UrbanToronto

45-Storey Rental Tower Proposed to Replace Apartment Building Near Leaside Station

Anthony Teles — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:55:50 -0400

An application has been submitted to permit the redevelopment of 525 Eglinton Avenue East, where Cromwell Property Management proposes replacing an existing 10-storey rental apartment building with a 45-storey purpose-built rental tower designed by Wallman Architects. Planned near Leaside station on Eglinton Line 5 in Toronto’s Mount Pleasant East area, the site falls within the Leaside Protected Major Transit Station Area, and would deliver one of the tallest buildings yet proposed along this stretch of Eglinton Avenue East.

Looking southwest to 525 Eglinton Avenue East, designed by Wallman Architects for Cromwell Property Management

The proposal is at the southwest corner of Eglinton Avenue East and Hoyle Avenue, a couple blocks west of Bayview Avenue. The site is currently occupied by a 10-storey, 53-unit rental apartment building, which would be demolished for the redevelopment. While lower-rise residential properties remain to the south on adjacent streets, the area overall is experiencing significant intensification pressure following the coming of the Eglinton Line 5.

A high-angle view looking southwest to the current site, image from submission to City of Toronto

The Firm Developments has submitted Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications to the City of Toronto on behalf of the developer. The proposal calls for a 45-storey mixed-use building rising to 152.33m, starting with a six-to-seven-storey podium. The tower would have setbacks of 10m from the west property line and 11.2m from the south, creating a 15.5m separation distance to the upper floors of a new 16-storey building next door to the west at 389 Cleveland Street, now beginning construction. The residential tower would feature an approximately 808m² floor-plate.

Site plan, designed by Wallman Architects for Cromwell Property Management

The building would contain 526 purpose-built rental apartments, including 53 same-size, same-bedroom-count rental replacement units for the site’s existing suites, while adding 473 new homes. The proposed unit mix would comprise 46 studios, 341 one-bedroom, 113 two-bedroom, and 26 three-bedroom suites. With four elevators serving the building, there would be roughly one cab for every 132 units, indicating particularly high-speed motors would be needed for adequate response times when all elevators are operational.

The development would have 34,991m² of Gross Floor Area, including 34,665m² devoted to residential uses and 326m² of non-residential space, resulting in a Floor Space Index of 18.2 times coverage of the 1,920m² site. At street level, a 326m² retail space would front onto Eglinton Avenue East. Residents would have access to 1,036m² of indoor and 574m² of outdoor amenity areas.

Ground floor plan, designed by Wallman Architects for Cromwell Property Management

Three levels of underground parking would accommodate 84 vehicle parking spaces, including 77 spaces for residents and seven visitor spaces. Bicycle facilities would total 291 spaces, comprising 237 long-term and 54 short-term spaces, supplemented by 10 publicly accessible bicycle parking spaces at grade.

The site is located approximately 250m, or about a four-minute walk, from Leaside station. Nearby TTC bus routes along Eglinton Avenue East and Bayview Avenue provide connections to destinations across the city. While cycling infrastructure in the immediate area remains limited, the planning materials note that protected cycle tracks are planned along Eglinton Avenue, together with future cycling routes identified through the Yonge-Eglinton Secondary Plan and the City’s Cycling Network Plan.

An axonometric view looking south to the current site and surrounding area, image from submission to City of Toronto

The proposal joins a growing concentration of high-rise development projects and proposals on the east side of Midtown. Besides the 16-storey 389 Cleveland Street which recently went under construction to the immediate west, 550 Eglinton Avenue East across the street to the north is proposed at 25 storeys. To the east, proposals at 545, 586, and 589 Eglinton Avenue East would rise to 35, 46, and 40 storeys respectively, while the Sunnybrook Plaza redevelopment further east would introduce three towers ranging from 32 to 44 storeys. A 35-storey tower has been proposed at 1779-1787 Bayview Avenue to the southeast. To the northeast, proposals include the dual 15-storey buildings at 609 Roehampton Avenue and a 46-storey tower at 1802 Bayview Avenue.

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.

News Roundup for July 9, 2026

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

Asking rents in Canada fall more than 4% from last year, according to report; data from the TTC shows ridership jumped on World Cup match days in Toronto; Toronto mayoral race tightens, with Chow still in front; and other news.

Asking rents in Canada fall more than 4% from last year, according to report (CBC)

Data from the TTC shows ridership jumped on World Cup match days in Toronto (CityNews)

Toronto mayoral race tightens, with Chow still in front (Global News)

Canada’s World Cup games are over. What’s left behind? (The Globe and Mail)

Toronto transit ridership surges after service ramped up for World Cup matches (Global News)

What’s going on with the Toronto–Quebec City high-speed train? (CBC)

Colour Bar

Craig White — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400

The podium levels at Rushden Station, a residential complex under construction in Toronto's East End, present a lot of blank concrete wall to the city, as they mostly hide parking levels. The blank wall, therefore, represented an opportunity to apply a finish that would relieve its relentlessness. The answer here is projecting fins in seven tones: one for each tower colour (green, red, and blue), one lighter version of each (light green, pink, light blue), along with white to add something bright. From the side in particular, it's quite a sight!

A side-on view of fins on Rushden Station's podium make for a giant outdoor colour bar, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor flonicky

This image comes to us courtesy of UrbanToronto Forum contributor flonicky. 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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UTPro 2026 Q2 New Development Report: Drop in New Applications Deepens

Ash Navabi — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:53:55 -0400

New development applications for the City of Toronto show a sharper year-over-year decline than the first quarter, according to UrbanToronto’s UTPro data. After Q1 2026 already saw decreases across most headline measures, the second quarter continued the slowdown, with fewer new projects, fewer proposed homes, less total floor area, and a dramatic drop in proposed parking spaces compared to the same period last year.

Summary table for new applications submitted to the City of Toronto in Q2 of 2026. Data from UTPro.

The Q2 2026 applications cover 27 projects containing 42 buildings, with all projects listed as pre-construction. Of the 27 projects, 7 include residential condos, 14 include residential rentals, and 4 include office buildings. The applications account for 13,041 proposed residential units, including 659 studios, 5,687 one-bedrooms, 3,284 two-bedrooms, and 1,095 three-bedroom-plus units.

Total proposed GFA is 988,526m², or 10.64 million ft², including 919,933m² of residential space, 26,766m² of institutional space, and 7,533m² of commercial space. Average GFA per project is 36,612m², with a combined site area of 222,847m². The average FSI per project is 8.13, while the total FSI across all applications is 4.44 times lot coverage.

Year-over-year changes between proposals made in Q2 of 2026 and 2025. Data from UTPro.

The 27 new projects submitted in Q2 2026 were down from 57 in Q2 2025, a decrease of 52.6%. Proposed dwelling units fell to 13,041 from 29,692, down 56.1%, while total gross floor area declined 55.1% to 10,640,405 ft². Vehicular parking units saw the steepest decline, falling from 45,677 to 5,339, an 88.3% drop. Bicycle parking also decreased substantially, down 73.6% from 24,851 spaces to 6,563.

Unlike Q1, when the application pool skewed more heavily toward shorter buildings, Q2 2026 included a taller and denser mix of proposals. The tallest application reached 250.5m, or 821.9 ft, while the average proposed building height was 81.9m and the median height was 57.0m. The densest application is 39 Wynford Drive, a four-tower project with over 100,000m² (1.1 million ft²) in gross floor area.

Map of new applications submitted to the City of Toronto for Q2 2026, with their relative proposed heights. Data from UTPro.

Taken together, the figures suggest that Q2 2026 brought another subdued quarter for new development applications in Toronto. While the drop-off was steep in Q1, the overall volume of proposed development was far below last year’s second quarter. The steep fall in parking (both vehicular and bicycle) also points to a substantially smaller and potentially more transit-oriented application pool than the one recorded in Q2 2025. In fact, this is borne out when inspecting the map of new proposals.

Cranes rise above two projects in Etobicoke, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Towered

With the first half of 2026 now complete, new application activity remains well below the pace set in 2025. The second quarter did bring some larger and taller proposals, but not enough to offset the broader decline in the number of projects, proposed homes, and total floor area entering the pipeline.

UrbanToronto publishes a monthly update of construction and other UTPro data, as well as a quarterly crane report. You can find these and previous application reports here.

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UrbanToronto research and data service, UrbanToronto Pro, provides comprehensive data on construction projects in the Greater Toronto-Hamilton 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.

Towers, Seniors Residence, Cultural Facilities Proposed by Scarborough Armenian Church

Anthony Teles — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:45:13 -0400

A new proposal would bring a multi-phase mixed-use redevelopment to central Scarborough adjacent to Centennial College's Progress Campus. Designed by architects—Alliance for the Holy Trinity Armenian Church, the development would retain the existing church while introducing two 39-storey condominium towers, a 17-storey seniors-oriented mixed-use building with a daycare/pre-school, and a new Armenian community hub.

Looking northeast to 930 Progress Avenue, designed by architects—Alliance for the Holy Trinity Armenian Church

The proposal applies to a site at 920 and 930 Progress Avenue, a triangular parcel at the northeast corner with Markham Road, and south of its interchange with Highway 401. Holy Trinity Armenian Church which currently occupies the property at 920 Progress Avenue would remain, while a two-storey commercial building at 930 Progress Avenue, which operates as a private post-secondary school, would be demolished.

Looking east from Markham Road to the current site, image from submission to City of Toronto

Goldberg Group has submitted Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications to the City of Toronto on behalf of the developer. The master plan arranges the new buildings along the north side of the two lots, north of the retained church. Heights range from the four-storey, 21m-tall Barev Centre to a 17-storey, 66m seniors-oriented mixed-use building, to a pair of 39-storey condominium towers rising 133m at the east end of the site.

Context plan, designed by architects—Alliance for the Holy Trinity Armenian Church

The proposal would deliver 56,804m² of Gross Floor Area, resulting in a Floor Space Index of 3.79 times coverage of the 14,995m² site, comprising 51,437m² of residential space and 5,367m² of institutional uses. Across the 784-unit development, the suite mix consists of 436 one-bedroom units, 260 two-bedroom units, and 88 three-bedroom units, of which the seniors building represents 126 apartment units. Its base would include a third-floor daycare/pre-school, while the Barev Centre would provide approximately 2,201m² of community space. The existing church would be linked to the seniors building by a new enclosed walkway. Two elevators would serve the seniors building, or one for every 61 units, indicating short waits for service.

Looking northwest to 930 Progress Avenue, designed by architects—Alliance for the Holy Trinity Armenian Church

Of the two condominium towers, the west tower would contain 335 units, while the east tower would accommodate 323 units. Slender floor-plates of approximately 625m² begin at the fourth floor. The towers generally maintain 25m separation distances, with one localized 22m separation across a 10.4m portion of the facade.

Residents would have access to 2,144m² of indoor and 1,272m² of outdoor amenity areas. Vertical circulation would be provided by three elevators in each residential tower, equating to roughly one elevator for every 108 units in the west tower and 112 units in the east tower, indicating reasonable response times when all elevators are operating, providing fast enough motors are installed.

Ground floor plan, designed by architects—Alliance for the Holy Trinity Armenian Church

Parking would be split between separate underground facilities serving the residential and institutional components. The condominium towers would share a four-level underground garage containing 382 parking spaces, including 331 resident and 51 visitor spots, while the seniors building, Barev Centre, and church would share a three-level underground garage with 265 spaces, including 104 resident and 161 visitor spots. In total, the development would provide 647 vehicular parking spaces. Parking for 610 bicycles is planned, comprising 541 long-term and 69 short-term spots.

Looking north to the podium of the seniors residence, designed by architects—Alliance for the Holy Trinity Armenian Church

TTC bus stops are immediately adjacent at the Progress Avenue and Markham Road intersection and at Centennial Campus. GO Transit Route 41 stops approximately 280m from the site. Cycling access remains comparatively limited, with no dedicated cycling infrastructure directly adjoining the property, although planned cycling routes along Ellesmere Road and Sheppard Avenue East are anticipated according to the application.

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

The Markham Road corridor to the south features a growing number of proposed and under-construction high-rise communities. Southeast, 42 Tuxedo Court would rise 22 and 28 storeys. To the south, a 29-storey tower is proposed at 1256 Markham Road, and the three-tower Sequence Condos development would range from 20 to 30 storeys. Farther south, ME Living Condos is under construction with seven buildings reaching 34 storeys, with additional proposals at 1050 Markham Road (15 and 37 storeys), 1125 Markham Road (four towers from 8 to 37 storeys), and 1151 Markham Road (44 storeys).

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Arrears to Approval: Getting a Second Mortgage When Payments Are Behind

UrbanToronto Sponsor — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:56:27 -0400

Homeowners face financial difficulties because they cannot pay their mortgage. The arrival of letters increases, phone calls rise, and upcoming deadlines create a sense of urgency. Homeowners in Ontario experience payment difficulties due to unexpected life events, including job loss, illness, relationship breakdowns, and expenses exceeding their income. A private lender's second mortgage can be a practical solution when traditional banks refuse to assist after missed payments. Borrowers on a repayment plan can achieve financial control through their stabilization efforts, which will help them escape the power of sale legal actions.

What “Arrears” Really Means

Mortgage arrears occur when required payments are missed or partially paid, causing the loan to fall behind its agreed schedule. Arrears can accumulate quickly. One missed payment becomes two, penalties are added, and interest continues to accrue. Before long, the total amount owed is far more than the original monthly payment.

It is essential to understand that arrears are not binary. Being one month behind is very different from being six months behind, both in lender response and in available solutions. Lenders track arrears closely because they signal increased risk. Once arrears exist, the mortgage is technically in default, which gives the lender additional legal rights, even if formal enforcement has not yet begun.

Can You Still Get Approved?

The application process becomes more complex when arrears are involved, but approval is not necessarily out of reach. Conventional lenders typically consider missed payments a serious red flag. Arrears lead to a credit score reduction, which violates mortgage agreements and raises lenders' concerns about a borrower's financial trustworthiness. Refinancing through traditional banks becomes difficult after customers fail to make payments.

Private lenders usually focus on the property value, available equity, and the borrower’s explanation and exit plan. Approval requires the applicant to demonstrate their ability to control present circumstances. Private lenders base their lending decisions on three elements: a detailed explanation, a feasible approach, and sufficient equity.

