UrbanToronto

Bridge Over Traveled Railways

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

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

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

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

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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.

Golden Cladding Appears as Etobicoke Civic Centre Takes Shape

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Webinar Tomorrow: Explore CIBC SQUARE

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

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

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

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

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

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

UrbanToronto will be joined by:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Site plan, designed by KNYMH for Ninco Developments

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

Ground floor plan, designed by KNYMH for Ninco Developments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Athabaska Avenue frontage, designed by ZO1 for Delmar Group

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

News Roundup for August 18, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Privileged View

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

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

image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ADRM

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Glazing Enclosing KESKUS Estonian Cultural Centre in The Annex

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Final Tunnel Segment for Eglinton Line 5 West Extension Fully Mined

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Revised Strachan House Redevelopment Approved at Wellington and Strachan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Strachan House would be incorporated into the high-rise’s podium through retention and reconstruction. The north brick wall would remain in place, while the west elevation, eight western bays of the south elevation, and a short eastern return would be dismantled and rebuilt. The mill’s smokestack would also be reconstructed, with interpretive elements recalling John B. Smith & Sons and the later “StreetCity” residence. Plans include 763m² of indoor and 566m² of outdoor amenity space, plus 280m² of flexible ground-floor amenity or retail space facing Wellington. The mid-rise would have two elevators, approximately one per 41 units, and the high-rise three, or about one per 100 units.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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News Roundup for August 17, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Swim

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

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

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

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

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Ontario’s Infrastructure Pipeline: Delivery Challenges for Transformative Projects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Site Plan Application Advances Housing Now Towers at Six Points

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toronto skyline, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor hawc

Announcements

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

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

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

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

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

Events & Awards

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

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

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

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

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

Cladding Reaches Upper Floors at Cielo Condos in The Annex

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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News Roundup for August 14, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bullnose

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

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

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

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

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Next CVU and UrbanToronto 2026 Walking Tour August 18

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Demolition Complete, Excavation Underway for TMU Residence at 100 Bond

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 August 13, 2026

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

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

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

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

Micro-shelter community being built in Scarborough (CityNews)

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

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

Play Time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Program

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

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

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

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

Central City Stations

Union

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

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

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

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

Pape, Queen, and Osgoode

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

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

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

St George

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

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

TMU (Dundas)

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

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

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

Queens Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crane Rises as Demolition Wraps at Toronto Coach Terminal Redevelopment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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UrbanToronto Forum Reaches Milestone 50,000 Members!

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

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

Toronto skyline, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor skycandy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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News Roundup for August 12, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Steel Grip

Craig White — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400

A glazing panel is guided into place for the uppermost mechanical penthouse levels, 343 metres above street level atop the SkyTower at Pinnacle One Yonge in Downtown Toronto.

Glazing is applied to the uppermost mechanical penthouse level at SkyTower at Pinnacle One Yonge, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor mburrrrr

This image comes to us courtesy of UrbanToronto Forum contributor mburrrrr. 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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Former Hoist Run at Alias Being Sealed In as Public Realm Work Starts

Anthony Teles — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:27:26 -0400

Facade work at Alias, a new residential tower on the east side of Downtown Toronto, has moved considerably closer to completion since UrbanToronto’s last update in February, 2026. With its construction hoist recently dismantled and its former run up the south side of the building progressively being infilled with cladding, substantial envelope and public-realm work remains. Rising 48 storeys, the Madison Group condominium was initially designed by Teeple Architects, with Turner Fleischer serving as Architect of Record. The tower’s stepped, curved-corner massing wraps around the four-storey McVeigh’s Pub building at Church and Richmond streets.

The separately owned McVeigh's building on the southwest corner of Richmond and Church streets needs some attention, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor prtk.g

In April, 2026, the two-cab construction hoist was still in place, when this view northwest across Church Street was taken. The building's mostly dark exterior is enhanced by extruded gold accent window frames, clustered more closely at the top of the tower. They are most easily seen when viewed from from acute angles such as this one.

Looking up from across Church Street to the hoist and extruded gold accent frames, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor prtk.g

In late May, 2026, a telephoto shot of Alias’s upper levels shows the hoist, still anchored to the south elevation, with the floors enclosed in window wall other than where the hoist's cabs access the floors. The cladding cimbines clear vision glazing, gray spandrel panels, and those intermittent gold-toned accents amidst black frames. Above, sections of the mechanical penthouse remain in bare concrete or are covered by insulation and blue weatherproofing, with scaffolding erected at the northwest corner to support the installation of cladding.

Looking north to the construction hoist and unfinished mechanical penthouse, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor mburrrrr

In June, 2026, this view from Church Street shows Alias’s stepped massing rising around the McVeigh’s Pub building, with a curved glazed transition drawing the podium into the tower above, and the envelope complete from this vantage point.

Looking southwest to Alias rising around McVeigh’s Pub at Church and Richmond streets, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Civdis

In July, 2026, a more distant view shows the hoist removed and window-wall panels installed in the gap left on the lower floors, leaving approximately 17 upper storeys still to be infilled. From this angle, the tower's staggered floor-plate is hidden, presenting a deceptively simple profile.

A distant view looking northwest to facade infill along the former construction-hoist run, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor prtk.g

From across Church Street at ground level, work continued in July around the brick-clad podium and former hoist landing, where decking, shoring posts, and a patch of blue weatherproofing remain exposed. At grade, tall storefront glazing is largely in place, while pallets of finishing materials, temporary fencing, and construction equipment remain staged beside newly poured sidewalk sections and street-tree planters.

