific zoning permissions enacted in 2022 and 2024. In the years that followed, the project underwent several further iterations, including a 43-storey redesign, a 48-storey version approved through minor variance applications, and a later 40-storey proposal incorporating a seniors' residence component. The current resubmission returns to a taller 48-storey form.

Previous plan from 2017, designed by Scott Shields Architects for Diamante Development

The new plans call for a mixed-use building rising to a height of 150.45m, a substantial increase over the previously approved 40-storey, 123m scheme. The project would achieve a Floor Space Index of 12.09 times coverage of the 2,551m² lot, up from 11.17 times in the prior proposal, with a Gross Floor Area of 30,841m².

Looking southwest to the podium, designed by Graziani + Corazza Architects for Mirabella Development Corporation

The development would contain 439 rental apartment units, an increase of 35 over the previous proposal, and 44 more units than the March, 2024 Site Plan submission. Of the total, 395 units are proposed as market-rate rentals and 44 as affordable rental units. Vertical circulation would be provided by four residential elevators, supplemented by two elevators connecting the parking levels to the lobby, resulting in approximately one residential elevator for every 110 units. The unit mix would include 18 studios, 229 one-bedrooms, 140 two-bedrooms, and 52 three-bedroom-and-larger units. Compared to the previous scheme, the latest plans reduce the number of studio apartments while increasing one-, two-, and three-bedroom units.

Site plan, designed by Graziani + Corazza Architects for Mirabella Development Corporation

Residential space would account for 30,588m² of the building’s floor area, while retail uses would occupy 253m² at grade. The retail component has been reduced from 435m² proposed in March, 2024. Residents would be served by 659m² of indoor and 659m² of outdoor amenities. The development would also incorporate a 264m² POPS (Privately Owned Publicly-accessible Space) and a 397m² parkland dedication.

Ground floor plan, designed by Graziani + Corazza Architects for Mirabella Development Corporation

Below grade, the proposal includes a four-level underground garage, reduced from the six levels contemplated in the approved previous scheme. A total of 156 vehicular parking spaces are proposed, consisting of 139 residential spaces, 15 visitor spaces, and two institutional or other spaces. This is a significant reduction from the previous 254 spaces. Bicycle parking would total 336 spaces, down from 396, including 299 long-term and 31 short-term residential spaces, along with one long-term and four short-term non-residential spaces.

The site is approximately 300m north of North York Centre station and about 1km south of Finch station on Yonge Line 1. Residents would also have access to TTC bus service along Yonge Street. The future Yonge Line 1 North Subway Extension will extend the subway north to Richmond Hill.

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

The proposal is one of several proposed redevelopments in the corridor. To the south, the 31-storey Ellie Condos is close to Completion, while a 32-storey mixed-use development has been proposed at 5205 Yonge Street. To the north, redevelopment applications include the 27-storey proposal at 26 Hounslow Avenue, a 45-storey tower proposed at Yonge & Churchill, and the 45-storey proposal at 5400 Yonge Street.

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News Roundup for June 16, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 09:30:00 -0400

May home sales down 5.1 per cent from year earlier, but CREA says momentum building; CMHC reports annual pace of housing starts down in May compared with April; Mississauga council considering proposal to rename park after Toronto officer shot and killed; and other news.

May home sales down 5.1 per cent from year earlier, but CREA says momentum building (CityNews)

CMHC reports annual pace of housing starts down in May compared with April (The Star)

Mississauga council considering proposal to rename park after Toronto officer shot and killed (CityNews)

Opinion: How can Toronto debate the Billy Bishop airport expansion plan? Doug Ford doesn’t have a plan (The Star)

Ontario housing starts dip in May after strong start to 2026 (Global News)

Brampton stepping up security measures for Canada Day event at Chinguacousy Park (CityNews)

Harbourview

Craig White — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Despite remaining instantly recognizable, the views of Downtown Toronto from across the harbour are always changing. The anchor of course the is CN Tower, soon to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Around it, however, the skyline changes every year, and experts can pick out which year a photo has been taken by checking out the progress of the latest additions to the evermore crowded horizon. This photo is June, 2026 fresh.

The view of Downtown Toronto from the west side of the harbour is dominated by the CN Tower, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor thecharioteer

This image comes to us courtesy of UrbanToronto Forum contributor thecharioteer. 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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Differing CMBA Responses to Interest Rate Decision: An Analysis

Guest Columnist, Thomas Bamonte — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:30:00 -0400

On June 10th, 2026, the Bank of Canada (BoC) announced that it would be holding interest rates steady at 2.25%. Citing the volatile backdrop of war in the Middle East, uncertainty regarding trade policy with the United States, and rising inflation, the BoC maintained a steady rate for the fifth decision in a row. This choice to do so produced two notably different responses from branches of the Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association (CMBA).