Why a Second Mortgage Can Help

A second mortgage should be used as a strategic tool which supports the process of bringing the first mortgage back into proper repayment status. The second mortgage can provide a complete file reset by paying all outstanding debts, including penalties and property taxes. The solution enables both the cessation of legal actions and the restoration of financial stability.

The second mortgage functions as an asset-backed loan, enabling clients with damaged credit who own real estate to obtain financing. The second mortgage serves as a temporary solution for homeowners who anticipate their future income to return to normal or who plan to refinance or sell their property.

Equity and Total LTV

Most second-mortgage applications for people with arrears base their decisions on what equity amount shows. Lenders assess total loan-to-value (LTV), which combines the first mortgage balance, second mortgage amount, and all other property debts into a single assessment. In Ontario, many private lenders are comfortable with total LTVs in the 65 to 75 percent range, depending on the property and circumstances.

Your equity ownership directly determines which financial options become accessible to you. Lenders consider equity as a form of security that protects their investments while allowing borrowers to manage extended periods and unexpected events. When equity is limited, options are still available, but they tend to be fewer and more costly. Determining your property's actual worth correctly is essential because it serves as the foundation for evaluating potential successful outcomes.

What Lenders Want to See

The private lenders assess the entire risk profile of the loan agreement. The first thing they assess is the story behind the arrears. Did the situation develop because a person suffered a temporary work-related job loss, a medical problem, a business decline or a family separation? Lenders are far more receptive when the cause is identifiable, temporary, and already improving. The current situation requires direct, honest communication between the parties. Inconsistent or evasive answers quickly undermine confidence, even when equity is substantial.

Equity and property quality are the following critical factors. Lenders want reassurance that the property can support the loan if the exit takes longer than expected. This includes the home's location, marketability, and condition. A well-maintained property in a liquid market gives lenders comfort that their position is protected.

Finally, lenders want to see a realistic and time-bound exit strategy. This is not a vague promise to “refinance later.” It is a clear plan tied to measurable events, such as credit repair milestones, expected income normalization, property sale timelines, or confirmed refinancing conversations. The more substantial and more specific the exit, the better the terms tend to be. In arrears situations, private lenders are not betting on perfection. They are betting on a plan that makes sense and a borrower who understands how to execute it.

Power of Sale Timeline Pressure

Once arrears persist, timelines accelerate quickly under Ontario’s power of sale framework. After default, lenders issue formal notices that start the clock. Each step narrows the window for voluntary solutions and increases legal costs. By the time a notice of sale or statement of claim is issued, options become more limited and more expensive.

This is where timing becomes critical. A second mortgage arranged early can stop enforcement before it gains momentum. Waiting too long does not just add stress; it can also cause harm. It reduces leverage. Private lenders will provide funding for later-stage files, but they will impose stricter terms due to the increased risk. The early negotiation period allows organizations to achieve better results through solution development.

Being in debt does not mean the situation is hopeless, but it does mean the borrower needs a realistic plan and quick action. A second mortgage, particularly through private lending, can turn arrears into approval when used intentionally and early. For Ontario homeowners, the goal is not just to catch up on payments, but to regain control of the timeline before the lender does.

If you are behind on mortgage payments, waiting too long can make your options more limited and more expensive. A second mortgage may help you catch up on arrears, stop the situation from escalating, and create a clearer path forward.

Mortgage Broker Store helps Ontario homeowners review second mortgage options, private mortgage solutions, refinancing strategies, and urgent situations involving arrears or power of sale. Our team can look at your property value, equity, current mortgage balance, and overall situation to help you understand what may be available.

Before the lender controls the timeline, take the time to review your options.

Visit www.mortgagebrokerstore.com or call 416-499-2122 for a free, no-obligation mortgage review.

News Roundup for July 8, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:30:00 -0400

Forget large corporations, it’s small-scale investors who hold reams of Ontario’s rental value; here's what the data shows about how people got around Toronto during the World Cup; organizers say Taste of Little Jamaica cancelled after permitting issues; and other news.

Forget large corporations. It’s small-scale investors who hold reams of Ontario’s rental value (The Star)

How did people get around Toronto during the World Cup? Here's what the data shows (CBC)

Organizers say Taste of Little Jamaica cancelled after permitting issues (CP24)

Suspected arson under investigation after overnight explosion damages 3 businesses on Eglinton West (CityNews)

Former Ontario integrity commissioner who wrote Greenbelt report dies (CBC)

Toronto’s heat wave led to dozens of ER visits (CityNews)

Dock Lands

Craig White — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400

At the east end of Toronto Harbour, beside where the new mouth of the Don River crosses under Cherry Street, a new dock receives half-hourly shuttle boats, carrying visitors across to the foot of Yonge Street, or to Portland Street at the west end of the harbour. To accommodate the new service here at Biidaasige Park, a small expansion of the park was opened earlier this summer. Coming up later this month, a larger western extension of this newly greened area of the Port Lands will open to the public, with several new features we'll be talking about at length at that time.

Looking southeast across what feels like an ever-expanding and ever-greening Biidaasige Park, 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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KESKUS Estonian Cultural Centre Glazing Progressing in The Annex

Anthony Teles — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 16:30:44 -0400

Since UrbanToronto’s last update in December, 2025, the KESKUS Estonian Cultural Centre has advanced into the enclosure phase. Designed by Kongats Architects for the Estonian Credit Union in partnership with the Estonian Foundation of Canada and Tartu College, the three-storey cultural centre is rising in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood. Replacing a former Green P parking lot while restoring an incorporated heritage building at 11 Madison Avenue, the project will create a long-envisioned cultural and community hub for Toronto’s Estonian community.

From Madison Avenue in April, 2026, the U-shaped massing wraps around the central courtyard framed by the north and south wings. The south elevation at right, up against Tartu College's servicing area, is wrapped in yellow weatherproofing. Two blue articulated boom lifts are positioned within the future courtyard — which is shaped a resemble map of Estonia. Glazing has been installed at grade along the south wing’s Madison Avenue elevation, with additional sections visible across the north wing and its courtyard-facing facade.

Looking northeast to the U-shaped massing and enclosure progress from Madison Avenue, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor AlbertC

By late June, 2026, full-height glazing panels had been installed on the second and third floors of the north wing’s west elevation. A red and white hydraulic mobile crane hoists additional jumbo glazing units into place while workers on an interior scissor lift guide the panels into position. Yellow weatherproofing continues to wrap exposed facade areas, with completed glazing at grade and along the upper levels. The repurposed heritage house is visible on the left. The neighbouring Cielo Condos construction site can be seen in the background.

Looking east to curtain wall installation on the north wing, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ProjectEnd

Now in July, large-format glazing now spans nearly the full height of the second and third floors of the north wing, leaving only one section here awaiting installation. A yellow vacuum glazing manipulator is attached to one curtain wall panel. Glazing at grade creates a transparent base beneath the cantilevered upper volume. To the right, exposed framing visible on the south wing awaits the next phase of cladding.

Looking southeast to a scissor lift and vacuum glazing manipulator aiding in glazing installation, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ProjectEnd

In a close-up of the northwest corner, two stacked glass panels on the west elevation have been secured within the framing, with attachment hardware visible at the vertical joints and across the base. At the corner, framing members and connectors tie the north and west curtain wall assemblies together. The vacuum glazing manipulator’s suction cups allow installers to safely lift, position, fine-tune, and hold each jumbo panel while it is fastened into place.

Close-up looking southeast to curtain wall installation at the northwest corner, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ProjectEnd

Upon completion, the 17.07m-tall centre will house a performance hall, learning and meeting spaces, offices, a studio, retail space, an Estonian Credit Union branch, a rooftop terrace, and the publicly accessible courtyard connected by a mid-block pedestrian passage to the east. KESKUS is targetted to open later this year, establishing a permanent home for Estonian cultural, educational, and community programming in Toronto.

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

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Yonge Street Mission Gerrard East Site Revised with More Housing

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

A Site Plan Approval application has been submitted for a proposal at 306 Gerrard Street East, refining the previously approved redevelopment plans for the Yonge Street Mission (YSM) site in the Cabbagetown and Regent Park area. Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects for YSM and SHS Consulting, with Daniels Urban Builders Corporation serving as Development Manager, the proposal increases the building from 10 to 11 storeys, allocating half of the units as affordable rentals while reducing the amount of previously planned office and community programming space.

Looking north to 306 Gerrard East, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects for Yonge Street Mission and New Commons Development in partnership with The Daniels Corporation

The proposal applies to 306, 308, and 310 Gerrard Street East, just east of Parliament Street. The property is currently occupied by YSM’s Double Take Thrift Store, the organization’s administrative offices, a vacant 2½-storey house, and surface parking, all of which would be removed for redevelopment. Low-rise commercial and residential uses along Gerrard Street are increasingly giving way to higher-density mixed-use development as the next phases of the Regent Park revitalization continue south of the site.

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

The project was first proposed in January, 2022 through Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment applications for a 10-storey mixed-use rental building. Toronto City Council approved both applications in December, 2023. The Daniels Corporation has now submitted the Site Plan Approval application to the City of Toronto on behalf of the developers.

Looking north to the previous plan, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects for Yonge Street Mission and New Commons Development

The revised proposal generally retains the overall scale established through the rezoning approval while adding one level over the previously approved 10-storey (42.08m) plan, only adding 1.42m to the height for the additional storey, achieved through reduced floor-to-floor heights. The revision remains within the approved height envelope. Meanwhile, the previously dispersed massing has been consolidated into an L-shaped building fronting Gerrard Street East, with the former one- and two-storey northern building elements removed.

Site plan, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects for Yonge Street Mission and New Commons Development in partnership with The Daniels Corporation

Housing increases despite a slight overall reduction in overall floor area. While Gross Floor Area (GFA) has been reduced from 18,610m² to 18,170m², lowering the Floor Space Index from 3.6 to 3.5 times coverage of the 5,193m² site, residential GFA, however, has increased from 14,419m² to 16,700m², largely through a substantial reduction in non-residential space from 4,191m² to 1,470m². The proposal now contains 228 rental units, up from the previously approved 194, comprising 30 studios, 90 one-bedroom, 68 two-bedroom, and 40 three-bedroom suites. Half of the homes, or 114 units, are proposed as affordable rentals, with the remaining 114 provided as market-rate rentals.

Looking northeast to 306 Gerrard East, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects for Yonge Street Mission and New Commons Development in partnership with The Daniels Corporation

The redesigned ground floor would place Yonge Street Mission’s offices and community programming along the Gerrard Street frontage, alongside residential lobby space and a small commercial pop-up unit. The building is targeting Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification at the Gold level, with every suite designed to be visitable. Residents would have access to 456m² of indoor and 461m² of outdoor amenity areas. Vertical circulation would be provided by three elevators, equivalent to one elevator for every 76 units.

Ground floor plan, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects for Yonge Street Mission and New Commons Development in partnership with The Daniels Corporation

A single underground parking level and a smaller surface parking area would provide a total of 64 vehicular spaces, down from 96 in the previous proposal. The supply includes 34 residential spaces and 30 visitor spaces. Bicycle parking has increased from 242 to 252 spaces, including 206 long-term and 46 short-term spaces.

Looking southeast to the courtyard, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects for Yonge Street Mission and New Commons Development in partnership with The Daniels Corporation

The site is located along the 506 Gerrard streetcar route, offering direct connections to both Lines 1 and 2, while the nearby 65 Parliament bus provides additional north-south service. Looking ahead, residents would be approximately 1.2km from the under-construction Moss Park station on the Ontario Line 3.

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

Other projects and proposals are in the area. To the north, 505 Parliament is proposed at 10 storeys. Across Gerrard Street, the next phases of the Regent Park revitalization continue with Daniels on Parliament under construction at 10 and 25 storeys alongside the 26-storey Regent Park Building 4A, while the 35-storey M1 Regent Park is planned further south. To the west, The Georgian is under construction at seven storeys, The Jasper is proposed at 10 storeys, 307 Sherbourne Street is rising to 18 storeys, and the 21-storey Hoem Garden District is also planned. Additional density is proposed to the southeast through the 19- and 39-storey Regent Park Buildings 4B and 4C and the broader Regent Park Phases 4 and 5 proposal with 13 buildings ranging six to 39 storeys. Proposals to the northwest include 35-storey 405 Sherbourne, 39-storey 383 Sherbourne, and the planned 48-storey 355 Sherbourne.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to correct one of the firms involved with the project.

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News Roundup for July 7, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:30:00 -0400

Cashback realtors see rise in demand as Toronto’s tepid housing market drags on; Metrolinx launches GO train service between Toronto and Stratford; sudden cancellation of Taste of Little Jamaica festival underscores ongoing business challenges in area; and other news.

Cashback realtors see rise in demand as Toronto’s tepid housing market drags on (The Star)

Metrolinx launches GO train service between Toronto and Stratford (CBC)

Sudden cancellation of Taste of Little Jamaica festival underscores ongoing business challenges in area (CityNews)

The Sneaky Dee’s wrecking ball backed off. The threat to Toronto’s live music scene didn’t (The Star)

Liberty Village residents and businesses praise World Cup planning in the area (CityNews)

Weeds and trash are the only things growing in these bike lane planters. Why isn’t the city cleaning them up? (The Star)

Rogers to become sole owner of MLSE as Tanenbaum sells remaining stake for $4.35B (CBC)

Toronto’s mayoral race has tightened, say recent polls. What that might mean for Olivia Chow and Brad Bradford (The Star)

Toronto sees modest economic boost from World Cup as city’s hosting gig nears end (Global News)

Rush In Rush Out

Craig White — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400

TTC and MiWay buses rush in and out of Renforth Station at the east end of the Mississauga Busway. In the future, around 2031, Eglinton Line 5 will extend to here, with another extension of it hopefully underway by then to Toronto Pearson International Airport.

TTC and MiWay buses rush in and out of Renforth Station, Mississauga, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor doady

This image comes to us courtesy of UrbanToronto Forum contributor doady. 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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89 Avenue Yorkville’s Limestone Facade Takes Shape Along Avenue Road

Anthony Teles — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 14:30:00 -0400

Exterior envelope installation has become the focus at 89 Avenue Yorkville, with limestone and precast cladding transforming the tower’s appearance as it advances toward completion. Designed by Richard Wengle Architect for Armour Heights Developments, the 20-storey luxury condominium is rising along Avenue Road in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood. UrbanToronto’s last update on the site was in January, 2025.