Looking west from Church Street to masonry and glazing work across the podium, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor prtk.g

This month, viewed from across Lombard Street, the former hoist run remains legible as a vertical strip of exposed concrete, white weatherproofing, and openings await their final glazing, framed on either side by completed window wall and masonry. The podium's brick face is mostly of a charcoal tone, with black glazed bricks scattered between them. A worker aboard a blue articulated boom lift accesses a former hoist bay, an area where the sealing-in of the project continues.

Looking north from Lombard Street to the exposed former hoist bays, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ProjectEnd

Meanwhile, to the immediate west of the building, an active work zone remains, with excavated subgrade, concrete foundations, and stone units awaiting installation. In the foreground, a row of angled tubular-steel posts has been bolted to a concrete grade beam, the substructure for a public art installation, still to be revealed, that will enhance the public realm here. Beyond, a red Magni rotating telehandler is ready to handle further work on the ground level improvements that will come here.

Looking northwest to streetscape and public-art installation work along the west elevation, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor lightarchitect

Alias stands 160.52m tall and will deliver 592 condominium units to the area upon completion.

Looking south to Alias, designed by Teeple Architects and Turner Fleischer for Madison Group

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City Council July, 2026: Settlements Advance Towers Across Toronto

Anthony Teles — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:39:46 -0400

The fifth in UrbanToronto’s series covering Toronto City Council’s extra-large July, 2026 planning docket turns to five of the developments appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal, with Council supporting settlements for them. Following our quick-approval stories covering Toronto and East York Community Council, Etobicoke-York and North York Community Councils, and Scarborough Community Council, as well as our look at proposals amended and approved following debate, the five settlements covered here advance 3,041 residential units, 353 fewer than originally proposed. The total comprises 1,357 condominiums, 419 rental homes, including 83 affordable rentals, and 1,265 units whose tenure has not yet been specified. All the numbers are detailed below.

189 Old Weston
A settlement accepted by City Council advances a revised version of 189 Old Weston Road, a mixed-use redevelopment at Westport Avenue in Carleton Village, with the City Solicitor directed to support the proposal at the Ontario Land Tribunal. The plans replace the previously proposed 4-, 11-, 28-, and 39-storey buildings with 6, 6, 35, and 40 storey buildings (27.5m to 131m), while slightly reducing the residential unit count from 781 to 774 units. There are 20 affordable rental homes promised. Designed by TACT Architecture for Limen Group, the updated development increases the institutional space from 2,789m² to 3,817m² and adds 224m² of retail. The agreement secures a minimum 1,000m² on-site parkland dedication and calls for further discussions about an in-kind community benefit that could include additional affordable housing, while the Tribunal’s order will be withheld until outstanding technical studies and rental-demolition matters are resolved.

189 Old Weston, designed by TACT Architecture for Limen Group

245 Marlee Avenue
City Council endorsed a settlement for 245 Marlee Avenue, allowing the City Solicitor to support revised Official Plan and Zoning amendments before the Ontario Land Tribunal. Both Glen Park towers gain one storey, rising from 35 and 37 storeys to 36 and 38 storeys (121.6m and 127.5m), while the condo suite total increases from 886 to 892 units. Gross Floor Area grows from 56,872m² to 58,765m². The updated scheme from Chestnut Hill Developments, designed by KIRKOR Architects and Planners, increases the number of two-bedroom units from 141 to 239 while reducing one-bedroom units from 646 to 563. Before a final Tribunal order is issued, the owner must resolve servicing, transportation, forestry, and tenant-assistance matters for two existing rental homes, and make reasonable efforts to secure an off-site parkland dedication.

245 Marlee Avenue, designed by KIRKOR Architects and Planners for Chestnut Hill Developments

147 Liberty Street
Council opted to settle Official Plan and Zoning appeals, directing the City Solicitor to support revised plans at the Ontario Land Tribunal for 147 Liberty Street in Liberty Village; a heritage appeal is proceeding separately. The redesign lowers the tower from 55 storeys (179.62m) to 50 storeys (165.92m) and removes 158 homes, bringing the total down from 732 to 574 units. The new building will have 63 affordable rental units. Designed by Sweeny &Co Architects for Intentional Capital, the mixed-use building would also increase its office component from 1,140m² to 1,348m², even as overall Gross Floor Area declines from 44,380m² to 40,707m². A final Tribunal order would await confirmation that the height does not materially conflict with proposed flight-procedure revisions at Billy Bishop Airport.

147 Liberty Street, designed by Sweeny &Co Architects for Intentional Capital

30–36 Hendon Avenue
Having previously rejected the application, City Council accepted a settlement for 30–36 Hendon Avenue west of Yonge Street in North York and will now support the proposal at the Ontario Land Tribunal. The negotiated design trims the Newtonbrook area rental tower from 46 storeys (152.55m) to 42 storeys (142.4m), while reducing its unit count by 107, from 443 to 336 market-rate rental homes, and its Gross Floor Area from 30,696m² to 27,717m². Studio JCI designed the project for Trolleybus Urban Development. Council requested that the Mayor allocate all Community Benefits Charges generated by the development through the 2027 Budget process toward Hendon Park improvements, and required a Tenant Relocation and Assistance Plan for the occupied rental home slated for demolition.

30–36 Hendon Avenue, designed by Studio JCI for Trolleybus Urban Development

41 Berwick Avenue
City Council accepted a settlement offer on consent for 41 Berwick Avenue, directing the City Solicitor to support the proposal at the Ontario Land Tribunal. Planned for the south side of Berwick Avenue west of Yonge Street in Midtown, the 49-storey (172.8m) tower, designed by Turner Fleischer for Stafford, would contain 465 condominium units, down from 552. The Tribunal’s final order on the Official Plan and zoning appeals is to be withheld pending approval of the Rental Housing Demolition application and an agreement securing rental-related matters, including tenant relocation assistance, while the owner has been asked to pursue an off-site parkland dedication.