Representing the national branch of the organization, the CMBA in Ottawa acknowledged the potential benefits of interest rate stability while also reminding of ongoing housing affordability issues throughout the country. In a press release the day of the decision, CMBA president John Woods stated that “A cautious approach may be reassuring but fails to address the number one expense for Canadians, the cost of housing.” Woods also warned of the longer-term effect of higher rates, as a “prolonged period of high rates risks sidelining prospective home buyers, especially first-time buyers already struggling to enter the market”.

By contrast, the CMBA’s Ontario chapter offered a clear endorsement of the Bank of Canada’s decision. In their own press release, they praised the stability offered by holding interest rates steady. While affordability was a clear concern, CMBA Ontario president Michelle Campbell emphasized the benefits of interest rate stability, noting that the unchanged interest rates are a signal “that the Canadian housing market is a safe place for investment.” Compared to the national CMBA, a focus on rebuilding buyer and investor confidence was a common theme in the Ontario chapter’s release, with the interest rate decision framed in this context.

Looking southeast across Etobicoke from the 401 towards the distant Humber Bay Shores skyline, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor steveve

Despite their differing opinions of the Bank of Canada’s decision itself, however, both the national and Ontario chapters of the CMBA share the belief that further policy initiatives are necessary to address issues in the housing market, with Campbell stating that “Ontarians demand a lot more action from all levels of government so that they can achieve the same level of prosperity as previous generations”. This sentiment was echoed in the national chapter’s release, which underscored the need for policies that were responsive to changing market conditions.

Why It Matters:

The reasoning behind these two differing responses stems from the ways in which the needs of the national CMBA and CMBA Ontario contrast with one another. While there still exists some overlap between the two (such as agreement on the need for further policy intervention), the main point of divergence between the two concerns the importance of providing what can be perceived as market stability. This value is in turn related to the ways that certain regional housing markets are more investor-driven than others - something that is especially relevant for Ontario.

Investors played a major role in fuelling Ontario’s recent housing boom (especially in the Greater Toronto Area), and the slowing of their rates of home purchases has contributed to lagging growth in recent years. Given the outsize effect that they have on the market, reassuring investors of market stability and encouraging them to feel comfortable investing once again would undoubtedly be a top priority in Ontario. Recognition of their importance is clear throughout CMBA Ontario’s statement, which highlights several times the value of raising investor confidence and ensuring that, in the face of continued global uncertainty, Canada continues to be seen as a safe haven for stable investments.

By contrast, the national CMBA’s statement makes virtually no reference to investors. Rather, it focuses on the issue of affordability, and addressing the challenges faced by prospective and first-time home buyers. This approach is demonstrative of its national role, and therefore its broader mandate in advocating for better conditions for buyers Canada-wide. The aforementioned statement reflects this nationwide focus, with it perceiving the BoC’s decision to hold rates steady as being detrimental to the goal of making housing more easily available to buyers throughout the country.

These contrasting perspectives not only demonstrate the ways that Canada’s overall housing market is not monolithic, but also that there are still housing-related issues that span provincial boundaries. Not all provinces have housing markets where investors play a large role, and therefore the stability offered by steady interest rates is less of a concern elsewhere than it would be in Ontario. At the same time, affordability remains a concern for both the Ontario and national housing markets, with the press releases from both CMBA branches emphasizing this need through calls for pro-homebuyer policy initiatives. Thus, while their responses to the Bank of Canada keeping interest rates steady differ, such differences are largely related to the specificities of the Ontario housing market, and are still accompanied by shared goals that aim to make housing more accessible to prospective homebuyers.

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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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New Etobicoke Civic Centre Rises Above Grade in Transforming Six Points

Anthony Teles — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:55:01 -0400

The new Etobicoke Civic Centre has emerged above grade. Designed by Henning Larsen Architects with Adamson Associates Architects as Architect of Record for CreateTO, the multi-volume civic complex is rising at the southeast corner of Bloor Street West and Kipling Avenue in the transforming Six Points district where there was once a mid-city interchange. The development will introduce centralized civic facilities for Toronto's western districts, comprising low-rise, 7-, 10-, 13-, and 16-storey volumes housing municipal offices, a recreation centre, and a library. Excavation began in the Spring of 2024.

The excavation pit for the new Etobicoke Civic Centre, November 2024, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Tim MacDonald

In May, 2025, progress was evident on the below-grade structure, with four cranes operating above the excavation. Reinforced concrete foundation walls had risen throughout the site alongside concrete columns, rebar projecting from them in anticipation of the next level of walls and columns to be formed above the concrete slab that would come next. Orange safety tarps line the perimeter shoring system, while a large CAT excavator works beside a smaller machine amid stockpiled material.