From Avenue Road in February of this year, exterior work is well underway following completion of the reinforced concrete structure and removal of the tower crane in May, 2025. The former west-elevation construction hoist has been replaced by a twin mast-climbing work platform providing access for facade installation. Blue weatherproofing blankets much of the west elevation, with sections of green visible above the platform. Along the south elevation, the facade has advanced to the 17th floor, extending onto portions of the 18th at the east end, where beige precast brick-patterned panels are paired with lighter-toned cladding through the central vertical bays. Glazing has reached the upper residential levels, while blue weatherproofing remains across the upper floors.

Looking northeast to cladding installation progressing on the west and south elevations, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Erich Nelson

From Boswell Avenue in April, the north elevation has reached a similar stage of enclosure as the south side. At the northeast corner, a mast-climbing work platform has advanced toward the upper levels, providing access for crews completing the facade. Along the west elevation, glazing is installed across the residential floors, while work continues on the mechanical penthouse, where portions of the glazing system have been installed.

Looking southeast from Boswell Avenue to the north elevation and mechanical penthouse, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor AlbertC

This close-up of the west elevation shows the work platform positioned at the seventh-floor step-back and parapet. Below, limestone cladding has advanced to the fifth floor, with additional panels installed around portions of the ground-floor entrance, while blue and green weatherproofing remains where exterior wall assemblies are still being completed. The light limestone finish, detailed with recessed punched windows and classical-inspired surrounds, complements the beige precast brick-patterned panels wrapping the north and south elevations. Bronze-toned window frames and mullions are visible on sections of the completed floors.

A close-up of the limestone cladding installation on the west elevation, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor AlbertC

In May, the platform is several floors higher. Limestone panels extend to approximately the eighth floor, while blue and green weatherproofing remains exposed across the upper levels and the north side of the facade. Large-format glazing has been installed at the entrance and second-floor levels, while the upper residential floors feature inset balconies at either end framing three central vertical bays of bronze-framed punched windows. At street level, decorative hoarding bearing the “89” branding wraps the construction frontage.

Looking southeast to advancing limestone cladding on the west elevation, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor CLT

By late June, work on the west elevation has accelerated with two mast-climbing work platforms operating simultaneously. The southern platform has climbed to approximately the 15th floor, while a newly installed third mast at the northwest corner supports a second yellow platform working around the ninth floor, allowing cladding installation to advance across multiple sections of the facade at once. Limestone panels now cover much of the west elevation beneath both platforms. Along the south elevation, the beige precast brick-patterned cladding has reached the 20th floor.

Looking northeast to simultaneous facade installation on the west elevation, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor CLT

89 Avenue Yorkville stands 76.5m and will house 28 luxury condominium units.

Looking southeast to 89 Avenue Yorkville, designed by Richard Wengle Architect for Armour Heights Developments

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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.

Six-Tower Transit-Oriented Community Proposed at Mount Joy GO Station in Markham

Anthony Teles — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 10:59:00 -0400

Infrastructure Ontario has unveiled plans for the proposed Mount Joy Transit-Oriented Community (TOC), a mixed-use development of six towers up to 38 storeys tall on Metrolinx-owned lands surrounding Mount Joy GO station in northeast Markham. Designed by Arup as part of the Province’s TOC program, the proposal would transform a large commuter surface parking lot located within Markham’s Mount Joy Secondary Plan area on the Stouffville GO corridor.

Looking west to the Mount Joy Transit-Oriented Community, designed by Arup for Infrastructure Ontario

The proposal applies to the approximately 19,681m² site addressed to 9577 Markham Road and 1801 Bur Oak Avenue, occupying the southeast corner of those streets immediately west of the station. The lands are currently occupied by surface commuter parking and associated bus transit infrastructure. In the surrounding area, there are traditional low-rise subdivisions to the east, while commercial plazas along the Markham Road corridor are gradually giving way to higher-density development.

An axonometric view looking north to the current site, image from submission to City of Markham

The GO station was established in the early 2000s to supplement the older Markham GO station to the south as population growth expanded into northeast Markham. More recently, Markham has begun planning for a more urban future for the station surroundings through the 2024 adoption of the Mount Joy Secondary Plan.

A high-angle view looking northeast to the Mount Joy Transit-Oriented Community, designed by Arup for Infrastructure Ontario

The plan organizes the site around an extension of Anderson Avenue would run north-south through the development, intersecting with the new east-west Mount Joy Street to divide the site into a series of development blocks surrounding a centrally located public park.

Landscaped open space, image from submission to City of Markham

The plan comprises six mixed-use buildings rising 28, 30, 30, 34, 36, and 38 storeys, with heights reaching up to 114m. Each tower is designed to maintain at least 30m of separation from adjacent towers. Buildings would rise above a 6-to-8-storey podium, with selected buildings incorporating intermediate 12-to-14-storey mid-rise elements. The tallest would be concentrated toward the centre and eastern portions of the site.

Site plan, designed by Arup for Infrastructure Ontario

Across the six buildings, the proposal would deliver 2,088 residential units in a mix of 120 studios, 808 one-bedroom units, 834 two-bedroom units, and 326 three-bedroom-plus units. At grade, flexible commercial space would be concentrated along the public streets, while the internal portions of the blocks would accommodate residential lobbies, amenity spaces, and landscaped courtyards. The built form would be arranged around U-shaped podiums opening toward shared interior open spaces, creating a network of courtyards and pedestrian connections linked to the central park.

Internal street network, image from submission to City of Markham

The development would boast a Gross Floor Area (GFA) of 152,045m², resulting in a Floor Space Index of 10.78 times coverage of the site. Residential uses would account for 120,157m² of GFA, complemented by 3,889m² of flexible commercial space intended to accommodate retail and other neighbourhood-serving uses. The public realm would centre on a new 3,219m² park positioned between the northern and central development blocks, complemented by approximately 10,440m² of open space across the private parcels.

At-grade programming diagram, designed by Arup for Infrastructure Ontario

The proposal includes 422 residential parking spaces, alongside 838 replacement commuter parking spaces to satisfy Metrolinx’s requirement for one-for-one replacement of the existing surface parking. Dedicated commuter entrances and elevators would provide direct access between the underground parking structure and the GO station. Plans entail 2,108 bicycle parking spaces, comprising 418 short-term spaces, 1,672 long-term spaces, and 18 short-term spaces reserved for retail visitors.

A high-angle view looking southeast to the Mount Joy Transit-Oriented Community, designed by Arup for Infrastructure Ontario

The GO station is located along the Stouffville Line, while YRT, TTC, and GO buses provide connections throughout Markham and beyond. The Anderson Avenue extension would incorporate protected bicycle lanes connecting to the city’s expanding cycling network.

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

The proposal joins growing intensification in the area. To the northwest, the 22-storey Joy Station is under construction, while nearby Station Town is proposed at 18 storeys and Joy Station Phase 2 would add towers of 27 and 33 storeys. To the south, 9441 Markham Road is planned with three towers ranging from 30 to 35 storeys, and Platform 68 calls for 37- and 42-storey buildings. North of the TOC site, 77 Anderson Avenue would introduce another 42-storey tower.

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News Roundup for July 6, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 09:30:00 -0400

Greater Toronto home sales up 9.4% in June as board predicts price growth could come; Sneaky Dee's patrons 'elated' for venue's future after redevelopment plans withdrawn; from farms to cities, high-speed rail project sparks debate in Ontario; and other news.

Greater Toronto home sales up 9.4% in June as board predicts price growth could come (The Star)

Sneaky Dee's patrons 'elated' for venue's future after redevelopment plans withdrawn (CBC)

From farms to cities, high-speed rail project sparks debate in Ontario (CTV News)

Portugal manager says it’s a ‘shame’ Toronto isn’t hosting more World Cup matches (Global News)

After the final World Cup whistle blew, not every Toronto restaurant came out ahead (The Star)

Toronto family suing city over housing project for children with disabilities (CBC)

Transit services navigate the unknown to get fans to World Cup matches (The Globe and Mail)

Why ‘an invisible danger’ from a Billy Bishop airport expansion has this family ready to move from their Toronto waterfront home (The Star)

Snake in the Garden

Craig White — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400

A drone captures a snake in the garden, a path climbing the bank of Toronto's Don Valley ravines between Chorley Park, on the left, and the Beltline Trail, on the right. While Chorley Park sits above the valley on the Rosedale plateau, the Beltline Trail runs towards Brick Works Park on the valley floor.

A path connecting Chorley Park and the Beltline Trail snakes up the banks of the Don Valley ravines, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor hawc

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First Tower Climbing High at VuPoint Condos in Pickering, Second Tower Underway

Anthony Teles — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 16:01:00 -0400

The 46-storey first tower at VuPoint Condos is now rising high into the sky northwest of Pickering GO station in Pickering’s City Centre, while a second crane has been erected for the 53-storey second phase. Designed by Arcadis for Tribute Communities, the three-tower condominium community will eventually be completed by a 49-storey tower.

In December, 2025, the first, westernmost tower stood 17 storeys tall, with perimeter formwork, safety fencing, and decking assembled for the 18th-floor slab, while the building envelope had advanced to approximately the ninth floor on the west elevation (interrupted by the construction hoist) and the 10th on the north, featuring white precast panels, dark spandrel panels, black mullions, and floor-to-ceiling window wall. Below, much of the six-storey podium remains wrapped in blue and yellow weatherproofing.

Looking southeast to VuPoint Condos with the tower reaching 17 storeys, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Tomo

In January, 2026, the building envelope advanced across the north elevation of the six-storey podium, with retail space to feature at ground level. Above-grade parking will be found on the south side facing the 401, hidden behind residential suites that face Kingston Road to the north, and supplementing five underground levels. The seventh-floor amenity level is distinguished by glazed guardrails above the podium.

Looking southwest to the north elevation as cladding advances across the podium, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor FutureDurham

A drone image from March, 2026 captures the first tower rising to approximately 26 storeys, with crew members forming the 27th-floor slab. The building envelope had reached roughly the 18th floor, with five stacked columns of angled projecting balconies along the west elevation. Below, formwork and construction materials are staged on the podium roof.

A high-angle view looking northeast over the tower as construction reaches the 27th-floor slab, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor JBR

In April, 2026, the exposed east face of the podium revealed the above-grade parking structure in bare concrete, including sloped parking decks stepping upward toward the north, and open structural bays awaiting enclosure. Above, the tower showcases angled projecting balconies along the east elevation, contrasting with the flatter north elevation, where vertical white precast cladding frames dark window wall glazing.

Looking south to the east and north elevations of the tower and exposed parking podium, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor FutureDurham

Viewed from across Highway 401 that same month, the podium’s south elevation featured exposed insulation surrounded by weatherproofing, while completed cladding on the right feature alternating white and dark vertical panels that conceal garage areas. Above, the residential tower features two narrow balcony stacks flanking a broader central stack, with white glazed balcony guards installed on several lower levels.

Looking north from Highway 401 to the south elevation as facade work continues, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Erich Nelson

In June, 2026, the first tower climbed to approximately 40 storeys, with formwork assembled for the 41st floor and partial decking extending for the next slab pour above. The building envelope advanced to roughly the 32nd floor, while balcony guards had been installed to about the 25th. To the right, work had begun on the second phase as a new crane was being assembled with the assistance of a mobile crane.

An elevated view looking west to VuPoint Condos as the second tower crane is assembled, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor generalcanada

Upon completion, the first tower will rise 151.15m, joined by 172.1m and 160.6m towers in the second and third phases, bringing the full VuPoint Condos development to 1,779 condominium units. UrbanToronto’s previous update was in November, 2025.

Looking northwest to VuPoint Condos, designed by Arcadis for Tribute Communities

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UTPro Q2 Crane Report: Number Holds Steady in GTHA Skies

Ash Navabi — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:08:37 -0400

The number of cranes in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area held steady in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the winter, but there were about 3% fewer cranes in the air compared to the same period last year.

Map of the regions of the GTHA, and the number of cranes within each. As of July 1, 2026. Data from UTPro.

As of July 1, 2026, there were 243 cranes atop buildings across the GTHA, according to UrbanToronto's UTPro tracking of construction projects. This represents a drop of 7 cranes from our report covering the same period last year, while an increase of 1 crane from last quarter.

Historical chart of cranes in the GTA in dark blue, Hamilton in light blue, July 2023 to July 2026. Data from UTPro.

The losses were found in Toronto, Hamilton, Halton, and York. For the second quarter in a row, Durham and Peel saw slight increases in the number of cranes compared to 2025.

The changes in the number of cranes in each region in July 2026 vs. the same time last year. Data from UrbanToronto Pro..

However, only Toronto and Halton saw a drop in the number of projects with any cranes at all. Peel, York, Durham, and Hamilton remained steady or increased slightly.

The changes in projects with at least one crane in each region in July 2026 vs. the same time last year. Data from UrbanToronto Pro..

Overall in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, there are 171 projects using 243 cranes to build 329 buildings. They are contributing to the construction of 81,941 dwelling units. The typical height for a project with a crane is 41.9 metres.

Summary table of GTHA projects with cranes as of the end of Q2 2026. Data from UTPro.

We predicted in our last Crane Report that as new construction continues to tick upward ever so slowly, that the number of cranes will do so as well. Indeed, this is what happened this quarter. As new construction increased again for the third month in a row, we similarly expect the number of cranes to hold steady in the sky.

Cranes at a Greater Toronto Area construction site, image by Edward Skira

We'll be back again in July with our next quarterly crane count update.

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50-Storey Rental Tower Advances at Galleria on the Park

Anthony Teles — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 12:43:26 -0400

Galleria on the Park is advancing into its next phase, with Almadev submitting a Site Plan Approval application for Block 3 at 1245 Dupont Street in Toronto’s Wallace Emerson neighbourhood. The project continues the transformation of the former suburban-style Galleria Mall into a mixed-use, high-rise community. Not to be confused with Galleria III, Block 3 is to include two towers, both designed by Arcadis, one to follow the other. The taller of the two, a 50-storey purpose-built rental tower fronting Dupont Street would come first (and is the tallest proposed building in the surrounding area), with a future 41-storey companion tower to its south.