41 Berwick Avenue, designed by Turner Fleischer for Stafford

UrbanToronto will present further coverage on July, 2026 Council decisions in upcoming articles.

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News Roundup for August 11, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:30:00 -0400

New home sales jump in Ontario following HST cut; Ontario to restore Brampton's Heart Lake Conservation Park at price tag of $1.2M; Taste of the Danforth was a record-breaking success after 2-year hiatus, organizers say; and other news.

New home sales jump in Ontario following HST cut (The Star)

Ontario to restore Brampton's Heart Lake Conservation Park at price tag of $1.2M (CBC)

Taste of the Danforth was a record-breaking success after 2-year hiatus, organizers say (CTV News)

With Toronto condos crashing, is it time to scrap the foreign-buyer ban? (The Star)

What you need to know about Toronto’s shift to a ‘balanced’ housing market (CP24)

Skeletal

Craig White — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Directly below this drone, One Bloor West's uppermost steel members reach for the sky. At centre, the roof of the chamber that holds the supertall building's tuned mass damper, in place to counteract the sway that would otherwise be caused during high winds. On every side of it: the skeletal structure of the tops of the megacolumns that hold the building up over 300 metres tall, soon to be clad in the same champagne-toned anodized aluminum that sheaths the rest of the tower.

Looking straight down at the Tuned Mass Damper chamber at One Bloor West, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor hawc

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Rushden Station Down to One Crane as Hand-Laid Brick Advances

Anthony Teles — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 17:07:51 -0400

Since UrbanToronto’s last update in March, 2026, the number of cranes hovering over Rushden Station's towers has been reduced to one. With two towers topped off, its third tower is now approaching topping off as well, and cladding continues to rise across the complex. Located beside Danforth GO station in Toronto’s East End, the bKL Architecture-designed development by Fitzrovia Real Estate comprises towers of 29, 37, and 39 storeys. At the shared podium, enclosure work is also advancing, most notably through the installation of hand-laid dark grey brick across its north elevation.

In June, 2026, the 29-storey west tower is now free of its crane, while the red-clad, 39-storey central tower has topped out, with its concrete mechanical penthouse formed and enclosure beginning across the north face. Behind it, the blue-toned east tower stands at approximately 36 storeys, its window wall rising to within five floors of the exposed upper structure.

A distant view looking southeast to the topped-out central tower and rising east tower, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Natika33

In July, 2026, the west tower’s green window wall rises above the shared podium, where workers are laying a dark grey brick face by hand from two mast-climbing work platforms. The platform at left has advanced higher, with completed masonry extending beneath its deck and fresh courses reaching the working level, while the lower platform to the right follows along the elevation. Blue weatherproofing remains exposed above areas awaiting their final cladding, and the west tower’s twin-car construction hoist continues to serve the northwest corner.

Looking southwest to hand-laid brick installation across the west end of the podium's north elevation, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor flonicky

From track level, the south elevation is anchored by a substantial reinforced-concrete crash wall, above which the podium’s enclosed parking levels are screened by projecting aluminum fins in a staggered pattern. Finished in seven tones (green, light green, red, pink, blue, light blue, and white), the fins form a lively vertical pattern across dark backing panels and bands of glazing. Higher up, glazed shared volumes link the base of the three towers, whose green, red, and blue window-wall grids rise overhead.

Looking north to multicoloured fins along the south podium elevation, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Natika33

Seen in a distant view from Downtown this month, the red-clad central tower has a compact rooftop derrick erected and anchored to the mechanical penthouse roof; its lattice boom was there to lower the crane in manageable sections — its jib, counter-jib, machinery deck, and mast — before the derrick itself is dismantled to complete the crane-removal sequence.

A distant view looking northeast to the rooftop derrick atop the central tower, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor mburrrrr

Meanwhile, dark grey hand-laid brick now encloses much of the podium’s central four storeys, with the masonry worked around window openings to create a regular grid. At left, the mast-climbing platform marks the active installation front below the central tower, where blue weather-resistant membrane remains exposed along the fourth floor. The podium’s eastern end is less advanced, revealing the concrete frame, temporary shoring, and white weatherproofing around glazing.

Looking southeast to hand-laid brick advancing across the shared podium, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor christiesplits

The completed green and red window-wall grids of the west and central towers rise above the podium levels, while the blue-clad east tower remains under construction by the project’s sole remaining crane. Its main residential floors have topped out, and formwork, deck framing, scaffolding, and temporary edge protection now define the stepped mechanical penthouse, whose step-back along the west elevation echoes the rooftop profiles of its neighbours.

Looking northwest to Rushden Station’s three colourful towers and east tower penthouse, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor christiesplits

At completion, the three towers will deliver 922 rental units and reach heights of 108.25m, 132.20m, and 138.10m. A separate final phase, Tower D, is planned to the east at 40 storeys and 141.55m.

Looking northwest to Rushden Station with Tower D on the far right, designed by bKL Architecture for Fitzrovia

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Contract Awarded for Ontario Line Pape Tunnel and Underground Stations

Nolan Xuereb — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 16:09:10 -0400

On August 5, it was announced that Metrolinx has awarded a $4.32 billion contract to construct the easternmost tunnelled portion of Ontario Line 3, Toronto's first new downtown subway in over 50 years. Running under Pape Avenue between the Gerrard Tunnel Portal and the Minton Portal at the Don Valley, the twin 3-kilometre tunnels will also include two new underground stations at both Danforth and Cosburn avenues.