Looking northwest across the excavation and below-grade construction, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor rdaner

Amid extensive redevelopment activity across Etobicoke Centre, work had advanced to grade level by October, 2025. In the foreground behind temporary edge protection, a substantial section of the ground-floor slab had been poured, creating a broad concrete deck punctuated by rebar. Across the remainder of the site, crews prepare for subsequent concrete pours within dense rebar assemblies, while formwork systems and stacks of materials were laid out. In the background, we see the rising towers of The Stella.

Looking southeast across newly reached grade-level construction, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor A Torontonian Now

In a drone view from December, 2025, multiple portions of the complex are rising simultaneously. Along the north and west edges, work has advanced to the first and second levels, with extensive formwork, shoring, and slab decking assembled for the next forming. Further south and east, structural work progresses for the smaller structures. Orange weather-protection tarps and blue hoarding mark active work zones, while formwork stockpiles occupy the remaining open areas.

A drone view looking west over Etobicoke Civic Centre as above-grade construction advances, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Tim MacDonald

Looking southwest across Bloor Street in May, 2026, concrete construction advances across multiple building volumes. The east portion of the complex, the tallest 16-storey component, has risen to four storeys. Yellow shoring posts support recently cast slabs, while perimeter edge protection, formwork, and slab sideforms remain in place for the next concrete pour. To the east, additional sections continue to climb in stepped fashion for the successively lower buildings.

Looking southwest across Bloor Street West to the emerging concrete frame, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Lachlan Holmes

This month, looking southeast from across Bloor Street and Kipling Avenue, the future seven-storey component at the west end has risen to four storeys. Portions of the fifth floor have been formed, while slab decking and shoring support in place for the sixth-floor above. To the south along Kipling Avenue, concrete forming has progressed to roughly the third floor, with perimeter edge protection in place. Several columns are wrapped in weatherproofing ahead of cladding installation, while taller fifth-floor columns with projecting rebar rise high above. A red concrete boom pump is prominent above to the left.

Looking southeast from Bloor Street West and Kipling Avenue, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor fanoftoronto

UrbanToronto’s previous update was in March, 2025. Upon completion, the complex will rise as high as 75.82m, and will replace the existing Etobicoke Civic Centre on The West Mall at Burnhamthorpe Road.

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

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Tower Near Eglinton GO in Scarborough Revised to 49 Storeys

Anthony Teles — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:33:28 -0400

A revised proposal has been submitted to the City of Toronto for 2941 Eglinton Avenue East in Scarborough, where a Site Plan Approval resubmission seeks to advance a 49-storey mixed-use condominium tower planned beside Eglinton GO station. Designed by Kirkor Architects and Planners for Achille Developments, the latest plans increase the building’s storey count from the previously approved 46 storeys to 49 storeys, while slightly reducing its overall height.

Looking southwest to 2941 Eglinton East, designed by Kirkor Architects and Planners for Achille Developments

The proposal at 2939 and 2941 Eglinton Avenue East is located on Eglinton's south side just east of Torrance Road and, a two blocks east of McCowan Road. The site is currently occupied by a single-storey commercial building and associated surface parking. The surrounding area includes a mix of commercial, residential, institutional, and park uses, with a growing number of mid- and high-rise development proposals emerging.

Looking south to the current site, image from submission to City of Toronto

The project has undergone several rounds of revisions since its initial submission in 2022, when Achille Developments proposed a 44-storey tower containing 555 residential units.

2022 plan, looking southeast, designed by Kirkor Architects and Planners for Achille Developments

After the application was appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) in 2023, City staff raised concerns related to built form, unit mix, and supporting technical studies. Settlement discussions subsequently led to a revised proposal that increased the approved height and density, with the OLT ratifying the settlement in 2024.

Looking southwest to the previous plan, designed by Kirkor Architects and Planners for Achille Developments

The revised proposal retains the overall tower-and-podium configuration established through the settlement, with a tower rising to 49 storeys from a mixed-use, six-storey base. While the building’s storey count has increased from 46 to 49, its overall height has been slightly reduced from 156.55m to 155.91m. The overall floor area has increased substantially from the approximately 37,419m² proposed in 2022. The building would deliver 45,234m² of Gross Floor Area at a Floor Space Index of 10.54 times coverage of the 4,645m² site, including 44,734m² of residential space and 500m² of ground-floor retail uses. Retail and lobby space at grade would animate the Eglinton Avenue frontage.