Looking southeast to Galleria on the Park Block 3, designed by Arcadis for Almadev

The application applies to a parcel on the south side of Dupont Street west of Dufferin Street. Bounded by Dupont Street to the north, future Radiator Street to the west, future Galleria Road to the south, and Record Lane and the Galleria III development to the east, the site currently contains the eastern portion of the former Galleria Mall plus some surface parking. The Galleria on the Park redevelopment already has three residential towers built, while the Wallace Emerson Community Centre with a child care facility, skating rink, and expanded public park are now targeted for opening in Winter, 2027.

An aerial view of the ground floor plan and surrounding area, image from submission to City of Toronto

The redevelopment received zoning approval from Toronto City Council in 2018, with a subsequent rezoning advancing through settlement following revised plans submitted in 2022. Since then, Galleria 01 & 02 have been completed and occupied; the new community centre, child care facility, and skating rink are in the last stages of construction, and the Galleria III tower is substantially complete.

Looking north to the Galleria on the Park masterplanned community, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for Almadev

The newly revised Block 3 concept replaces an earlier proposal for 39- and 48-storey mixed-use towers with 41- and 50-storey buildings. While this application applies only to the northern Building 3A, rising 50 storeys (164.65m), the submitted plans illustrate the longer-term vision for the 41-storey (134.85m) Building 3B immediately to the south. (A separate Site Plan Approval application for the future 41-storey 3B tower is expected to follow.) Together, the towers would deliver 986 purpose-built rental homes made up of 87 studios, 469 one-bedroom, 331 two-bedroom, and 99 three-bedroom-plus homes. The combined towers' 72,197m² of Gross Floor Area (GFA) brings a Floor Space Index of 17.8 times coverage of the 4,056m² parcel.

Looking east to the podiums, designed by Arcadis for Almadev

Building 3A would rise above a podium of 14 storeys along future Radiator Street and four storeys along Record Lane, and would contain 620 rental units, including 588 market-rate and 32 affordable rental homes. Five elevators would serve the tower, or one for every 124 residential units, indicating high-speed motors would be required for adequate response times.

It would include 87 studios, 274 one-bedroom, 206 two-bedroom, and 53 three-bedroom units, with the affordable suites located on Levels 9 through 11. At full build-out, Block 3 would provide 67,331m² of residential GFA and 4,866m² of commercial space, with Building 3A contributing 41,239m² of GFA, including street-related retail fronting Dupont Street.

Site plan, designed by Arcadis for Almadev

Building 3A residents would have access to 963m² of indoor and 744m² of outdoor amenity space across Levels 3, 5, and 15. The proposal also includes a POPS (Privately Owned Publicly-accessible Space), the future Album Lane pedestrian mews between Buildings 3A and 3B, and easements over Record Lane, creating new pedestrian connections. Building 3B would add 366 market-rate rental units once built.

Ground floor plan, designed by Arcadis for Almadev

Two levels of underground parking would be part of an interconnected parking garage beneath Blocks 1, 2, and 3, linking to the existing Block 2 garage through below-grade knock-out panels and allowing the temporary Record Lane access ramp to be removed in a future phase. The Building 3A proposal includes 100 parking spaces, comprising 67 resident and 33 shared visitor and non-residential spaces, along with 620 bicycle parking spaces, including 558 long-term and 62 short-term spaces.

Looking northeast to Galleria on the Park Block 3, designed by Arcadis for Almadev

The site is approximately 1.2km north of Dufferin station and served by TTC buses on Dupont and Dufferin streets. Along with new municipal streets, signalized pedestrian crossings, widened sidewalks, pedestrian mews, publicly accessible open spaces, and provisions for future TTC bus routing along Galleria Road, the masterplan includes upgraded bus stops with expanded boarding areas, shelters, and accessible platforms.

Looking further into Galleria on the Park's future, Block 4 is planned to the west of Block 3 with 35- and 44-storey towers, while a final development block fronting onto Dufferin Street will eventually complete the redevelopment of the site.

In the surrounding area of the Galleria on the Park community, the eight-storey 259 Geary Avenue and nine-storey 1423 Dufferin Street are planned to the north, the 26-storey 316 Junction is under construction, and the proposed 29- and 39-storey 323 Symington are planned to the west. Farther south, the Bloor Crossing community south of Dufferin station comprises seven buildings ranging from 8 to 37 storeys.

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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News Roundup for July 3, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:30:00 -0400

Toronto condo prices fell 9 per cent year over year in June as home sales picked up; Greater Toronto home sales increased in June, prices expected to rise in months ahead; Metrolinx splits unfinished Hurontario-Main Line 10 LRT work into 2 contracts; and other news.

Toronto condo prices fell 9 per cent year over year in June as home sales picked up (The Star)

Greater Toronto home sales increased in June, prices expected to rise in months ahead: real estate board (CBC)

Metrolinx splits unfinished Hazel McCallion LRT work into 2 contracts (Global News)

Weekend need-to-know: Ribfest at Sankofa Square, Summerlicious kicks off (CityNews)

Inside Toronto’s thriving Black-led party scene celebrating Caribbean and African sounds and culture (The Star)

Toronto hosted 6 World Cup matches. Here's some of the best moments (CBC)

Late Day Light from the Lagoon

Craig White — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400

As seen from a quiet lagoon within the Toronto Islands, the Downtown skyline is particularly set off by the CN Tower's colourful LED lighting and the Rogers Centre's deep blue glow against the late day skies.

Summer evening skyline from a lagoon in the Toronto Islands, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Voltz

This image comes to us courtesy of UrbanToronto Forum contributor Voltz. 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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Exterior Work Wrapping Up on Queen Central in Toronto’s Garden District

Anthony Teles — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 16:50:00 -0400

Queen Central has entered its final stages of construction since UrbanToronto’s last update in January, 2026, with exterior work now largely complete. Designed by Arcadis for Parallax Investment Corporation in partnership with Harlo Capital, the 34-storey condominium tower at Queen Street East and Mutual Street is emerging as the latest reinvestment in Toronto’s Garden District.

Seen below looking southeast in March, 2026, the heritage building at 3 Mutual Street anchors the foreground, its restored red brick walls highlighted by arched upper-storey window openings, stone lintels and sills, and repointed masonry detailing. Behind, cylindrical concrete columns define the recessed fourth-floor transition level supporting the tower, while the 10th-floor cantilevered tower floor-plate projects prominently over the west elevation. The exterior envelope is substantially complete, with dark metal cladding and window wall glazing extending across the residential floors, although the exposed concrete soffits beneath the cantilever await final cladding. Temporary plywood infill remains visible on two windows of the eighth and ninth floors, marking one of the few remaining areas awaiting glazing installation.

Looking southeast from Mutual Street to the restored heritage facade at 3 Mutual Street, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor prtk.g

Seen below looking east, warm interior lighting is visible through the podium’s second-floor windows, the contemporary podium addition largely finished with light-grey cladding, dark aluminum-framed windows, projecting sills and mullions. At grade, hidden behind blue construction fencing, full-height curtain wall glazing has been installed across the commercial frontage. A green-and-white articulated boom lift is positioned at the second-floor level for exterior finishing.

Looking east to Queen Central’s completed podium, restored heritage building, and cantilevered tower above, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor rdaner

Looking northeast across Queen Street East in April, 2026, the boom lift reaches the third-storey roofline, where its basket is positioned beside sections of blue weatherproofing. Rising above, the tower’s rectilinear form is expressed through a grid of dark metal panels and window wall glazing, while its stepped profile tapers to the east through a series of upper-level step-backs.

Looking northeast from Queen Street East to Queen Central’s completed podium and sculpted tower massing, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor prtk.g

From a bit further west in June, 2026, construction fencing has been removed along both Queen and Mutual streets. Above, glazing has replaced the plywood infill, while the prominent cantilever over the west and south elevations is finished with warm wood-toned soffit panels that contrast with the tower’s dark facade and complement the red brick below. The southwest corner, formerly occupied by the construction hoist, has been infilled with matching cladding and window wall glazing. Near the roofline, the mechanical penthouse is fully enclosed.

Looking northeast to Queen Central’s completed exterior and restored heritage facades from Queen Street East, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor CLT

The project’s heritage conservation includes the Richard Bigley building, forming the centrepiece of the Queen frontage. Its cleaned red brick masonry is complemented by restored brick corbelling, decorative pilasters, and reconditioned stone trim, while the prominent upper-level arch has been carefully rehabilitated and frames new glazing within dark-painted heritage storefront framing. To the east, the adjoining retained heritage facade has likewise been restored, with repaired brickwork, decorative lintels, and renewed window openings.

Looking north to the restored Richard Bigley building and retained heritage facades, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor CLT

Queen Central stands 106.23m tall and will house 369 condominium units upon opening later this year.

Looking northeast to Queen Central, designed by Arcadis for Parallax Investment Corporation and Harlo Capital

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City Council June, 2026: Settlements, Refusals, and Other Notables

Anthony Teles — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:52:13 -0400

Alongside a series of planning approvals from Toronto City Council’s June, 2026 meeting, several major proposals were settled via the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), while some applications were refused and another moved forward through procedural decisions. The projects span Scarborough, North York, Downtown, Etobicoke, and the Beaches, including a major transit-oriented community planning study and heritage matters in Rosedale. The three formal settlements account for 2,242 residential units, including 11 affordable rental units and 14 rental replacement units. All the numbers are detailed below.

Settlements

2650 Lawrence Avenue East
City Council accepted a without-prejudice settlement offer for 2650 Lawrence Avenue East, advancing a revised mixed-use condominium proposal at the northeast corner of Lawrence Avenue East and Midland Avenue in Scarborough’s Midland Park area. Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects for First Capital, the revised plans call for 34- and 39-storey towers rising to 116.4m and 131.2m, containing 1,001 condominium units above 1,940m² of retail space. Council directed the City Solicitor to attend the OLT in support of the settlement, with conditions requiring final zoning wording, along with a 791m² off-site parkland dedication at the northwest corner of the site with frontage on Midland Avenue.

2650 Lawrence Avenue East, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects for First Capital

396 Church
Council endorsed a new without-prejudice settlement for 396-398 Church Street, 73-77 McGill Street, and 50 Gerrard Street East, revising plans for a mixed-use residential building at the southwest corner of Church and McGill streets in Toronto’s Garden District. Designed by Arcadis for Podium Developments, the settlement scheme rises 35 storeys to 110.7m, with 411 residential units and 240m² of retail space, while providing no resident vehicular parking and six visitor spaces across two underground levels. The Tribunal Order is to be withheld pending final Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendment wording, and resolution of any outstanding rental housing matters.

396 Church Street, designed by Arcadis for Podium Developments

Burbank Heights
A without-prejudice settlement was approved for Burbank Heights, increasing the scale of a mixed-use redevelopment at 690-720 Sheppard Avenue East, on the northwest corner of Sheppard Avenue East and Burbank Drive in Bayview Village. Designed by KIRKOR Architects and Planners for Sky Property Group, the proposal now calls for 35- and 38-storey towers (119.26m and 127.65m), up from 28 and 32 storeys, with 830 residential units, including 805 condominium units, 14 rental replacement units, and 11 affordable rental units, along with 1,451m² of retail space. Council’s support at the OLT is subject to final Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendment wording, withdrawal of the owner’s appeal of OPA 777, approval of the Rental Housing Demolition application, and an 815m² on-site parkland dedication.

Burbank Heights, designed by KIRKOR Architects and Planners for Sky Property Group

Refusals

1215 McCowan
Council refused the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications for McCowan Square, a three-building redevelopment proposed for 1215-1255 McCowan Road at the northeast corner of McCowan and Ellesmere roads in Scarborough City Centre. Designed by WZMH Architects for Crombie REIT, the application seeks 25-, 45-, and 55-storey mixed-use rental and condominium buildings (ranging 88.95m to 180.84m) with 1,412 residential units, including 1,187 condominium units and 225 market-rate rental units, above 4,810m² of retail space. Should the refusal be appealed, the City Solicitor and staff were authorized to appear before the OLT in support of Council’s decision, while also seeking conditions on final amendment wording, should the Tribunal allow the appeal in whole or in part.

1215 McCowan Road, designed by WZMH Architects for Crombie REIT

9 Drumsnab Road
Outside of the City's larger development applications, Council also rendered a split decision on proposed alterations to the designated heritage property at 9 Drumsnab Road in the South Rosedale Heritage Conservation District. Council approved the portion of the application to replace the property's windows in accordance with revised plans prepared by Browne & Perry Joinery Co., while refusing the proposed alterations to the front entryway under the Ontario Heritage Act. Should the owner appeal the refusal of the entrance alterations, the City Solicitor and appropriate staff were directed to attend the OLT in opposition.

38-50 Park Road
Council also refused an application to alter the designated heritage property at 38-50 Park Road under Part IV, Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, which would have facilitated the construction of a proposed 31-storey (107.9m) mixed-use building designed by David Chipperfield Architects (with BDP Quadrangle as Architect of Record) for Helberg Properties Ltd. The application was based on a Heritage Impact Assessment by ERA Architects. Should the refusal be appealed, the City Solicitor and appropriate City staff were authorized to appear before the OLT in opposition while continuing discussions with the applicant to resolve the outstanding heritage issues.

38-50 Park Road, designed by David Chipperfield Architects for Helberg Properties Ltd

Request for Consent to Review Tribunal Decision

2 Sandfield Road
For 2 Sandfield Road, Council consented to the developer filing a request to review a February, 2023 OLT decision concerning a three-storey townhome proposal at the southwest corner of Sandfield Road and York Mills Road in Windfields. Designed by Richard Wengle Architect for Format Group, the proposal includes seven freehold units, each with three or more bedrooms, above one underground level with 15 parking spaces. Council took no position on whether the proposed amendments are substantially in accordance with the original approval, while authorizing the City Solicitor to take the steps required to implement the decision.

2 Sandfield Road, designed by Richard Wengle Architect for Format Group

Planning Studies

Woodbine Transit-Oriented Community
Council endorsed the emerging directions for the Woodbine Transit-Oriented Community, allowing the Secondary Plan study, Transportation Master Plan, and Infrastructure Master Plan for 555 Rexdale Boulevard to move into the next phase of review and community engagement. Designed by Allies and Morrison for Woodbine Entertainment, the emerging masterplan envisions a mixed-use community beside the future Woodbine GO station, with up to 85 buildings, 19,874 residential units, retail, institutional uses, parks, and public spaces. Staff were requested to bring forward a recommended Secondary Plan, Infrastructure Master Plan, Transportation Master Plan, and Urban Design Guidelines to Council by the second quarter of 2027.