Looking northwest over the intersection of Pape and Cosburn avenues, where two corners have been completely leveled to make way for Cosburn station, July 18, 2026, image courtesy of UrbanToronto forum contributor Kotsy

The contract, classified as a Target Price Agreement, comes after nearly four years of reviews and preliminary design work, a process that began when Metrolinx issued a Request for Qualifications for the "Pape Tunnel and Underground Stations" project in November 2022.

By January 17, 2024, Metrolinx had selected Pape North Connect — a consortium including Webuild Civil Work Inc., Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas Canada Ltd., Arcadis, and AECOM — as the Development Partner. In the two years since, the teams have been advancing the design, costing, scheduling, and early works, a process dubbed a 'development phase' necessary to deliver East York's new subway.

A map of Ontario Line 3's routing, with the segment to be constructed as part of this contract highlighted in red, image courtesy of Metrolinx

These substantial preliminary works involved expropriating and demolishing large stretches of commercial and residential properties along the future subway's alignment to order to allow for complex subterranean works to commence, and the eventual construction of station entrances and emergency exits.

Looking north up Pape Avenue to where commercial and residential buildings once stood, since demolished to facilitate preliminary works on Cosburn station, July 12, 2026, image courtesy of UrbanToronto forum contributor flonicky

At the future site of Cosburn station, the station footprint will sit just to the west side of Pape Avenue, and as such, all buildings on the southwest and northwest corners of the intersection of Cosburn and Pape avenues have been cleared.

A diagram of under-construction Cosburn station, image courtesy of Metrolinx

Further south at the intersection of Pape and Danforth avenues, whole blocks of storefronts, houses, and apartment buildings have been levelled at the long-standing site of Pape station on Danforth Line 2.

Looking north across Danforth Avenue on Christmas Day of 2025 following the major advancement of excavation on the site, image courtesy of UrbanToronto forum contributor Kotsy

This massive clearing is required to facilitate the complex surgery of constructing a new subway platform within the existing station, all while ensuring subway service continues uninterrupted.

A diagram of under-construction Pape station, image courtesy of Metrolinx

Work to excavate and reinforce multi-storey, below-grade tunnel boxes — which is already significantly underway at Pape station as seen above — can now proceed in its full scope with the aforementioned development phase complete.

These underground structures will eventually be breached by massive twin tunnel boring machines. The launch shaft for these machines is currently being excavated at the former site of the Riverdale Shopping Centre, located at the northeast corner of Carlaw Avenue and Gerrard Street East. The aerial photograph below highlights the approximate routing Ontario Line 3 will take as it diverges from the shared GO Transit rail corridor to head beneath Pape Avenue.

Looking northeast over the Gerrard Portal, which will allow for the deployment of twin tunnel boring machines under Pape Avenue, August 3, 2026, image courtesy of UrbanToronto forum contributor Kotsy

It's worth nothing that while the execution of this Target Price Agreement marks a major milestone in the advancement of Toronto's rapid transit network, it comes at an extremely high price. Averaging out to nearly $1.5 billion per kilometre of subway track, this segment of Ontario Line 3 is on track to be one of the most expensive subway projects, not just in Canadian history, but world history, according to data from the Transit Costs Project. Additionally, many of the projects that exceed this venture in cost are vastly more complex. A prime example is New York City's Second Avenue Subway, which must navigate Manhattan's centuries-old labyrinth of utilities, active transit lines, and the deep foundations of countless high-rises that clog the island's subsurface.

By comparison, the Pape Avenue portion of Ontario Line 3 will run directly beneath a corridor composed primarily of two to four-storey homes and commercial buildings. Interfacing with only one other subway line, it presents a comparatively straightforward delivery process. Despite this, the cost of Toronto's first new downtown subway in half a century continues to climb, with the initial 2019 estimate of $10.9 billion long since exceeded.

A rendering looking west over the intersection of Pape and Cosburn Avenues towards the future station head of Cosburn station, and planned mixed-use intensification, image courtesy of Metrolinx

UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on Pape and Cosburn stations, and Ontario Line 3, 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.

* * *

Purpose-Built Rental Heading For 42 Storeys Near Weston GO-UPX

Anthony Teles — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:38:40 -0400

A residential tower planned within the Weston Major Transit Station Area that was dubbed Hickory Tree Towers when it was to be a condo, has grown taller with a newly approved Minor Variance taking the proposal from 38 to 42 storeys. Now designed by B+H Architects, replacing KIRKOR Architects and Planners, the CentreCourt and Arkfield Development project will now deliver rental suites including affordable ones supported by pre-approvals through a CMHC program and the City of Toronto’s Rental Housing Supply Program. Toronto's Committee of Adjustment approved the added height on July 16, 2026.

Looking south to Hickory Tree Towers, designed by B+H Architects for Arkfield Development and CentreCourt

Addressed to 1736 and 1746 Weston Road, the site occupies an irregularly shaped parcel at its southwest corner with Wilby Crescent, across from Weston GO and UP Express station. The land remains occupied by low-rise commercial and institutional buildings, including a recently vacated former church, with demolition permits having been issued. Low-rise commercial and industrial properties line this stretch of Weston Road, older and recently proposed apartment towers rise nearby, and low-rise residential streets and the Humber River valley extend to the southeast.

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

The project has changed substantially since its February, 2022 Zoning By-law Amendment application, which proposed a 25-storey, 253-unit condominium designed by DIALOG. A February, 2023 resubmission expanded it to 40 storeys and 446 units, prompting City concerns over its height, floor plates, transition, and shadowing.