Looking south to the podium, designed by Kirkor Architects and Planners for Achille Developments

The development would contain 528 condominium units, a reduction from the 578 units proposed in the previous submission and below the 555 units contemplated in the original 2022 application. The revised unit mix eliminates studio apartments while increasing the share of larger homes, now comprising 328 one-bedroom units, 108 two-bedroom units, and 92 three-bedroom units. Compared to the previous proposal, the number of three-bedroom units has increased by 34, while one- and two-bedroom units have been reduced.

The building would be served by six elevators, two of which serve only the underground garage and podium levels, while four elevators begin at ground level, and serve podium and tower levels, making them the primary elevators for about 480 of the building's 528 suites. This equates to one elevator for every 120 residential units, indicating that high speed motors will be required to provide adequate response times when all elevators are operating.

Ground floor plan, designed by Kirkor Architects and Planners for Achille Developments

A single underground parking level would accommodate 42 motor vehicles, while parking in three levels of the podium contain another 92 spaces. The podium level parking spaces are hidden to the south of residential suites that face Eglinton Avenue. Of the total 134 motor vehicle parking spaces, 106 are resident spaces and are 28 visitor spaces, down from 157 spaces in the previous submission, and less than half of the 278 spaces proposed in 2022.

Residents would have access to a total of 2,332m² of amenity space, including 1,220m² of indoor amenities and 1,112m² of outdoor amenity areas. Bicycle parking has similarly been reduced from 477 spots, with the current plans providing 417 spaces, including 370 long-term spaces, 37 short-term spaces, and 10 publicly accessible short-term spaces.

Site plan, designed by Kirkor Architects and Planners for Achille Developments

Located within the planned Eglinton GO Station Protected Major Transit Station Area, the development would place residents within a short walk of GO Transit service providing connections to Downtown Toronto and Durham Region. TTC bus routes ply Eglinton Avenue East.

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

The proposal is one of several high-rise developments planned in the area. To the southwest, 320 McCowan Road proposes 25 and 29 storeys. Across Eglinton Avenue East to the north, 2956 Eglinton Avenue East would introduce three towers ranging from 25 to 37 storeys, while further northeast, a proposal at 123 Bellamy Road North calls for three buildings rising between 10 and 39 storeys.

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News Roundup for June 15, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 09:30:00 -0400

A look at how the largest private donation in the City of Toronto’s history could reshape a ‘green oasis’; key Ajax support hub to close as Durham's homeless population jumps 77% in 8 months; World Cup economic impact takes shape as fans flood Toronto streets; and other news.

How the largest private donation in the City of Toronto’s history could reshape a ‘green oasis’ (The Star)

Key Ajax support hub to close as Durham's homeless population jumps 77% in 8 months (CBC)

World Cup economic impact takes shape as fans flood Toronto streets (Global News)

Toronto Port Authority says Billy Bishop expansion would be self-funded. Some experts are skeptical (CBC)

Lakeview

Craig White — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Late on an early June day, the sun cast long shadows as this drone captured construction in Mississauga's Lakeview Village area. Being constructed on the cleaned-up site of a former coal power plant, the first of many buildings to be is now rising in a future neighbourhood where Lake Ontario views are a major selling point. On the horizon to the left, Downtown Toronto's skyscrapers are clustered in the distance.

The sun casts long shadows on a late day shot of construction in Mississauga's Lakeview Village area on the shores of Lake Ontario, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Tim MacDonald

This image comes to us courtesy of UrbanToronto Forum contributor Tim MacDonald. 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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One Delisle Tops Off on Yonge at St Clair

Anthony Teles — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:54:00 -0400

One Delisle has topped off in Toronto’s Deer Park neighbourhood. The 44-storey condominium tower at the northeast corner of Yonge Street and Delisle Avenue, designed by Studio Gang with WZMH Architects as Architect of Record, has become one of the city’s most distinctive high-rise developments. Studio Gang’s first Canadian commission is defined by a series of rotating eight-storey volumetric modules that gradually transform the building from a rectilinear podium into a near-cylindrical tower. UrbanToronto last did a feature story on the Slate Asset Management development at the time of a construction tour in October, 2025.

From the Beltline Bridge in May, 2026, One Delisle had climbed to its full architectural height, with forming activity then started for the mechanical penthouse around the central core, while a concrete boom pump extends above the structure and the crane remains active overhead. Below, forming work has finished on the penthouse levels. The north elevation continues to host the construction hoist, creating a temporary interruption in the facade installation, while curtain wall glazing and cladding have advanced to approximately the 37th floor.

Looking southwest from the Beltline Bridge to One Delisle’s topped-off structure, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor JohnnyAu

From grade, the tower’s modules and sculptural massing clearly expressed from podium to crown, gradually morphing from a rectilinear base to a rounded crown. White powder-coated aluminum cladding wraps the exterior in a lattice-like arrangement of fluted piers and faceted framing elements, contrasting with dark glazing and balcony guards behind. The chamfering of window sections and balcony openings makes each floor-plate unique, with no two levels configured exactly alike.