Woodbine Transit-Oriented Community, designed by Allies and Morrison for Woodbine Entertainment

Deferred

425 Woodbine Avenue
Consideration of the Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment, and Rental Housing Demolition applications for 425 Woodbine Avenue was deferred until City Council's July 29 to 31, 2026 meeting. Designed by KFA Architects and Planners and Studio DEEP+ for Artlife Developments, the proposal would redevelop the site south of Kingston Road in the Beaches with a 12-storey (39m) mixed-use building containing 123 residential units, including 11 rental replacement units, above ground-floor commercial space. The companion Rental Housing Demolition application was likewise deferred, postponing Council's consideration of both planning approvals until later this summer.

425 Woodbine Avenue, designed by KFA Architects and Planners for Artlife Developments

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Transit, Towers, Rail Yards Defined June’s Biggest Stories

Anthony Teles — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:53:00 -0400

June, 2026 saw transit continue to share centre stage with city-building on UrbanToronto.ca, from new rail infrastructure and housing investments to major redevelopment proposals and construction milestones across the Greater Toronto Area. The unveiling of Toronto Rail Yards generated the month’s biggest headlines, while some of the city’s tallest towers continued their climb and several landmark projects reached significant milestones. Transit projects remained a dominant topic both on the front page and across the Forums, showing just how much interest there is in the region’s rapidly changing transportation network.

Let’s review our top news stories, Database files, and Forum threads from June, 2026.

Our Top Ten Most Read News Stories

The launch of our three-part look at FastTrackTO’s proposal to speed up Toronto’s streetcar network — examining a plan that aims to cut travel times by as much as 40 per cent ahead of this fall’s municipal election — just made it into our Top Ten at #11.

11. FastTrackTO: 10 Points For Speeding Up Our Streetcars, Part 1

June’s other most-read stories were dominated by major redevelopment proposals and construction milestones, with projects spanning Toronto, Vaughan, and Scarborough. Transit and transit-oriented communities continued to attract attention, as did several of the city’s most recognizable towers reaching new stages of construction, while a new vision for a deck-topped development called the Toronto Rail Yards over the downtown rail corridor claimed the top spot.

10. 5300 Yonge Rental Resubmission Adds Height, Drops Seniors Residence

9. Province Invests $178M to Advance Scarborough Junction Rental Housing Phase

8. Concord Sky Climbs Into Tapering Tower Floors Above Yonge and Gerrard

7. 8 Elm Climbs Into Upper Floors as Cladding Advances in Downtown Toronto

6. Four-Tower Redevelopment Proposed for Wilshire Plaza in Vaughan

5. One Delisle Tops Off on Yonge at St Clair

4. New Etobicoke Civic Centre Rises Above Grade in Transforming Six Points

3. Eglinton Line 5 West Extension Tunnel, Elevated Guideway Progressing

2. Heritage Yonge Street Canadian Tire Redevelopment Reworked

1. Fengate, LiUNA Unveil 'Toronto Rail Yards' Reworking of 'Rail Deck' Plans

Looking east to Toronto Rail Yards, designed by Henning Larsen Architects and WW+P for LIUNA and Fengate Asset Management

Our Top Ten Most Searched Database Files

Also just pushing into the Top Ten, Cielo Condos drew plenty of interest following our look at the panoramic views now opening up from the recently topped-off tower above the Annex.

11. Cielo Condos

Looking southeast from atop Cielo Condos to the University of Toronto and Downtown, image by Craig White

Toronto’s tallest towers and highest-profile developments continue to dominate the Database rankings, with only small movement among the regular favourites from month to month. The biggest newcomer was Toronto Rail Yards, whose unveiling propelled the ambitious rail corridor redevelopment into the top five, while Concord Sky climbed several positions after recent front-page coverage.

10. 8 Elm

9. The Pemberton

8. KING Toronto

7. 1 Marlborough

6. Pinnacle Lakeside (Phase 1)

5. Toronto Rail Yards

4. One Bloor West

3. Concord Sky

2. Forma

1. Pinnacle One Yonge

Looking southeast to SkyTower at Pinnacle One Yonge, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Rascacielo

Our Top Ten Busiest Threads

It takes going all the way to 11th place for all of Toronto’s under-construction ‘supertalls’ to make our Top Ten list, with future supertall Concord Sky just making it onto the list.

11. Concord Sky

Looking northeast to Concord Sky, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ProjectEnd

Transit projects once again dominated discussion on the Forums, with the Ontario Line 3, Eglinton Line 5,and the Hurontario-Main Line 10 LRT all generating plenty of posts, while the high speed rail plan from here to Quebec City also commands significant attention. Meanwhile, the city’s tallest towers continued to inspire lively discussion as they climb higher into the skyline.

10. CIBC SQUARE

9. Hurontario-Main Line 10 LRT

8. Ookwemin Minising

7. Union Station Revitalization

6. Forma

5. ALTO High Speed Rail Toronto-Quebec City

4. Eglinton Line 5 Crosstown LRT

3. One Bloor West

2. Pinnacle One Yonge

1. Ontario Line 3

Looking southeast to One Bloor West, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Johnny Au

We will be back at the beginning of August for a recap of July’s top news stories, Database files, and Forum threads.

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News Roundup for July 2, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:30:00 -0400

Condos in Toronto are now more affordable than in Montreal; Portugal, Croatia to face off in Toronto's last World Cup match; extreme heat prompts Toronto to cancel FIFA watch party at Nathan Phillips Square; and other news.

Condos in Toronto are now more affordable than in Montreal (The Star)

Portugal, Croatia to face off in Toronto's last World Cup match (CBC)

Extreme heat prompts Toronto to cancel FIFA watch party at Nathan Phillips Square (CTV News)

Cristiano Ronaldo fever strikes Toronto as fans wait hours to see their idol ahead of World Cup match (The Star)

Toronto under orange heat warning on Canada Day as extreme weather blankets city (CBC)

Cristiano Ronaldo fans block busy Toronto highway for a glimpse of World Cup Portugal team bus (The Star)

Canada Day Cruising

Craig White — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Toronto's Lake Ontario waterfront provides plenty of opportunities for recreation, and having what started off as a sunny day to celebrate Canada was an opportunity for many to relax on or by Toronto Harbour, an area with enough grand vistas that just being able to while away some time there can improve ones mood immeasurably.

Canada Day turned out to be perfect for spending time on or near the water, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor skycandy

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Brick Panels Transform Topped Off 1071 King West Rental

Anthony Teles — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:38:52 -0400

Since UrbanToronto’s last update in April, 2025, when 1071 King West had just emerged above grade, the project from Hullmark and Woodbourne Canada Management Inc has topped out, and work on its exterior is well advanced. Designed by BDP Quadrangle, with Kirkor Architects and Planners as Architect of Record, the 17-storey purpose-built rental building has become a striking new presence at the western edge of Toronto’s King West neighbourhood. Occupying a prominent triangular site bounded by King Street West, Douro Street, and the Kitchener Rail Corridor, the development’s flatiron massing is now fully expressed.

By January, 2026, the structure stood at 16 storeys, with perimeter formwork, safety screening, and decking assembled for the 17th-floor slab pour. Red brick cladding reached the fourth floor, while the ground level openings awaited curtain wall glazing and steel framing for the retail canopies. Alongside the Kitchener rail corridor, an opening for a passage that will accommodate a future West Toronto Railpath extension can be seen, while construction materials are staged just to west at ground level.

A drone view looking east to 1071 King West from above King Street West, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor kotsy

By April, 2026, the mechanical penthouse was fully formed. The red brick envelope rose to the ninth floor, stopping below the 10th-floor step-back. Above, we see projecting balcony slabs, while a construction hoist is attached near the northeast corner.

A drone view looking southwest to the topped-out building and the mechanical penthouse, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor kotsy

Along the south elevation, window panels are advanced through the eighth floor, where a handful of openings await glazing. Black aluminum mullions and louvre panels are installed across completed facade sections. White weatherproofing covers exposed concrete on several higher floors on the vertical shear wall on the left. Below, a concrete crash wall separates the development from the Kitchener Rail Corridor, while in behind, cranes to the northwest mark where work is the ongoing for CAMH Queen Street redevelopment.

Looking north to the west elevation with facade installation progressing above the rail corridor, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ProjectEnd

Looking east along King Street in May, 2026, brick cladding extends all the way to the 17th floor, while the rooftop slab remains in bare concrete. Glazing reaches the 11th floor. At street level, curtain wall installation is underway across the retail frontage, with insulation panels awaiting installation in select sections.

Looking southeast from King Street West to the completed flatiron profile and advancing ground floor, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor CLT

Earlier this month, the tower’s flatiron profile is seen prominently from further west along King Street. Weatherproofing surrounds window openings on the 14th floor. Temporary fencing lines the roof perimeter while the mechanical penthouse remains in exposed concrete.

A distant view looking east along King Street West to the building’s completed structural form, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor kotsy

More recently, we look to the building’s wider east elevation along Douro Street, contrasting with the flatiron bullnose to the west. Above the tenth floor step-back, two stacked columns of projecting balconies feature dark concrete soffits. Behind hoarding along Douro Street, portions of the ground floor remain in exposed concrete awaiting finishes where garage and servicing access will be located.

Looking northwest to the east elevation along Douro Street, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor smuncky

Upon completion, the 62.2m-tall building will deliver 298 purpose-built rental apartments, including six affordable rental units.

Looking east to 1071 King West, designed by BDP Quadrangle and Kirkor Architects Planners for Hullmark, First Capital, and Woodbourne Canada Management, Inc

* * *

Hamilton Street Railway Adds Capacity with New High Tech Bus Facility

Nolan Xuereb — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:15:19 -0400

This past week marked the opening of a new bus maintenance and storage facility in Hamilton, with the inauguration of the new Birch Transit Centre occurring on June 23 in the city’s North End industrial zone. Attended by Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria and Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath, the event celebrated a nearly $400 million investment in Hamilton’s transit network.

Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria, Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath and others pose for a photo-op outside the recently completed Birch Transit Centre, image courtesy of the City of Hamilton

Located on Birch Avenue just north of the Lakeshore West GO corridor and within a couple kilometres of Downtown Hamilton, construction on the multi-acre site got underway in 2023. Funding was provided by all three levels of government, with the federal government contributing $142.8 million, the Province of Ontario $92.6 million, and the City of Hamilton $155 million. This tripartite funding agreement culminated in a total project cost of $390.4 million, a drastic increase from the project's initial projected cost of $250 million.

An interior shot of the Birch Transit Centre, image courtesy of The City of Hamilton

The facility includes indoor bus storage, bus washing systems, administrative space, and infrastructure designed to support future battery-electric buses. In addition, the Birch Transit Centre is the first transit maintenance facility in Ontario purpose-built with indoor compressed natural gas (CNG) fuelling lanes.

The HSR's Birch Transit Centre, May 2026, image courtesy of the City of Hamilton

This asset will serve the Hamilton Street Railway’s (HSR) large fleet of CNG-fueled buses, but it has also been designed to facilitate future conversions to electric recharging to accommodate the transit operator's long-term plans to shift to battery-powered operations.

A HSR bus travels through downtown Hamilton, 2006, image courtesy of Wikimedia user Adam E. Moreira https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hamilton_Street_Railway_510213_wide.jpg

The HSR's other garage, the Mountain Transit Centre on Upper James Street, has a capacity for 200 buses, but the HSR already has over 300 buses. The added capacity delivered by the Birch Transit Centre comes ahead of the upcoming Hamilton LRT, which is expected to increase overall ridership and boost demand across the connected bus network. The new facility will help the HSR manage this growth as the city's transit system expands and receives its first ever higher-order transit line.

Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria, Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath and others pose outside the Birch Transit Centre's parking lot on Birch Avenue, image courtesy of the City of Hamilton

UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on the HSR's bus fleet, 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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88 Isabella Resubmitted as 50-Storey Purpose-Built Rental Tower

Anthony Teles — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 10:55:37 -0400

Capital Developments has submitted a significantly revised proposal for 88 Isabella Street in Toronto’s Church-Wellesley neighbourhood, replacing the previously approved 62-storey condominium tower with a 50-storey purpose-built rental building. Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, the resubmitted proposal retains the rental replacement housing component on the site.

Looking northeast to 88 Isabella, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects for Capital Developments

The proposal is located at the northeast corner of Isabella and Al Sparrow Lane, approximately 40m east of Church Street. The site, previously occupied by a now demolished 14-storey rental apartment building, is now vacant pending the redevelopment. The property is surrounded by a mix of townhouses, houses, apartment and condominium towers, and institutional uses, with a growing concentration of high-rise redevelopment proposals reshaping the area.

Looking northeast to the current site, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ProjectEnd

The redevelopment was first proposed in April, 2022 as a 62-storey condominium tower containing 751 residential units, including 82 rental replacement units. The application underwent a series of revisions through the City’s review process. Now in a markedly different housing market, the resubmission introduces a tweaked redesign.

Looking northeast to the previous plan, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects for Capital Developments

The revised proposal retains the overall site organization while substantially reducing the scale of the building. The development would comprise a tower rising to 50 storeys from a six-storey podium, reaching a height of 166.99m, down from the previously proposed 62 storeys and 199.22m.

Looking north to 88 Isabella, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects for Capital Developments

The building would contain 508 purpose-built rental units, a reduction of 241 homes from the previous 749-unit proposal. Vertical circulation would be served by four elevators, equating to approximately one elevator for every 127 residential units, indicating high-speed motors would be required for adequate response times when all elevators are operational.

The rental program consists of 426 new market-rate rental units alongside 82 rental replacement units. The revised unit mix would include 16 studio, 322 one-bedroom, 127 two-bedroom, and 43 three-bedroom units, compared to the previous proposal’s 89 studios, 444 one-bedrooms, 150 two-bedrooms, and 66 three-bedroom units.

Site plan, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects for Capital Developments

Residential Gross Floor Area has been reduced from 42,887m² to 35,428m², while the Floor Space Index has decreased from 20.71 to 17.11 times coverage of the 2,071m² lot. Indoor amenity area would total 1,062m², complemented by 824m² of outdoor amenities.