Resubmission from February, 2023, designed by DIALOG for A1 Development and A1 Capital

Following an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal, Council accepted a settlement in November, 2023 for a reduced 38-storey scheme, subsequently redesigned by KIRKOR with 421 units. The settlement was implemented through a site-specific Zoning By-law approved by the Tribunal in May, 2025.

Previously approved design by KIRKOR Architects and Planners for Arkfield Development and A1 Capital

Now, the revised building would rise 42 storeys (139m) from a six-storey podium. Compared with the approved 38-storey scheme, the tower gains four floors and about 10m in overall height, while its south podium is filled in from two to six storeys. The tower’s design is also pulled farther from Wilby Crescent. A 12.5m setback is retained to the east, allowing for a 25m separation from a potential tower on the neighbouring property.

Looking west to Hickory Tree Towers, designed by B+H Architects for Arkfield Development and CentreCourt

Despite the added height, the unit count dips from 421 to 420 as the project changes from condominium to purpose-built rental tenure. Four elevators would serve the 420 apartments, equating to one elevator for every 105 units, indicating high-speed motors would be needed for acceptable wait times when all elevators are operational. The new units mix comprises 68 studios, 205 one-bedrooms, 105 two-bedrooms, and 42 three-bedrooms, compared with 21, 216, 141, and 43, respectively, in the previous plan. Of the total, 315 apartments would be market-rate, and 105 would be affordable rentals, increasing the project’s earlier affordable commitment from 20% to 25%.

Site plan, designed by B+H Architects for Arkfield Development and CentreCourt

Gross Floor Area (GFA) decreases by 576m² to 27,790m², producing a Floor Space Index of 15.3 times coverage of the 1,816m² lot, while residential GFA falls by 594m² to 27,394m². Retail space edges up from 378m² to 396m². Residents would have access to 924m² of indoor and 756m² of outdoor amenity space on floors 1, 2, and 7.

Ground floor plan, designed by B+H Architects for Arkfield Development and CentreCourt

The tower’s 805m² floor-plate would continue through the upper levels rather than narrowing to 750m² above the 35th floor as previously approved. Parking has meanwhile been moved largely from four underground levels into the podium, leaving one basement level. The supply decreases from 129 to 120 spaces, including 96 for residents, 23 for visitors, and one car-share space. Bicycle parking declines marginally from 475 to 472 spaces, comprising 378 long-term, 84 short-term, and 10 publicly accessible spaces.

The site is approximately 275m south of an entrance to Weston GO station, offering access to GO Transit’s Kitchener Line and UP Express service to Union station and Pearson Airport. TTC bus service along Weston Road provides connections to the subway system.

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

Hickory Tree Towers is one of several development proposals that could reshape the area around Weston GO. To the southwest, 16 Wilby Crescent is proposed at 39 storeys, while sites to the southeast include an 11-storey proposal at 1681 Weston Road and two 43-storey towers at 1705 Weston Road. A larger cluster is emerging to the northwest, with 36 storeys proposed at 1798–1812 Weston Road, 45-storey plans at both 1821 and 1828–1844 Weston Road, and the Weston Park redevelopment at 48 and 54 storeys.

* * *

Stay Ahead of the Development Process with UrbanToronto’s New Development Insider

Anthony Teles — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:49:49 -0400

UrbanToronto’s New Development Insider (NDI) is a daily subscription newsletter designed to help professionals stay informed on the latest development activity across Toronto. Delivered each weekday morning, the newsletter provides a concise summary of new proposals, planning applications, regulatory decisions, and construction updates, giving subscribers a clear view of projects as they move through the development process from initial application to completion.

Each issue brings together information from across the planning and approvals process into a single daily digest. Subscribers receive updates on new development applications, revisions to existing proposals, Committee of Adjustment decisions, Toronto Local Appeal Body and Ontario Land Tribunal matters, City Council decisions, alongside coverage of development activity throughout the city. By consolidating these updates in one place, the NDI provides a continuous view of projects as they advance through municipal approvals, regulatory review, construction, and eventual completion.

Toronto skyline, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor hawc

For developers, planners, architects, consultants, brokers, contractors, and others working in the industry, the NDI streamlines what would otherwise require monitoring numerous municipal websites and planning portals. Subscribers can track projects and neighbourhoods of interest, stay informed about new proposals and application updates as they are posted, follow project milestones through construction, and keep an eye on broader market activity. Backed by UrbanToronto’s over 20 years of reporting on new development, the newsletter brings together timely information in a format that helps readers stay informed while reducing the time spent searching for it.

Each listing in the NDI includes direct links to the relevant development application, UrbanToronto’s Project Database entry, and Forum discussion thread, allowing subscribers to move quickly from the daily summary to detailed project information and community discussion. Whether following a single project or monitoring development activity across the region, the NDI offers a concise, reliable resource for staying current on planning and construction activity.

Sign up for a free two-week trial today!

For any inquiries, questions or commendations, please contact us here.

* * *

News Roundup for August 10, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 09:30:00 -0400

Toronto to build its first public school in the base of a rental tower, where kids can ride the elevator to class; changes to Portland Street intersection driving cycling, pedestrian activity, data shows; summer festivals hit the streets of Toronto; and other news.

Toronto to build its first public school in the base of a rental tower, where kids can ride the elevator to class (The Star)

Changes to Portland Street intersection driving cycling, pedestrian activity, data shows (CBC)

Summer festivals hit the streets of Toronto (CityNews)

These are all the biggest concerts set for Toronto over the rest of the summer (CTV News)

City of Toronto storage barn at historic Scarborough property destroyed by fire (CityNews)

Did the Ford government promise an MZO as part of a secret Muskoka land deal? Residents want answers (The Star)

TTC to end random staff drug, alcohol testing: board chair (CBC)

Rebuilding Meadows

Craig White — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Zonta Meadows park has long served residents in the low-rise neighbourhoods to the west of Mississauga City Centre, but now that a key development is wrapping up in the MCC area immediately beside Zonta Meadows, the park is being expanded next to the new development, and entirely rebuilt at the same time.