Looking west to the sculptural facade and rotating massing, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor steveve

Looking south along Yonge Street in late May, the concrete pouring for the mechanical penthouse is now complete, with a compact, cube-like crown atop the residential tower. In the background, One Bloor West is visible in the distance below its crane.

Looking south along Yonge Street to the newly poured crown, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor JohnnyAu

This close-up view from this month highlights the complexity of the facade system, with panels framing the shifting modules as they rise. Modules alternate between floor-to-ceiling glazing and recessed balcony bays, adding depth to the exterior.

Looking up at the facade detailing, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor reia

From west of Avenue Road on St Clair, One Delisle dominates the view, its white cladding contrasting with dark glazing, installed on two fluted facade sections up to the 38th floor. Above, the uppermost floors await enclosure, including the mechanical penthouse's raw concrete above.

Looking east along St Clair Avenue West to One Delisle’s mechanical penthouse and upper facade progress, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor CharmAlarm

One Delisle stands 155m and will house 371 condominium units.

Looking south to One Delisle, designed by Studio Gang Architects and WZMH Architects for Slate Asset Management

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35-Storey Rentals Planned on Hurontario Across from Mississauga Hospital

Anthony Teles — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:38:14 -0400

An infill proposal has been submitted for 2233 and 2235 Hurontario Street in Mississauga’s Downtown Hospital Growth Centre, where plans call for a pair of 35-storey purpose-built rental towers rising along the future Hurontario-Main Line 10 LRT. Designed by BDP Quadrangle for Starlight Investments, the development would be constructed on underused area while retaining the site’s existing rental apartment buildings.

Looking west to 2233-2235 Hurontario Street, designed by BDP Quadrangle for Starlight Investments

The proposal applies to the 2.19-hectare property located within the Queensway Protected Major Transit Station Area on the east side of Hurontario Street, one building south of The Queensway, and directly across from Mississauga Hospital. The site is currently occupied by two rental apartment buildings rising 12 and 13 storeys, a one-storey retail pavilion, surface parking areas, and associated underground parking facilities. The surrounding area is characterized by a mix of residential, commercial, institutional, and open space uses, including high-rise apartment buildings along the Hurontario corridor and commercial plazas clustered around the Hurontario-Queensway intersection.

Looking northeast to the current site from Hurontario Street, image retrieved from Google Maps

Sajecki Planning has submitted a Zoning By-law Amendment application to the City of Mississauga on behalf of the developer. The redevelopment would be concentrated on a 5,659m² parcel occupying the southwest corner of the larger property, replacing the existing retail pavilion and a portion of the surface parking areas. Rising from a shared podium ranging from six storeys along the west side to seven storeys toward the east, the proposed towers would each reach 35 storeys and a height of 123.84m. Together, the buildings would contain 52,433m² of Gross Floor Area, including 52,008m² devoted to residential uses and 425m² of ground-floor commercial space, resulting in a Floor Space Index of 9.3 times coverage of the parcel.

Site plan, designed by BDP Quadrangle for Starlight Investments

The development would introduce 698 rental apartments, comprising 78 studio units, 347 one-bedroom units, 203 two-bedroom units, and 70 three-bedroom units. Retail space would line portions of the Hurontario Street frontage. The overall layout is designed to accommodate a future severance of the redevelopment parcel if pursued.

Looking northwest to the massing for 2233-2235 Hurontario Street, designed by BDP Quadrangle for Starlight Investments

The two towers would each have floor-plates of approximately 750m². A minimum 25m separation would be provided between the new towers, while approximately 25m and 26.6m would separate them from the existing 13- and 12-storey apartment buildings, respectively. Vertical circulation would be supported by eight residential elevators, four per tower, along with a dedicated retail elevator, equating to roughly one residential elevator for every 87 units across the development, indicating reasonable response times.

Ground floor plan, designed by BDP Quadrangle for Starlight Investments

Residents would have access to 1,432m² of indoor and 671m² of outdoor amenity areas distributed between the ground floor, podium rooftops, upper levels, and tower crowns. At the heart of the site, a landscaped courtyard would replace existing asphalt surfaces. Three levels of underground parking would accommodate 347 vehicle spaces, including 300 resident spaces, 43 visitor spaces, and four retail spaces. Bicycle facilities would total 246 spaces, comprising 35 short-term spaces at grade and 211 long-term spaces located within the building.

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

The future Queensway stop on the LRT is approximately 200m north of the property. MiWay bus routes operate nearby, with stops located within a short walk of the site and connections to both Port Credit and Cooksville GO stations. The area is served by cycling infrastructure along Queensway and Camilla Road, while the ongoing Hurontario reconstruction associated with the LRT will introduce new boulevard cycling facilities along the site’s frontage.