Ground floor plan, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects for Capital Developments

Three levels of underground parking are proposed, accommodating 105 vehicular parking spaces, consisting of 96 residential spaces and nine visitor spaces. This represents an increase from the previous proposal’s 81 total spaces. Bicycle parking has been scaled back, with 509 spaces proposed, including 458 long-term and 51 short-term spaces, compared to 750 bicycle spaces in the previous plan.

The site is located approximately 500m from the Bloor-Yonge interchange station, about 600m from Wellesley station, and roughly 750m from Sherbourne station. Surface transit is provided by bus routes along Sherbourne, Yonge, and Wellesley streets. Cyclists are accommodated by protected bicycle lanes on nearby Bloor, Wellesley, and Sherbourne streets.

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

The proposal one of several intensification proposals across the Church-Wellesley area. To the southeast, 2 Cawthra Square is proposed at 63 storeys. To the east, proposals include 45 storeys at 10 Huntley Street, 58 storeys at Jarvis & Earl Place, and 63 storeys at 5 Huntley Street. Northeast of the site, 30 Huntley Street would introduce towers of 56 and 60 storeys. Immediately east, Capital Developments is also proposing a 69-storey tower at 90 Isabella Street, while immediately southwest, 81-83 Isabella Street is planned at 70 storeys. To the northwest, the 47-storey The Charles at Church is completing, while nearby is a proposed 56-storey tower at 625 Church Street. Further west, 48 Isabella Street is proposed at 69 storeys, while to the southwest, 55 Isabella Street would rise 75 storeys.

* * *

News Roundup for June 30, 2026

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

Interim Ontario Science Centre opens as construction for a permanent centre starts; Sankofa Square should be renamed and cleaned up, says Toronto mayoral candidate Brad Bradford; condo dwellers swelter as AC shuts down ahead of Toronto heat wave; and other news.

Interim Ontario Science Centre opens as construction for a permanent centre starts (CBC)

Sankofa Square should be renamed and cleaned up, says Toronto mayoral candidate Brad Bradford (The Star)

Condo dwellers swelter as AC shuts down ahead of Toronto heat wave (CBC)

What’s open and closed on Canada Day (CityNews)

Portugal vs. Croatia tickets in Toronto are selling for as high as $30,000. Here’s why (CTV News)

Re-Greening the Lake Ontario Shoreline

Craig White — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Biidaasige Park is not the Greater Toronto Area's only new waterfront park. In Mississauga, Jim Tovey Conservation Area on the edge of the massive new Lakeview Village neighbourhood-to-be, has opened with extensive shoreline bike trails, sculpted and landscaped hills, and new wetland habitat of the type that used to be much more prominent along the Lake Ontario shoreline, promising a similar flourishing of many native species of flora and fauna to what has been witnessed in re-greened Toronto's Port Lands.

Jim Tovey Conservation Area, Mississauga, Lake Ontario image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Bojaxs

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Crane Installed for Mount Dennis Rental Tower

Anthony Teles — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:50:18 -0400

Several months after UrbanToronto covered its September 2025 ground breaking ceremony, a crane has risen for The Dennis, a purpose-built rental tower named for its location in Toronto’s Mount Dennis area. Designed by WZMH Architects for LIUNA, Fengate Real Estate, The Hi-Rise Group, and ITC Construction Group, the 37-storey development is located just north of Weston Road and Eglinton Avenue West, within a short walk of Mount Dennis station, an interchange for Eglinton Line 5, GO Transit’s Kitchener line, and the UP Express.

One of the first developments supported through the City of Toronto’s Purpose-Built Rental Housing Incentives Stream, The Dennis will provide a mix of market-rate and affordable housing, with affordability secured through long-term municipal and federal housing programs.

Looking from Locust Street in October, 2025, early foundation work is underway. A drilling rig occupies the right side, while a white mobile crane stands behind a red concrete boom pump, extending across the site to deliver fresh concrete as crews work around the placement area. Equipment related to shoring work rests in the foreground.

Looking northwest from Locust Street to early excavation work, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ProjectEnd

By March, 2026, excavation for the tower’s two-level underground garage was substantially advanced. Timber lagging shoring walls line the west and north elevations, protected with orange weatherproof tarping and stabilized by tiebacks, while additional canted bracing reinforces the northern corner. An excavator works below grade as a second shovel remains at grade on the left.

A close view looking north across the excavation and shoring system, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ProjectEnd

Toward the north end of the site in May, 2026, we see the crane, installed the previous month. Cast-in-place concrete foundation and P2 parking level walls have taken shape around the excavation perimeter, with rebar marking future pours, while additional walls and columns surround the crane base. Timber lagging shoring steps inward along the east property line to create a narrower northern section of the pit. At grade, a compact red excavator is parked to the south along Locust Street, while a yellow excavator operates below to the left.

Looking east across the north end of the site and recently installed tower crane, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor HousingNowTO

At the southwest corner of the site, below-grade work continues with the concrete perimeter wall extending upwards in front of the shoring wall. Newly formed concrete columns rise throughout the excavation, alongside staged formwork panels and other construction materials. A staircase along the south edge provides workers with temporary access.

Looking southeast across the south end of the excavation, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor HousingNowTO

Earlier this month, we get a clearer view of the luffing-jib crane. To its left, formwork is assembled for upcoming concrete pours, surrounded by columns.

Looking northwest across foundation construction and the tower crane, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ProjectEnd

A closer view shows early forming for the P1 level. Concrete walls have risen at the south end, while a network of timber formwork and horizontal decking has been assembled in preparation for the P1 slab pour. Yellow shoring posts support the suspended deck forms below, with additional posts and formwork components staged nearby. Rebar projects from completed walls and columns throughout the excavation, while stacks of formwork panels, lumber, and other construction materials line the west side of the site at grade.

A close view looking northwest across early forming work for the P1 level, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor CLT

Upon completion, The Dennis will rise 120m with 448 rental homes, including 95 affordable rental units.

Looking northeast to The Dennis, designed by WZMH Architects for LIUNA, Fengate Properties, The Hi-Rise Group, ITC Construction Group

* * *

City Council June, 2026: Waterfront Communities, Rental Housing, and Towers Approved

Anthony Teles — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 12:32:21 -0400

Fourteen planning approvals adopted or advanced by Toronto City Council in June, 2026 span major waterfront redevelopments, purpose-built rental housing, condominium towers, and neighbourhood intensification projects across the city. The zoning and Official Plan approvals account for 11,199 residential units, including 693 affordable rental homes. The month also saw significant rental housing proposals advance in Etobicoke, Scarborough, Midtown, and the East End, alongside a series of Part Lot Control Exemption approvals for previously approved townhouse developments and Rental Housing Demolition approvals securing replacement rental housing. All the numbers are detailed below.

Downtown

Pinnacle One Yonge South Block
Council approval was secured for Pinnacle One Yonge South Block, the final phase of the One Yonge master plan at the northeast corner of Yonge Street and Queens Quay East in Toronto’s Central Waterfront. Designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for Pinnacle International, the since-redesigned proposal replaces a previously approved office complex with 80- and 85-storey towers reaching 279.4m and 296m, respectively, with 2,534 residential units, including 2,297 condominium units and 109 affordable rental units, along with a 237-room hotel, 1,816m² of retail space, and 2,571m² of institutional space. The 2023 approval included directions for Transportation Services to investigate Lower Yonge traffic management improvements, including potential signal changes and peak-hour turn restrictions at nearby intersections. Pinnacle International is not, however, advancing this plan at this time, opting in the short term to convert the former Toronto Star building on the site into a hotel for several years prior to redevelopment.

Pinnacle One Yonge South Block, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for Pinnacle International

Quayside Blocks 1B, 1C, and 2
City-initiated Zoning By-law Amendments were adopted for three blocks at Quayside, advancing mixed-use buildings within the waterfront master plan by Dream Unlimited and Waterfront Toronto. Building 1B, designed by Henning Larsen Architects with architects—Alliance as Architect of Record, would rise 66 storeys and deliver 720 rental units, including 167 affordable rental units, plus daycare space.

Quayside Building 1B, designed by Henning Larsen Architects for Dream Unlimited and Waterfront Toronto

Building 1C, designed by Teeple Architects and architects—Alliance, would comprise two 13-storey affordable rental buildings with 396 units, retail space, and a library.

Quayside Building 1C, designed by Teeple Architects for Dream Unlimited and Waterfront Toronto

Building 2, designed by Allies and Morrison with architects—Alliance, would rise 56 storeys with 618 rental units.

Quayside Building 2, designed by Allies and Morrison and architects—Alliance for Dream Unlimited and Waterfront Toronto

Council also endorsed Urban Design Guidelines for Quayside Blocks 1 and 2, while a related settlement matter updated the framework with Redpath Sugar Ltd for assessing and mitigating environmental impacts from the nearby Redpath Facility on sensitive land uses.

1 Sumach Street
Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments were adopted for 1 Sumach Street, advancing a two-tower mixed-use condominium proposal on the northeast corner of Sumach Street and Eastern Avenue in Corktown. Designed by RAW Design for Block Developments, with heritage work overseen by ERA Architects, the 55- and 59-storey buildings would rise 189.95m and 203.4m, delivering 1,276 condominium units above 1,485m² of retail space. The approval also requests a review of excluding the development from residential permit parking eligibility.

1 Sumach Street, designed by RAW Design for Block Developments

Midtown

The Annex
Updated Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments were adopted for The Annex, revising the earlier 2023 approval for a mixed-use rental building on the north side of Dupont Street, east of Howland Avenue. Designed by BDP Quadrangle for Resident, the 16-storey (58.02m) building would provide 257 rental units above 814m² of retail space, with 75 vehicular parking spaces and 144 bicycle parking spaces. The decision refines the parkland requirements, asking the owner to pursue a suitable off-site parkland dedication as a substitute for an on-site dedication, with cash-in-lieu required for any shortfall or if no acceptable off-site dedication is secured, and allowing a development charge credit for park improvements should the off-site dedication be accepted.

The Annex, designed by BDP Quadrangle for Resident

East End

143 Main Street
Council adopted Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments for 143 Main Street, permitting a mid-rise purpose-built rental building on the east side of Main Street, south of Gerrard Street, in East End-Danforth. Designed by Studio DEEP+ for Yurt Management, the 10-storey (37.5m) building would provide 56 rental units above 98m² of retail, with four visitor parking spaces and 65 bicycle parking spaces. Council also approved the related Rental Housing Demolition application, permitting the demolition of seven existing rental units and requiring seven replacement rental units, with three one-bedroom units at affordable rents, one one-bedroom unit at mid-range affordable rents, and three two-bedroom units at mid-range moderate rents for at least 10 years.

143 Main Street, designed by Studio DEEP+ for Yurt Management

468 Danforth Road
A Zoning By-law Amendment was adopted on consent for 468 Danforth Road, moving forward a mixed-use condominium development at the northeast corner of Danforth Road and Birchmount Road in Birchmount Park. Designed by Graziani + Corazza Architects for Altree Developments, the 14-storey (58.9m) building would contain 524 condominium units above 1,563m² of retail, with 240 vehicular parking spaces and 394 bicycle parking spaces. The approval secures a minimum 742m² on-site parkland dedication prior to the first above-grade building permit and directs staff to explore a potential in-kind community benefit package that may include public art.

468 Danforth Road, designed by Graziani + Corazza Architects for Altree Developments

Etobicoke

1243 Islington Avenue
A Zoning By-law Amendment was adopted on consent for 1243 Islington Avenue, clearing the way for a mixed-use tower at the northeast corner of Islington Avenue and Aberfoyle Crescent in Islington-City Centre. Designed by Sweeny &Co Architects for Montez Corporation, the 61-storey (198.8m) building would contain 702 residential units, including 681 condominium units and 21 affordable rental units, above 93m² of retail space. The development would include three underground levels, 98 vehicular parking spaces, and 264 bicycle parking spaces.

1243 Islington Avenue, designed by Sweeny &Co Architects for Montez Corporation

2686 Lake Shore Boulevard West
Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments were adopted as amended for 2686 Lake Shore Boulevard West, advancing a purpose-built rental building on the north side of Lake Shore Boulevard West, west of Royal York Road, in Mimico. Designed by Wallman Architects for Insoho Developments, the 12-storey (46.95m) building would contain 172 rental units, with two underground levels, 102 vehicular parking spaces, and 132 bicycle parking spaces. Council required a Tenant Assistance Plan for five existing rental units, while directing further review through Site Plan Control of potential local allocations of Community Benefits Charges funds for street, intersection, and parkland improvements.

2686 Lake Shore Boulevard West, designed by Wallman Architects for Insoho Developments

39 Newcastle Street
City Council adopted Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments, as amended, for 39 Newcastle Street, supporting a three-tower purpose-built rental redevelopment at the southeast corner of Newcastle Street and Windsor Street in Mimico. Designed by TACT Architecture for Osmington Gerofsky Development Corp, the 40- and dual 43-storey towers would range 134.23m to 143.93m, bringing 1,579 rental units above 781m² of retail. The decision asks the Mayor to allocate 100% of Community Benefits Charges funds collected from the development, in consultation with the local Councillor, to either gaps in the planned Newcastle bi-directional cycle track extension from Windsor Street to Royal York Road or pedestrian realm improvements within the Mimico-Judson Secondary Plan area.

39 Newcastle Street, designed by TACT Architecture for Osmington Gerofsky Development Corp

5500 Dundas West
Council adopted the Zoning By-law Amendment for 5500 Dundas West, as amended, allowing a two-building mixed-use condominium proposal at the northwest corner of Dundas Street West and Paulart Drive in Eatonville. Designed by Superkül for First Capital, the 14- and 16-storey buildings would rise 57.1m and 63.3m, delivering 560 condominium units above 997m² of commercial space. Through Site Plan Control, Council directed further review of outdoor and rooftop amenity design, rear-yard landscaping and fencing, transit-stop placement along Dundas Street West, construction impacts on nearby residential properties, and potential Community Benefits Charges allocations for local street, intersection, and parkland improvements. Following a sale of First Capital assets, the site is now either under the control of KingSett Capital or Choice Properties.