Zonta Meadows in Mississauga park is being entirely rebuilt as it adds land to the east, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Tim MacDonald

This image comes to us courtesy of UrbanToronto Forum contributor XXX. 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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Toronto’s Development-Infrastructure Gap: The Saga of Park Lawn GO

Guest Columnist, Thomas Bamonte — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:25:26 -0400

Whether viewed up close or from a distance, the combination of high density and a set of unique architectural designs makes the Humber Bay skyline one of the Greater Toronto Area’s most distinct. At ground level, however, certain aspects of the neighborhood leave a bit to be desired from an urban planning perspective. While Humber Bay Park and the blocks adjoining it are a vibrant and pedestrian-friendly district, the areas along Lake Shore Boulevard and Park Lawn Road are noticeably less so. Humber Bay is also affected by the same development-infrastructure imbalance that has become an issue throughout the city. With local transit routes to downtown only via slow streetcar service along Queen Street, or a circuitous bus route to Bloor Line 2, transportation in and out of the neighbourhood is dominated by cars. As a result, Humber Bay is yet another prime example of how Toronto’s real estate boom outpaced the expansion of necessary infrastructure. Yet while better community spaces and improved streetcar service would undoubtedly improve quality of life in Humber Bay, the most vital improvements (or lack thereof so far) are tied to policies at the provincial level - namely, public-private partnerships and the Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) zoning policies.

Looking southeast to the as yet unrealized Park Lawn GO Station, designed by HATCH for Metrolinx and First Capital

While the existing developments in Humber Bay have become iconic parts of South Etobicoke’s cityscape, what will arguably become the largest alteration of the area’s landscape has yet to come. Situated on the former Christie’s Biscuits site at Lake Shore and Park Lawn, the 2150 Lake Shore project is planned to create thousands of new housing units spread across a series of new high-rise buildings. In addition to an array of new community amenities, a new streetcar loop and a set of pedestrian-focused streets throughout the development, a key component of the project has been the addition of a GO station just north of the project site. Park Lawn GO station would (by virtue of its location along the busy Lakeshore West line) enjoy frequent service seven days a week, and provide the Humber Bay Area with a high-quality transit link that would better connect it to the rest of the city. In addition, the new station was set to be built via a public-private partnership - one of the first examples of such on the GO network, and a showcase for the development of future MTSA-related projects.

Looking across the Park Lawn GO and 2150 Lake Shore site in South Etobicoke, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Full Metal Junkie

The housing market downturn, however, has disrupted these best-laid plans. With demand for condos dropping, 2150 Lake Shore was put on hold — and Park Lawn GO with it. This deferral of a necessary project (as well as at nearby Mimico GO, where a cancelled development project was slated to include a revamped station) speak to a larger issue with reliance on public-private partnerships for vital infrastructure upgrades. Despite the delay of the station, the Humber Bay community’s need for improved transit remains, with the lack of it hamstringing the area’s quality of life. While public-private partnerships can often be a useful tool, the delays to Park Lawn and Mimico make clear that the partnership model used in these cases can, if the partnership collapses, leave local residents in a less-than-ideal position. This is especially true for Humber Bay, where the new station was slated to serve not just anticipated but also existing demand — demand that left unmet will exacerbate the area’s infrastructure-development mismatch.

Previous Plan, Improvemetns to Mimico GO tied to an orphaned project, designed by SvN for VANDYK Group of Companies

At the same time, the saga of Park Lawn GO also underscores the importance of the MTSA policy as a tool for creating denser, transit-oriented communities around major hubs. The increased density, supply of housing and an overall more transit- oriented environment that this policy will create will be transformative for the Greater Toronto Area. Yet if it is to fully succeed, however, the reliance on the private sector to help ensure the desired outcomes must be reduced. Such reliance can leave projects susceptible to downturns in the real estate market, which in turn leaves vital infrastructure in limbo (as the delays to Park Lawn GO and Mimico GO demonstrate) after a major source of funding can be reduced or cut. Thus, it is clear that while private developers are essential to any plans involving MTSAs, any infrastructure improvements should be planned and implemented separately — especially in cases where doing so would improve connectivity for existing local residents.

* * *

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

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Phase 2 Continues to Rise at The Residences at Central Park

Anthony Teles — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:55:20 -0400

Since UrbanToronto’s last update in June, 2026, Phase 2 of The Residences at Central Park has continued to rise above grade in North York’s Bayview Village area. Designed by Core Architects for Amexon Development Corporation, this phase will add one 19-storey and two 31-storey residential towers south of the now occupied Phase 1 building. The three structures form part of a five-building, 12-acre masterplanned community taking shape beside the East Don River ravine, just north of Leslie station on Sheppard Avenue East.

Looking east from a passing GO train at the end of July, 2026, Phase 2’s reinforced-concrete structure is taking shape around two prominent cranes, with part of the third crane entering the frame at the upper right. Since June, shoring and slab formwork for the second floor have extended farther south across the shared podium, supported by scaffolding at the first floor. Newly poured concrete columns and walls rise above the deck, while projecting rebar around the north crane mast marks preparations for the next lift. Construction materials remain staged at grade along the west end of the site, while a portion of the completed 31-storey Phase 1 tower appears at the far left.