The proposal joins a growing pipeline of development activity surrounding the Queensway-Hurontario area. To the northwest, a 26-storey tower is proposed at 2444 Hurontario Street. To the southeast, 49 South Service Road is proposed at 26 storeys, and the Gordon Woods Condominiums would add 26- and 29-storey towers. To the west, construction is advancing on the Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital expansion, which will introduce new 8- and 22-storey towers, while a 40-storey mixed-use tower has been proposed at 2300 Confederation Parkway.

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News Roundup for June 12, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 09:30:00 -0400

TTC unveils temporary hub to handle FIFA crowds; Toronto’s FIFA human rights action plan is out, but advocates say it falls short for unhoused people; Ford government signs $200M contract to build 5-storey parking garage at Ontario Place; and other news.

TTC unveils temporary hub to handle FIFA crowds (CityNews)

Toronto’s FIFA human rights action plan is out, but advocates say it falls short for unhoused people (CBC)

Ford government signs $200M contract to build 5-storey parking garage at Ontario Place (Global News)

The FIFA World Cup is here and Toronto may still be short millions in funding (The Star)

Taste of the Danforth returning to Toronto after 2-year hiatus (CBC)

Multiple weekend road closures in Toronto for events, including Taste of Little Italy (CP24)

Dobrodošli u Toronto

Craig White — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

The World Cup 2026 kicks off at 3 PM today at Toronto Stadium with a match between Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina. While seats for the games might cost the equivalent of your most precious internal organs, and a premium paid Fan Festival is on at The Bentway and adjacent Fort York grounds, fans without spare kidney money can find other ways to celebrate the games at places like Nathan Phillips Square, where the reflecting pool has been transformed into some soccer pitches.

Nathan Phillips Square transformed for FIFA World Cup 2026 in Toronto, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor AlbertC

This image comes to us courtesy of UrbanToronto Forum contributor AlbertC. 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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Topped Off No. 31 Condos Nears Exterior Completion in the Distillery District

Anthony Teles — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:16:24 -0400

Five months after UrbanToronto’s previous update, construction continues on No. 31 Condos at the west edge of Toronto’s Distillery District. Rising at 31 Parliament Street, the 41-storey condominium tower designed by Arquitectonica, with Arcadis as Architect of Record, is being developed by Lanterra Developments and Westdale Properties. Since our January, 2026 look at the project, work at No. 31 has shifted increasingly toward exterior enclosure while the neighbouring 32-storey Goode Condos has reached completion.

Looking across Parliament Street in May, 2026, No. 31 Condos is topped off at its full 41-storey height, its stepped massing clearly expressed along the west elevation as the tower recedes toward the upper floors. Brick-pattern precast cladding now wraps much of the west and south faces, while extensive window wall glazing and dark spandrel panels enclose the lower and mid-rise levels. At grade, exposed cast-in-place concrete walls and structural columns remain visible behind construction fencing, with sections of blue weatherproofing applied around column bases and several window openings still temporarily boarded with plywood. The tower’s prominent south-side crash wall remains exposed above the street and next to the Union Station Rail Corridor.

Looking northeast from Parliament Street to No. 31 Condos, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor zuzivalente

In a distant view from Lake Shore Boulevard at Cherry Street, the tower's slim profile is featured in its narrow east elevation. Precast cladding has advanced nearly to the top of the building, stopping just below the mechanical penthouse, while the crane remains in place above the roofline.

A distant view looking west to the east elevation and crane, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor zuzivalente

Looking north to the south elevation this month, No. 31 Condos appears largely enclosed, with brick-pattern precast cladding now extending continuously to the top of the tower, where we see sections of bare concrete at the mechanical penthouse. The building’s stacked massing is emphasized by a series of prominent step-backs, where fully glazed levels create horizontal breaks within the precast-clad facade. Black glass balcony guards have been installed to approximately the 17th floor, while the residential levels above continue to show exposed concrete balcony slabs and soffits awaiting railing installation.

Looking north to ongoing balcony and facade work, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor zuzivalente

Looking southwest from the base of the tower, a close-up view highlights the precast cladding. Along the east elevation in the foreground, window wall installation continues behind the precast frame, with mullions, glazing panels, and louvred sections at varying stages of completion. Several openings remain unfinished, exposing insulation and temporary backing panels where glazing has yet to be installed. Above, on the east face, precast installation has progressed to within several storeys of the mechanical penthouse.

A close-up view looking southwest to facade and glazing installation, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor xmyth_2

No. 31 Condos stands 153.63m and will house 467 condominium units.

