With the final week of Convocation proceedings underway for the University of Toronto’s Class of 2023, the redeveloped grounds of the historic St George Campus has seen some of the highest levels of foot traffic in its young life. Unfortunately for the photo ops, the project is still very much an active construction site, as work remains ongoing, to complete both the underground parking facility as well as significant portions of the grade level landscaping, but certainly there are some new greener vistas to celebrate already! 

Looking northeast King's College Circle as landscaping work continues, image by UT Forum contributor limer

The Landscape of Landmark Quality project has advanced after a long and active Winter and Spring of work, the design from Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates working with KPMB, is closing in on the final push. Referring to the image above, the aerial view provides a comprehensive survey of the centre of the site. Looking northeast, the focal point here is the work taking place in the centre of King’s College Circle, where the single-level below grade parking structure and geothermal system has now been completely enclosed from above. 

Getting a closer look at the circle’s surface from ground-level in the image below, we can see that it has been paved over. Work is now taking place to outfit the slab with the necessary irrigation systems in order to sustain the grass that will eventually finish the surface. 

Looking southwest at the surface of King's College Circle, now paved over, image by UT Forum contributor Northern Light

While the circle is still a ways away from completion, other portions of the site are virtually complete. The image below pictures the front steps of University College on the right, rejuvenated by the new pavers and plantings. Raised granite curbs with a rustic finish line the edge of the footpath, and native species have been planted in the soil to support pollinators and biodiversity. 

Footpaths in front of University College are now open to the public, image by UT Forum contributor jamaps

We can also see the same level of completion on the northeastern end of the site. Pictured below is one of U of T’s more quirky buildings, the Toronto Magnetic Meteorological Observatory, constructed in 1840. With the new accessible walkways and extensive plantings, the building is re-contextualized into the evolving campus with grace. 

The planters have been planted with native species, image by UT Forum contributor Rascacielo

Meanwhile, the central and southeastern side of King’s College Circle is a different story, with construction work still at an earlier stage. Looking northeast, with the Gerstein Science Information Centre pictured on the right, we can see that the previous road and landscaping has been completely ripped out almost up to the door of the building, but no new landscaping has been installed. The redeveloped landscape includes an underground heating system that will manage the removal of snow during winter months, so that installation process could still be underway here. 

Looking northeast to the east side of King's College Circle, awaiting repaving, image by UT Forum contributor Red Mars

With lower levels of student activity on Campus expected during the summer, the crew will be able to continue working towards their goal of completion before the end of 2023. 

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 has a research service, UrbanToronto Pro, that provides comprehensive data on construction projects in the Greater Toronto Area—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.

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