Looking east to second-floor forming across Phase 2, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor yrt+viva=1system

Phase 2's three residential towers will rise from a shared podium at the south end of the site. Along with new indoor and outdoor amenity areas, the podium will introduce part of the community’s approximately 35,000 ft² of retail space, helping to animate the internal streets and pedestrian routes. Below grade, construction extends the continuous parking garage serving the masterplan, with electric-vehicle charging infrastructure planned for every stall.

Cafe featuring patio as part of retail in the shared space, image courtesy of Amexon

At the centre of the completed community, the three-acre Central Park Common will provide a landscaped gathering place framed by the surrounding buildings and active podium frontages. Its planned features include an expansive lawn, sculpted timber seating platforms, shaded café-style areas, and a curved trellis pavilion, all connected by pedestrian promenades. A glazed canopy will trace portions of the internal circulation network, while outdoor amenity terraces will overlook both the Common and the wooded East Don River valley.

Central Park Common, image courtesy of Amexon

A future 12-storey building at the northern end of the site will complete the five-building masterplan. The community’s ravine-edge setting will be reinforced by a direct stair connection to the East Don trail network, supported by completed slope stabilization and riprap erosion protection. Leslie station is located just across Sheppard Avenue, while the planned relocation of Oriole GO station would bring regional rail service within steps of the development, subject to funding.

Street view and transit connections, image courtesy of Amexon

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

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

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Seven-Storey Luxury Condo Proposed on Bayview South of York Mills

Anthony Teles — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 12:05:43 -0400

A new development application is seeking to bring a seven-storey condominium building to Toronto’s York Mills area. Proposed by Equiton Developments and designed by Richard Wengle Architect, the project would rise at the southeast corner of Bayview Avenue and Wilket Road, and would bring a mid-rise building to the predominantly low-rise area.

Looking east to 1 Wilket Road, designed by Richard Wengle Architect for Equiton Developments

The development site consolidates 1 Wilket Road with 2535 and 2537 Bayview Avenue, just south of York Mills Road. It is currently occupied by two low-rise houses and the single-storey former Armenian Emmanuel Church of the Nazarene. The property sits along a varied stretch of Bayview lined with detached homes, townhouses, apartment buildings, and institutional uses, while the streets extending east into the surrounding York Mills neighbourhood remain predominantly low-rise residential.

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

The Bayview Avenue portion of the site has been slated for redevelopment since 2019, when City Council approved seven three-storey townhouses but refused two detached homes proposed at the rear. The Ontario Land Tribunal later permitted the full nine-home plan, issuing its decision in 2021 and final order in 2022. Equiton’s new proposal adds 1 Wilket Road to the assembly and replaces that earlier scheme with a single condominium building. Goldberg Group has submitted Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications to the City of Toronto on behalf of the developer.

Looking east from Bayview Avenue to the current site, image retrieved from Google Maps

Rising seven storeys to a height of 29.28m, the new building would contain 56 condo suites, comprising five one-bedroom, 27 two-bedroom, and 24 three-bedrooms. With no studio units and 51 homes offering at least two bedrooms, the proposal is weighted heavily toward larger layouts. Its entire 12,964m² Gross Floor Area (GFA) would be residential, producing a Floor Space Index of 2.53 times coverage of the 5,128m² assembly, with no retail or other non-residential space planned.

Site plan, designed by Richard Wengle Architect for Equiton Developments

Above the six residential floors, a partial seventh level would contain approximately 400m² of mechanical space and 150m² of indoor amenity space, with no residential units. Because the amenity component counts toward GFA, the mechanical penthouse is formally considered an additional storey and triggers the requested Official Plan Amendment. Residents would have access to approximately 238m² of indoor and 287m² of outdoor amenity space distributed between the ground floor and mechanical penthouse level, including a rooftop terrace. Two elevators would serve the building, a ratio of one for every 28 units, indicating minimal wait times when both elevators are operational.

Mechanical penthouse level plan, designed by Richard Wengle Architect for Equiton Developments

The principal lobby entrance would face Bayview Avenue, while a second entrance on the east side would connect with a covered porte-cochère and passenger drop-off area. Two underground parking levels would contain 125 spaces: 116 for residents and nine for visitors. Bicycle parking would total 43 spaces, divided between 39 long-term and four short-term spots.

Ground floor plan, designed by Richard Wengle Architect for Equiton Developments

Surface transit is available close to the site. The 11A Bayview bus stops at Wilket Road, providing connections to Davisville and Bayview subway stations, while multiple routes can be reached roughly 270m north at York Mills Road. Cycling infrastructure is more limited, though multi-use trails are available approximately 250m to 350m away along Windfields Park Trail and about 500m north at Bayview–York Mills Parkette.

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

The application joins a growing collection of redevelopment proposals along Bayview Avenue. West of the site, 93 York Road is planned with three-storey townhomes, while a six-storey building is proposed immediately north at 2 Wilket Road. To the south, the pipeline includes a three-storey project at 196 Valley Road; six-storey buildings at 39–43 Wilket Road and 1 Tudor Gate under a consolidated rezoning application; and further six-storey proposals at 2470 Bayview Avenue and The Bridle Prestige.

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News Roundup for August 7, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 09:30:00 -0400

Mark Carney is promising relief for Toronto renters, with a look at why critics are concerned; TTC subway station supervisors vote in favour of strike action; a look at weekend events in the city including the return of Taste of the Danforth; and other news.