Looking northeast to the previous design for No. 31 Condos, designed by Arquitectonica for Lanterra Developments and Westdale Properties, with Arcadis Architect of Record

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EDITOR'S NOTE: This story was republished to reflect that the building was only built to 41 storeys, not the 46 storeys that the developers were approved to build to.

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Heritage Yonge Street Canadian Tire Redevelopment Reworked

Anthony TelesCraig White — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:13:36 -0400

Plans for one of Toronto’s oldest Canadian Tire locations would bring a redesigned mixed-use condominium development to 835 Yonge Street in Yorkville. Designed by Adamson Associates Architects for CT REIT, the development arm of the Canadian Tire Corporation, the proposal retains the previously submitted 41- and 49-storey towers while revising the massing and architectural expression above the retained heritage facade of the old store at the northeast corner of Yonge and Church streets.

Looking northeast to 835 Yonge, designed by Adamson Associates Architects for CT REIT

The proposal applies to a site comprising 835, 837, and 839 Yonge Street, a few blocks north of Bloor Street. The property is currently occupied by a Canadian Tire store, a Canadian Tire gas bar, a ServiceOntario office, and associated surface parking areas, while retaining a heritage-designated facade dating to 1935 along the Yonge Street frontage. Situated at the northern edge of Downtown Toronto where Yorkville transitions into Rosedale, the site is surrounded by a mix of retail, office, institutional, and residential uses.

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

Plans to redevelop the property first emerged in 2022, when CT REIT submitted a Zoning By-law Amendment application proposing a pair of mixed-use towers above a shared podium while retaining the heritage-designated Yonge Street facade that had been preserved during the previous expansion of the Canadian Tire store.

Previous design, 835 Yonge, Toronto, designed by Adamson Associates Architects for CT REIT

The revised proposal retains the overall framework of the 2022 submission, with a pair of mixed-use towers rising from a shared podium across the site. A 49-storey tower reaching 160.2m would occupy the Yonge Street frontage, while a second tower to the southeast would rise 41 storeys, or 136m. Together, the buildings would contain 95,536m² of Gross Floor Area with a Floor Space Index of 8.8 times coverage of the 10,910m² site. Residential uses would account for 82,634m², complemented by significant retail space. Numbers for it are not finalized at this time pending an SPA submission expected late thus month, but it appears it may be reduced from the 17,663m² identified in the 2022 proposal to 16,957m², though that number could be further reduced. Plans are to accommodate a replacement Canadian Tire store along with potential other retailers.

Site plan, designed by Adamson Associates Architects for CT REIT

The resubmission introduces notable revisions to the building massing, site organization, and architectural style. The revised massing places greater emphasis on the podium and heritage base. Most significantly, the towers have been pulled farther back from the retained Yonge Street heritage facades, with work overseen by ERA Architects, creating greater visual separation between the historic structures and the new construction, while the exterior expression has been completely revamped; no longer reading as modern, bright-white staggered frames running to the sky, both the podiums and the towers are now clad as if they were carved out of a sedimentary rock cliff face. Canadian Tire logo shapes appear as windows at a couple corners, while the logo has also been incised into the masonry in places, all suggestive of Canadian Tire's place in Canadian life as being bedrock or foundational in nature.

Looking northeast to the podium, designed by Adamson Associates Architects for CT REIT

The development's latest residential numbers are that it would deliver 922 condominium units, down from the total 950 proposed in 2022. The suite mix includes 553 one-bedroom units (60%), 272 two-bedroom units (29.5%), and 97 three-bedroom-and-larger units (10.5%). Vertical transportation would be provided through four elevators serving the 49-storey tower and three serving the 41-storey tower, equating to roughly one elevator for every 132 residential units, indicating particularly high-speed motors would be required to provide acceptable wait times when all elevators are operating. Three further elevators would serve the retail component, connecting the garage levels with the Canadian Tire store.

Green space at the south end of the site, image from submission to City of Toronto

Residents would have access to 1,908m² of indoor amenity space and 1,900m² of outdoor amenity space, figures unchanged from the earlier proposal. Three levels of underground parking would contain 361 vehicular spaces, including 138 residential spaces and 223 visitor and commercial spaces, matching the previous parking supply. Bicycle parking has decread slightly from 1,096 spaces to 1,020 spaces, including 820 resident spaces, 100 residential visitor spaces, 40 retail long-term spaces, and 60 retail short-term spaces.

Ground floor plan, designed by Adamson Associates Architects for CT REIT

The site is located approximately 400m north of Bloor–Yonge station in lines 1 and 2 and roughly 450m south of Rosedale station on Yonge Line 1. TTC buses also ply Yonge Street. Cycling infrastructure includes the Yonge Street bikeway north of Bloor Street, nearby connections to the Church Street cycling corridor, and Bloor Street cycle tracks.