5500 Dundas West, designed by Superkül for First Capital

Scarborough

40 Bushby Drive
Planning approvals were secured for 40 Bushby Drive, a Toronto Builds rental development proposed at the southeast corner of Bushby Drive and McCowan Road in Scarborough City Centre. Designed by Sweeny &Co Architects for CreateTO, the 44-, 52-, and 59-storey buildings would range 151.1m to 193.45m, delivering 1,695 rental units. The mixed-use proposal also includes 1,063m² of institutional space, 166 vehicular parking spaces, and 1,274 bicycle parking spaces.

40 Bushby Drive, designed by Sweeny &Co Architects for CreateTO

Cliffcrest Towns
Council approved an amended Zoning By-law Amendment for Cliffcrest Towns, a townhouse redevelopment planned for 5, 7, 9, and 11 Bellamy Road South, on the east side of Bellamy Road South north of Kingston Road in Scarborough Village. Designed by S&C Architects for Profile Developments, the proposal comprises three 4-storey blocks with 110 condominium townhouse units, including 107 three-bedroom units, above one underground level. Staff were asked to explore additional tree retention and potential cash-in-lieu of planting through Site Plan Control.

Cliffcrest Towns, designed by S&C Architects for Profile Developments

Part Lot Control Exemption Approvals

206 Russell Hill Towns
A Part Lot Control Exemption was approved for 206 Russell Hill Towns, implementing a previously advanced townhouse project on the west side of Russell Hill Road, south of St Clair Avenue West in Forest Hill. Designed by Rafael + Bigauskas Architects for Black Sutherland, the 4-storey development would contain four condominium townhouse units, each with three or more bedrooms.

206 Russell Hill Towns, designed by Rafael + Bigauskas Architects for Black Sutherland LLP

2673 Bayview
A Part Lot Control Exemption was adopted for 2673 Bayview, facilitating a previously approved low-rise residential development at the northeast corner of Bayview Avenue and Old Colony Road in St. Andrew-Windfields. Designed by Hunt Design Associates for Kingsmen Development Corp, the project comprises two 3-storey condominium townhouse blocks and two 2-storey detached homes, together containing 10 condominium units with 26 vehicular parking spaces.

2673 Bayview, designed by Hunt Design Associates for Kingsmen Development Corp

95 Pidgeon
Council enacted a Part Lot Control Exemption for 95 Pidgeon, allowing the division of lands for a low-rise townhouse development in Scarborough. Designed by TAES Architects for Rexton Developments Ltd, the 3-storey development would provide 26 townhouse units across three blocks, including eight freehold units and 18 condominium units, with 52 residential parking spaces.

95 Pidgeon, designed by TAES Architects for Rexton Developments Ltd

Townhomes at Crosstown
Part Lot Control Exemption approval was granted for Townhomes at Crosstown, covering Block 8 within the larger Crosstown Community master plan at Don Mills Road and Eglinton Avenue East. Designed by VA3 Design for Aspen Ridge Homes, the block comprises ten 3-storey townhouse buildings with 80 condominium units, all with three or more bedrooms, along with 80 vehicular and 80 bicycle parking spaces.

Townhomes at Crosstown, designed by VA3 Design for Aspen Ridge Homes

Rental Housing Demolition Approvals

221 Sterling Road
City Council approved the Rental Housing Demolition application for 221 Sterling Road, permitting the demolition of 56 existing rental units tied to a larger redevelopment at the southeast corner of Bloor Street West and Sterling Road in the Junction Triangle. Designed by Turner Fleischer for First Capital and Firm Capital, the broader proposal comprises 21-, 24- and 27-storey buildings with 851 units, including 793 condominium units and 58 replacement rental units, along with 465m² of community space. The approval requires 31 units secured at affordable rents and 23 at mid-range rents for at least 10 years.

221 Sterling Road, designed by Turner Fleischer for First Capital and Firm Capital

576 Sherbourne
City Council adopted amendments to the Rental Housing Demolition approval for 576 Sherbourne, updating the replacement housing requirements for the redevelopment proposed at the southwest corner of Sherbourne and Linden streets. Designed by Sweeny &Co Architects, with heritage work overseen by GBCA Architects, for the Alterra Group of Companies, the 61-storey purpose-built rental tower would deliver 716 rental units, including 45 replacement rental units. The revised approval permits the demolition of 23 existing rental units while requiring 25 replacement rental units and 20 replacement dwelling rooms, with a mix of affordable and mid-range rents.

576 Sherbourne, designed by Sweeny &Co Architects for Alterra Group of Companies

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Entuitive’s Construction Engineering Solutions Contribute to Gardiner Project Completed 18 Months Early

Rick Muller — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:30:00 -0400

It is always welcome news in the city of Toronto and the province of Ontario when a major construction project finishes 18 months AHEAD of schedule. That is what consulting engineering firm Entuitive contributed to with its role as Construction Engineer on Gardiner Expressway Section 2 (from Dufferin Street to Strachan Avenue) Rehabilitation work, for which it received an Award of Distinction as part of the Ontario Engineering Project Awards this year.

Nighttime crane operations on the Gardiner Expressway Section 2 Rehabilitation, image courtesy of Entuitive

Any work on the Gardiner is the ‘third rail’ of Toronto construction as you certainly cannot just close a major expressway and backbone of city life and mobility which handles 140,000 vehicles every weekday. Add to that the intensity of traditional media, online social media and general public scrutiny – and any time construction is undertaken on this major arterial roadway, one of the five busiest highways in Canada, you are under an immediate microscope.

Demolition of the Gardiner Expressway’s existing concrete deck and support structure, image courtesy of Entuitive

“It is always important to be responsive and collaborative when working with contractors to ensure operations move smoothly on-site, but it is correct to say the intense scrutiny on this project made responding to the contractor’s needs in a timely manner imperative,” says Jason Jelinek, Principal in Entuitive’s Transportation Group. “As the project entered into its accelerated schedule, keeping up with the pace of the work and providing our drawings and analysis to allow the contractor to achieve their target schedule was critical. This sometimes meant extra pressure and long hours, but being a part of this amazing achievement is something we are very proud of.”

Entuitive’s participation in this project came after the Design-Build contract by the City of Toronto was awarded to Grascan Construction. Torbridge Construction, a sub-contractor, then retained Entuitive to provide construction engineering services for the demolition and reconstruction of this Section 2 portion of the expressway. Having been supplying specialized construction engineering services in partnership with bridge contractors for many years made the selection of Entuitive and its outstanding reputation for completing construction engineering on many highly complex projects a natural choice.

Temporary steel shoring installed beneath the Gardiner Expressway during phased reconstruction, image courtesy of Entuitive

Originally based in Toronto and Calgary in 2011, Entuitive today has more than 350 employees in five offices in Canada. The award-winning consulting engineering firm works with an international client base delivering consulting services across hundreds of projects in the commercial, institutional, transportation, healthcare, cultural, sports and residential sectors.

Entuitive’s construction engineering solutions on the Gardiner Expressway project facilitated a sequential approach that always kept four lanes open to traffic as construction only took place on two lanes at a time.

Temporary supports installed below deteriorated concrete T-beams on the Gardiner Expressway, image courtesy of Entuitive

“This section of the Gardiner, unlike the rest of the expressway, has a sub-structure configuration that includes concrete piers (supports) in 24 locations that are shaped like two 'T’s' sitting side by side,” explains Jelinek. “In order to maintain four lanes of traffic throughout the reconstruction project, the bridge deck, girders and the top of those 'T’s' had to be removed and replaced one-third of the time. This was further complicated by the fact that the height of each of the concrete piers increases at each location as the expressway raises in elevation from west to east.”

Mobile crane positioned on the Gardiner Expressway deck during staged rehabilitation work, image courtesy of Entuitive

Originally opened in 1958, the majority of this particular area of the Gardiner was originally built with cast-in-place, concrete T-beams and integral bents, owing to its original design concepts of seventy years ago, but also resulted in salt-laden water infiltrating the joints causing extensive deterioration and the potential for instability during the demolition process. You can only imagine the thousands of tons of salt which have been poured on the Gardiner over the course of 68 winters.

Vital highways throughout Toronto and Ontario must remain safe, reliable, toll-free and in good repair, a point of emphasis earlier this month with the announcement that the province will upload ownership and maintenance of both the Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway (DVP) effective fall 2027. To support the transfer of both the Gardiner and DVP to provincial ownership, Ontario is providing up to $353 million to the City of Toronto to continue operating and maintaining both highways until the transfer is complete.

The solutions brought forward to the Section 2 Rehabilitation by Entuitive contributed to a process which allowed construction to finish 18 months ahead of schedule. “The structural design concept was intentionally minimalistic, without sacrificing performance, resulting in easy-to-implement solutions,” says Jelinek. “The amount of instruction that had to be provided to construction foremen and jacking operators was significantly reduced. Simplified procedures enable consistency and lowered the likelihood of deviations by avoiding complex connection details and establishing repeatable processes that aided in the ability of the Design-Builder to meet their accelerated schedule goals.”

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News Roundup for June 29, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:30:00 -0400

Toronto pride draws crowds of partygoers as Prime Minister joins festivities; this Toronto building used to house Second City and now that it’s for sale, some want to make it a laugh landmark; this time next year there could be a maximum heat by-law for Toronto rentals; and other news.

Toronto Pride draws crowds of partygoers as Prime Minister joins festivities (The Globe and Mail)

This Toronto building used to house Second City. Now that it’s for sale, some want to make it a laugh landmark (The Star)

This time next year there could be a maximum heat bylaw for Toronto rentals (CBC)

Where to watch Canada Day fireworks in Toronto, Peel and York regions this year (The Star)

At least 20 drones intercepted since FIFA World Cup 2026 came to Toronto: police (CBC)

Opinion: The hidden business cost of the gridlock sparked by Toronto’s renovation boom (The Star)

Building the Skyline

Craig White — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

There's a crane in the Don Valley that's building all of Toronto, at least according to this image shot facing southwest from the Leaside Bridge. It may also, in fact, be building the Don River Crossing for Ontario Line 3 somewhere down in the trees below, at least that's the rumour.

A crane rises in the Don Valley with the skyline of Downtown Toronto on the horizon, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor kris

This image comes to us courtesy of UrbanToronto Forum contributor kris. 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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The CN Tower Turns 50

Craig White — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 16:44:40 -0400

The CN Tower turns 50 today! Well, it's the 50th anniversary of the opening of the CN Tower today, and about 51 years and 3 months since the CN Tower was topped off by Olga, the Sikorsky helicopter, when she hoisted the last piece of the antenna to the top. Capped at 553.3m or 1,815 feet, the CN Tower was (as we learned to say) the Tallest Freestanding Structure in the World, a title it held for 34 years, and it's been Toronto's most instantly recognizable symbol ever since, even if it now ranks #10 height-wise, with seven skyscrapers and two towers now taller than it. Over the years UrbanToronto has covered some mid-life milestones for the tower, but today let's start by going way back to the beginning... (TV screen goes wavy before refocusing on old-timey file photos)

Metro Centre's rail yards location and early concepts, archival imagery via WZMH Architects

It was in 1968 when a plan to redevelop Toronto's downtown Rail Lands was unveiled to the public. With CN and CP having moved their marshalling yards out to Vaughan and Scarborough in the preceding years, the mess of tracks on Toronto's doorstep were a prime candidate for removal and densification for a city that was experiencing a huge influx of immigration. Modernist office towers had recently begun popping up at King and Bay, more were coming, and the city was looking to reclaim this land — itself reclaimed from the lake in the previous decades — to become a new neighbourhood.

Initial concepts for the Communications Tower at Metro Centre, archival imagery via WZMH Architects

From the Metro Centre plan, the standout component was a sky-piercing communications tower that would allow Toronto broadcasters to beam their radio and TV station waves to a larger area, and up and over the new tall skyscrapers just to the northeast. Initially conceived with three vertical masts joined to each other by trusses, the tower was eventually the only portion of the plan to evolve and proceed.

John Andrews' concept for the CN Tower, with WZMH Architects as Architect of Record, archival imagery via WZMH Architects

Named the CN Tower for Canadian National, the railway whose land the tower would rise on, its initial concept was abandoned and replaced with a tapering tripod of concrete legs that gradually rose to about 1,100 feet in the air, where an 8-storey building would be erected. John Andrews' design then took the concrete another 300 feet up to a smaller observation level — initially called the Space Deck, now known as the Sky Pod — the highest observation level in the world at the time, above it the tower would continue for another 400 feet, but in steel. Transmission equipment was found within the antenna, while the lowest level of the 8-storey pod, the radome, would house dishes to receive signals from elsewhere.

Photos from the construction of the CN Tower, archival imagery via WZMH Architects

Andrews, an Australian, had trained in architecture in Sydney before heading to Harvard for a Masters program. While there, Toronto was put on his radar when he and three student colleagues entered the competition to design the new Toronto City Hall, coming in as a runner-up to the Viljo Revell design that was built. Upon graduating from Harvard, Andrews worked with John B. Parkin Associates in Don Mills before setting out on his own in 1962. His second best known Toronto building bears his name, the Andrews Building at University of Toronto Scarborough, a monolithic brutalist structure that follows the top of bank of the Highland Creek valley, and which has been a location for countless films and tv shows. In 1973, his design for the CN Tower in collaboration with Webb Zerafa Menkes Housden Architects and NCK Engineering replaced the early Metro Centre Communications Tower plan, and would become Andrews' most enduring and visited landmark.

"Olga," the huge Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane helicopter lifting antenna sections to the top of the CN Tower, archival imagery via WZMH Architects

For anyone familiar with Mary Wiens from her many years at the CBC — most recently, until 2025 as a contributing producer for Metro Morning — Mary's most recent podcast episode for The Torontonian is another ode to the memory of building the CN Tower. With me as guest co-host, Mary and I recall the feats of engineering and construction that the tower represented in the 1970s. Mary's recordings with Supervising Engineer Jamil Mardukhi are a highlight, while she also interviews CN Tower staff regarding what's it's like to work on a daily basis in this wonder of the modern world. (Mary and I also reminisce about our differing experiences on the Edgewalk, when that rather spectacular addition to the CN Tower opened in 2011.)

Looking down from the Sky Pod to people circling the CN Tower's roof on Edgewalk, image by Craig White

One of the original spectacular aspects of building the CN Tower was when the crane that had been used to help construct the concrete section was replaced by a Skycrane, specifically an American Sikorsky S-64 helicopter nicknamed Olga (for Sikorsky's Russian heritage), which was used to hoist steel sections of the antenna high up into the air... higher, it seemed, than people could believe: this was nothing anyone had seen before!

"Olga" hoists another piece of the antenna to the top of the growing CN Tower, March 31, 1975, image courtesy of Edward Skira

With the antenna holding both much of the tower's transmission equipment and its longstanding height record, its construction via repeated lifts of the steel sections made daily news, in particular because one of the first sections did not separate correctly from the helicopter's cables. With minutes of fuel left before Olga would have plummeted to the ground, the section was eventually removed, but the potentially deadly process became a gripping daily tale as the tower grew ever taller, its last lift taking place on March 31, 1975.

A young Edward Skira and Paul Kos pose before the growing CN Tower, March 31, 1975, image courtesy of Edward Skira

Another thing one of the antenna's steel sections carries is signatures: a piece had been taken to the Canadian National Exhibition in the summer of 1974, with the public invited to sign their name on it. One of those who added his signature was a then-10-year-old Edward Skira, not yet the President and Co-Publisher of UrbanToronto. Growing up in Willowdale, the construction of the CN Tower — rising at the same time as the Bank of Montreal Tower at First Canadian Place, as can be seen in the image above — was a reason for a trip to take in all the excitement building on Toronto's downtown skyline. "These projects cemented my fascination with the skyscrapers that were turning the city into a real metropolis," says Skira.

The CN Tower and downtown skyline as seen from the Toronto Islands, with paddlebaorder enjoying the view, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor skycandy

Following its opening, Torontonians flocked to the tower for their first ride up the speedy glass elevators to get the amazing views of the city and the lake now accessible to them, hoping to be there on clear days when the mist over Niagara Falls might be made out on the distant southern horizon, or on an evening when a spectacular sunset might cover the city's skies in vibrant hues, or when the lights of the Financial Core would sparkle at night. Lunches and dinners in the revolving restaurant became a mainstay of visitor experiences to the city, often surprising diners with how good the meals were, even when the view means the Tower might not need to do such a good job.

The CN Tower silhouetted against Toronto's western horizon at sunset, image by UrtbanToronto Forum contributor kotsy

Changes have been made to the Tower from time to time. In 1994, a glass-covered opening carved into to the Lower Observation Level became a favourite place for bold visitors to freak out their friends by jumping up and down on the panels, or even merely walking over them, seemingly unsupported above 1,100 feet of thin air. In 2018, the glass floor was expanded significantly at the same time that another glass floor section was added to the Main Observation level above, making the frights/thrills more frightening/thrilling too, while adding reflections that are a challenge for photographers to deal with!

Glass floor over glass floor in the CN Tower, image by Craig White

In 2007, colour-changing LED lights were added to both the elevator shafts and at every narrowing of the antenna above, making for a much stronger nighttime presence for the Tower. Throughout most the of night, the glow is a constant colour (sometimes set differently to honour particular events, such as recent blue and yellow lighting to remember Ukraine during the protracted war being waged upon it by Russia), but for a few minutes at the top of every hour, the lights are set to "dance," creating shows for locals and visitors alike.

The CN Tower lit up by night as seen from the Toronto City Centre Billy Bishop Airport Ferry

In 2014, Toronto was scrambling to tidy itself up and be ready for the ~~world stage~~ hemispheric stage as it would be hosting the Pan Am and ParaPan Am Games in 2015. A March, 2014 visit to the CN Tower showed us that what was true for concrete buildings everywhere, was true here too: concrete does not age that gracefully, not like stone, and the base of the CN Tower's legs were now showing many blemishes and virtual varicose veins. Our April Fools story that year would therefore be an affectionate skewering of this ultimate skewer, suggesting that a contest was underway to design a recladding of the tower before the Games. Would the tower be covered in aluminum panels? Brick veneer? Submit your entries! In the end, paint was applied to the tower's concrete base, covering up the age spots. We don't know if our story was the impetus for that clean-up work, or if that had always been the plan... nah, it was us! We did that!

Blemishes on the CN Tower's concrete, image by Craig White

Something we definitely can't lay any claim to, but which made a big difference to the Indoor Observation Level in 2018, was the replacement of much of the original exterior with floor to ceiling windows. While generally providing improved views and a stunning, clean interior design overall, the new windows also make the Tower views fully accessible to the young and those in wheelchairs.

New glazing for the CN Tower's main observation deck, image by Jack Landau

This year, the Lower Observation Level was reworked in time for the 50th anniversary celebrations, now allowing visitors to lean out over the city without committing to the whole Edgewalk experience, while that circular trek remains a popular attraction and a bucket list item for many. As the CN Tower endures as Toronto's most quickly recognizable symbol, its owners the Canada Lands Company seem intent on maintaining the Tower's place in the city, in popular culture, and in the hearts of its fans.

Father-son bonding via Lego, Duplo, and the CN Tower, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor evandyk

UrbanToronto will peek back in whenever something new happens here, 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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Views from Cielo Condos Showcase Toronto from The Annex

Anthony Teles — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 15:52:39 -0400

Last month, UrbanToronto attended the topping-off ceremony for Cielo Condos, the project transforming the northwest corner of Bloor and Huron streets in Toronto’s Annex. Designed by KPMB Architects for Collecdev-Markee Developments, with heritage work overseen by ERA Architects, the 34-storey mixed-use development combines new residential construction with the heritage retention of Bloor Street United Church’s Gothic Revival walls and the restored George C. Pidgeon House to its north. With the building now at its full structural height, a visit to tower floors now showcase one of Cielo's defining features: its fantastic panoramic views across much of Toronto owing to its great location.

Looking northwest to Cielo Condos, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Rascacielo

Today, we turn our attention to those views from the 34th floor. Rising above the predominantly low-rise neighbouring Annex and University of Toronto St George campus. Owing to Cielo’s location on the edge of that august educational institution, and its well-heeled, well-lawyered neighbours to the north, the building offers sweeping, largely unobstructed vistas that should persist in most directions over the coming years. They're certainly great now, taking in trom Midtown to the Financial District to Spadina Avenue and the city’s western neighbourhoods, the outlook illustrates both the tower’s unique position within Toronto and the remarkable breadth of the skyline visible from its upper residential levels.

Looking southeast from the 34th floor, Cielo’s position above the low-rise Annex and University of Toronto St George campus provides a sweeping panorama across Toronto’s skyline. In the foreground, Robarts Library anchors the university precinct, while the CN Tower rises above the Entertainment District in the distance, framed by an ever-expanding collection of office and residential towers, the Financial Core to its east.

Looking southeast to the University of Toronto and Downtown, image by Craig White

A more zoomed-in view centres on Toronto’s Financial Core, where established office towers are joined by active construction. Cranes spike the skyline, including the blue, red, and white crane serving The United BLDG in the middle, on its way to 54 storeys, while the crane atop the topped-off 106-storey ‘supertall’ SkyTower at Pinnacle One Yonge is visible in the distance.

Looking southeast to to Toronto's Financial District, image by Craig White

Looking east, the University of Toronto campus fills the foreground, where the red crane in the middle distance marks progress on the Academic Wood Tower, the 14-storey hybrid mass-timber building that will become Canada’s tallest academic timber structure when complete. Beyond the campus, the skyline continues to evolve as the 85-storey One Bloor West rises in the Bloor-Yorkville area, with work advancing on its crown and tuned mass damper.

Looking east to the University of Toronto and the Bloor-Yonge skyline, image by Craig White

In a westward view along Bloor Street, the vantage point illustrates the transition from The Annex’s and Harbord Village's predominantly low-rise neighbourhoods toward newer centres of intensification. Midway along the corridor, the five towers of Mirvish Village rise over the former Honest Ed’s site at Bathurst Street, ranging from 13 to 26 storeys. Farther west, the seven-tower Bloor Crossing community marks another concentration of recent growth at Bloor and Dufferin, ranging from 8 to 37 storeys. Humber Bay Shores' many towers edge Lake Ontario to the southwest, while faintly in the distance, the Mississauga City Centre area can be jsut made out, interrupting an otherwise smooth horizon.

Looking west along Bloor Street West, image by Craig White

Looking northwest, the view shifts away from Downtown to reveal the mostly leafy residential character of The Annex. Spadina Road's apartments carve through a landscape otherwise dominated by heritage houses and mature tree canopy. In the distance, the broad white form of the nine-storey Bianca Condos is visible along Dupont Street.

Looking northwest over the Annex toward Spadina Road, image by Craig White

Turning to the northeast, the cityscape gradually transitions from The Annex’s tree-lined streets to the denser skyline of Midtown Toronto. Several cranes are visible along the Yonge Street corridor, including the recently topped-off One Delisle, standing out with its stacked modules rotating as they ascend to transform the building from a rectilinear podium into a near-cylindrical 44-storey tower. To its left, a green and white crane marks where a 37-storey residential tower continues to rise at 30 Merton Street.

Looking northeast towards Midtown Toronto, image by Craig White

With Cielo Condos now topped off, these images offer a preview of the views future Cielo residents will enjoy. The tower now stands 130.35m tall, and will deliver 349 residential suites above a mixed-use podium that includes community uses, office space, retail, and worship facilities.

An elevated view looking south to Cielo Condos, designed by KPMB Architects for Collecdev-Markee Developments

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25-Storey Mixed-Use Tower Proposed on Plains Road in Burlington

Anthony Teles — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:54:10 -0400

Plans have been submitted to redevelop a commercial property near Burlington GO station with a 25-storey, primarily residential mixed-use tower. Designed by WZMH Architects for Rester Management, the proposal at 1376-1382 Plains Road East calls for a condominium tower with ground-floor retail.

Looking southeast to 1376-1382 Plains Road East, designed by WZMH Architects for Rester Management

The proposal applies to a property located on the south side of Plains Road East just west of Brant Street. The irregularly shaped site is currently occupied by two one- and two-storey commercial buildings, along with associated surface parking and driveways. While the immediate block remains largely commercial, with automotive businesses and retail uses lining Plains Road East, the surrounding area also includes low-rise residential neighbourhoods to the north and the CN rail corridor to the south.

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

Bousfields has submitted Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications to the City of Burlington on behalf of the developer. The applications follow a pre-application submission that first surfaced in late 2025. The site remains subject to an active appeal relating to Official Plan Amendment 2, the City’s Council-endorsed but not yet in-force planning framework for the station area, while a separate consent application to consolidate the parcels and sever lands adjacent to the CN rail corridor has already received conditional approval.

The proposal calls for a 25-storey mixed-use building rising to 87.3m. A three-storey podium (with a single-storey extension to the south) would accommodate two retail units and the residential lobby at grade. Tower floors 4 through 25 would be have 744m² floor-plates.

Looking south to the podium, designed by WZMH Architects for Rester Management

The building would contain 283 condominium units within a Gross Floor Area of 19,549m², including 18,641m² of residential space and 400m² of retail space, resulting in a Floor Space Index of 8.10 times coverage of the 2,750m² lot. The residential mix would comprise 6 studio units, 220 one-bedroom units, 44 two-bedroom units, and 13 three-bedroom units. Plans call for two elevators, or approximately one cab for every 142 residential units, indicating high-speed motors would be required for adequate response times when both elevators are operating, and pointing to major issues when one elevator is down.

Site plan, designed by WZMH Architects for Rester Management

Retail would front Plains Road East, behind a landscaped sidewalk area, with a potential outdoor patio at the northeast corner of the site. The residential entrance would front directly onto Plains Road East. Residents would have access to 508m² of indoor and 414m² of outdoor amenity areas.

Ground floor plan, designed by WZMH Architects for Rester Management

Parking would be restricted to a single underground level, supplemented by enclosed visitor parking at grade toward the rear of the building. In total, 56 vehicle parking spaces are proposed, including 45 spaces for residents and 11 for visitors. The development would also provide 159 bicycle parking spaces, comprising 142 long-term spaces and 17 short-term spaces.

Looking northwest to 1376-1382 Plains Road East, designed by WZMH Architects for Rester Management

Burlington GO station on the Lakeshore West line is about 1.5km east of the site, while Burlington Transit Routes are accessible from Brant Street. The site is also connected to Burlington’s cycling network, with nearby bike lanes on Brant Street, Maple Avenue, and Fairview Street, as well as a mixed-use path along Plains Road East.

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

A growing number of high-density projects and proposals closer to Burlington GO station include the 11-storey proposals at 1056-1060 Brant Street to the northeast and 849-855 Brant Street to the east, while the nearby Paradigm Condominiums continue construction with two 18-storey towers. To the southeast, plans include a three-tower, 12- to 21-storey proposal at 1393 Graham’s Lane, the four-tower Brant and Ghent development ranging from 8 to 25 storeys, and the 33-storey proposal at 795 Brant Street. Further southwest, the four-tower redevelopment planned for 1134-1167 Plains Road East would range from 22 to 35 storeys.

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News Roundup for June 26, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 09:30:00 -0400

Canada Pension Plan manager sells Toronto office at $74.5-million loss to move to lavish new building; Council adopts motion that could bring more pedestrianized areas; Metrolinx writing off $504M spent on now-useless signalling upgrades, according to report; and other news.

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

Council adopts motion that could bring more pedestrianized areas (CityNews)

Metrolinx writing off $504M spent on now-useless signalling upgrades: report (CBC)

Weekend need-to-know: Celebrate Pride all weekend long (CityNews)

Prices are dropping for these niche Toronto homes in family-friendly neighbourhoods. Will it last? (The Star)

Ontario should create more child care spaces, instead of focusing on cost alone: expert (CBC)

Why speed bumps won’t solve speeding on major Toronto roads, according to experts (CP24)

CN Tower Sun-up

Craig White — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

50 years after it opened, even as the CN Tower now feels like it's a background object for virtually every Toronto skyline shot, it remains our totemic anchor. No longer the World's Tallest Freestanding Structure, as we learned to say across its first 30-or-so years, the Tower's seemingly ever-present silhouette still instantly identifies what city you're in, and how close you are to the centre. So, even as this shot may look like a sunset, it's not, it's sun-up on another day for the CN Tower as it marks its 50th anniversary of being Toronto's eternally forward-looking and most recognizable symbol.

The CN Tower remains Toronto's most recognized landmark 50 years after it opened, 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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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

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

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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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)