An aerial view of the site and surrounding area, image from 835Yonge.com

The proposal is surrounded by high-rise development projects and proposals. To the southeast, 28-storey Park Road is under construction, while proposals at 38-50 Park Road and Clear Hotel would rise 31 and 42 storeys respectively. West of the site, 906 Yonge Street would rise 23 and 40 storeys. To the southwest, the 41-storey 50 Scollard is completing construction alongside proposals for a 50-storey tower at Yonge and Scollard and a 63-storey tower at 30 Scollard. To the south, the 26-storey Adagio is under construction, while the proposed Cumberland Square would introduce three towers ranging from 51 to 75 storeys.

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The Spoke Welcomes Residents to the Junction Triangle

Anthony Teles — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:20:00 -0400

Construction at The Spoke is all but complete, with the project reaching a major occupancy milestone as its first residents began moved in this May. Located in Toronto’s Junction Triangle, the purpose-built rental community by Tricon Living brings 398 new rental homes to one of the city’s most vibrant west-end neighbourhoods. Rising 8 and 23 storeys on the west side of Symington Avenue, just north of Dupont Street, The Spoke brings together Tricon’s model of design excellence, signature amenities, elevated services, and resident-focused community programming. Designed by TACT Architecture with Graziani + Corazza Architects as Architect of Record, the development marks a significant addition to the area’s growing rental supply.

The Spoke, designed TACT Architecture and Graziani + Corazza Architects for Tricon

The Junction Triangle has undergone a notable transition from its industrial roots into a mixed-use urban district. The site offers convenient access to nearby West End neighbourhoods including Wallace-Emerson, Geary Avenue, Corso Italia, and Bloordale Village, while the West Toronto Railpath runs close by. Together with nearby transit connections and a growing concentration of independent cafés, breweries, creative studios, and local businesses, the location places residents within a well-connected and increasingly active urban environment.

The Sanctuary sky lounge, image courtesy of Tricon

Comprising mid- and high-rise volumes, The Spoke introduces a both ground-hugging and contemporary skyline living to the area. The complex's form and material expression draw on the area’s industrial past, while presenting a distinctly modern residential profile along Symington Avenue. Landscape design by Site/C Landscape Architecture Inc. features a series of terraces, pathways, and planted edges through the site, softening the massing and creating visual and physical connections from the project to the surrounding streets and the broader neighbourhood.

The Cove Spa, image courtesy of Tricon

A substantial amenity program supports daily life at The Spoke, with more than 26,000 ft² of shared indoor and outdoor spaces. Indoor amenities include Club Apex, a commercial-grade fitness centre paired with a dedicated studio for yoga and spin bikes, along with co-working lounges, entertainment spaces, a theatre, family-oriented rooms, wellness facilities featuring a sauna and cold plunge in the Cove Spa, and pet-focused amenities.

Club Apex gym, image courtesy of Tricon

Interior amenity spaces, designed by Johnson Chou Inc., will draw on the area’s industrial roots while incorporating a warm 1970s-inspired palette. Exposed concrete and hot-rolled metal screens are balanced with walnut wood, textured finishes, and earthy tones throughout the common areas. The entrance is defined by a sunken lounge with a glazed fireplace and a circular sofa. Custom elements include a spoke-inspired ceiling sculpture and a commissioned wall piece by Toronto artist Adrian Forrow.

Lobby lounge, image courtesy of Tricon

A sports lounge with a pool table and vintage arcade games provides a more informal gathering space, along with The Node, providing a co-working lounge. The 23rd-floor Sanctuary features tiered green carpeted seating with views over the Toronto skyline. Custom lighting details, locally made furniture, and works by Toronto artists complete the interiors.

Outdoors, residents will have access to landscaped terraces, social gathering areas, and Tricon’s signature pool, The Cove.

Outdoor Cove Pool and terrace, image courtesy of Tricon

The Vault will serve as a bike hub equipped with repair and wash facilities.

The Vault bicycle storage and repair facility, image courtesy of Tricon

The residential component comprises 398 rental homes, including one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites. Select plans feature dens, garden walkouts, and flexible living areas. Interiors are finished with Trevisana kitchens, kitchen islands, stainless steel appliances (including wine fridges), in-suite laundry, and smart-home features such as keyless entry and programmable thermostats, with the option for furnished suites.

A high-angle view of The Spoke, designed by TACT Architecture and Graziani + Corazza Architects for Tricon

With construction at its final stages, The Spoke will soon be an active and vibrant residential community in the Junction Triangle.

The Spoke, designed TACT Architecture and Graziani + Corazza Architects for Tricon

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