Mark Carney is promising relief for Toronto renters. Here’s why critics are concerned (The Star)

TTC subway station supervisors vote in favour of strike action: union (CBC)

Weekend need-to-know: Taste of the Danforth is back (CityNews)

'We want it back for another 30 years': Taste of the Danforth returns after 2-year hiatus (CBC)

Chow maintains lead as Chris Alexander enters Toronto mayoral race: new poll (CityNews)

Canadians' climate change concerns rebound amid wildfire season (CBC)

Salsa on St. Clair shooting: Toronto police set to announce details on two arrests this morning (The Star)

Biidusksige

Craig White — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400

The views of the Toronto skyline from the Biidaasige Park extension at dusk and by night will surely become as popular as the daytime view has quickly become, and an strong alternate to the iconic view of Downtown from the Islands. The new park has a side-on view that, if it weren't for the CN Tower, might make you think you were in another skyscrapery locale, but this new viewpoint on Toronto is really just a new perspective on a place we already know and love, expanding our idea of what Toronto is and can be as it continues to develop.

View of the Toronto skyline at dusk from the Biidaasige Park extension, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Reidfenwick

This image comes to us courtesy of UrbanToronto Forum contributor Reidfenwick. 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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City Council July, 2026: Proposals Amended and Approved Following Debate

Anthony Teles — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:54:10 -0400

The fourth in UrbanToronto’s series covering Toronto City Council’s extra-large July, 2026 planning docket turns to the remaining citywide decisions, many of which were amended following debate. Following Toronto and East York Community Council, Etobicoke-York and North York Council, and Scarborough Community Council quick approvals stories, the fourteen development proposals covered here range from freehold townhouses in Etobicoke to the Downsview West District and The Bend plans in the Lower Don Lands, which alone account for 14,244 homes. The approvals total 19,692 residential units, including 3,458 rental homes, of which 1,045 are affordable and 73 are rental replacements; Downsview West contributes 925 of the affordable units. With tenure not yet specified for 15,418 homes, the eventual rental total may be considerably higher. Beyond the approvals, Council referred the Lake Shore Boulevard West planning framework for further study and adopted the Chinatown Tomorrow Planning Initiative. All the numbers are detailed below.

Masterplans

Downsview West District
Zoning approval, granted as amended, advances the Downsview West District, a 30.3-hectare mixed-use community planned by Canada Lands Company north of Carl Hall Road and west of the Barrie GO rail corridor. Its 23 buildings would rise as high as 60 storeys (197m), bringing 9,250 residential units, including 925 affordable rental homes, alongside office, retail, institutional, and community uses. The district’s landscape and urban design team includes DTAH, Urban Strategies, SLA, Trophic Design, and Davey Resource Group, with heritage work by ERA Architects. The approval also secures nearly two hectares of parkland, three childcare facilities, community space, and public art, while Council’s amendments call for efforts to retain the Downsview Merchants Market and accommodate small and locally owned businesses within the rejuvenated Depot building.

Downsview West District, designed by DTAH, Urban Strategies, SLA, and Trophic Design for Canada Lands Company

The Bend
Revised Official Plan and zoning permissions advance The Bend, a multi-block community south of the Gardiner Expressway at Cherry Street, and formerly known as 3C Waterfront. Designed by COBE Architects and architects—Alliance for 3C Lakeshore Inc — comprising Castlepoint Numa, Cityzen Group, and Continental Ventures Realty — the overall plan calls for 4,994 residential units in towers reaching 53 storeys (177.8m), together with office and retail space. Its first phase, the Northwest Block, would deliver 1,736 units across four buildings rising 29 to 53 storeys. The approval secures 4,331m² of on-site parkland, while enactment of the implementing bills awaits provincial approval related to the Lower Don Special Policy Area’s natural-hazard policies.

The Bend, designed by COBE Architects and architects—Alliance for 3C Lakeshore IncThe Bend Northwest Block, designed by COBE Architects and architects—Alliance for 3C Lakeshore Inc

Toronto Proposals

245 Eglinton Avenue East
After North York Community Council forwarded the application without a recommendation, City Council adopted Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments for 245 Eglinton Avenue East. The proposal from Crestview Investment Corporation, designed by Superkül, comprises a pair of 59-storey towers (197m) at the southeast corner of Eglinton Avenue East and Mount Pleasant Road, with 1,202 residential units above 2,802m² of retail space. Through Site Plan review, City staff will seek to limit southbound vehicle access onto Taunton Road and establish a landscape buffer beside the existing neighbourhood.

245 Eglinton Avenue East, designed by Superkül for Crestview Investment Corporation

545 Eglinton East
Following an unsuccessful attempt to defer the application to December, Council approved Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments for 545 Eglinton East. Proposed by Skale Developments at the southeast corner of Eglinton Avenue East and Hoyle Avenue in Davisville Village, the 35-storey (117.95m) building would deliver 383 market-rate rental units and 250m² of retail space. The project is designed by Turner Fleischer Architects and includes two underground levels with 92 vehicular parking spaces and parking for 389 bicycles.

545 Eglinton East, designed by Turner Fleischer Architects for Skale Developments

17 Glenavy Avenue
Official Plan and zoning changes now permit 17 Glenavy Avenue, following Council’s adoption of an item forwarded without recommendation by North York Community Council. Rising 36 storeys (127.94m) at Glenavy and Glazebrook avenues, the Gensler-designed development for Elysium Investments, Terracap Management, and Trolleybus Urban Developments would supply 339 market-rate rental units. Council also directed the owner to pursue an off-site parkland dedication and asked staff to address sightlines and pedestrian safety at the secondary exit onto Badali Family Lane while allowing for future walkway connections.

17 Glenavy Avenue, designed by Gensler for Elysium Investments, Terracap Management, and Trolleybus Urban Developments

Wellesley Parliament Square
Council adopted zoning changes without further amendment for Wellesley Parliament Square, a major infill redevelopment at Wellesley and Parliament streets in St James Town. Designed by Arcadis for Greatwise Developments, the 9-, 21-, and 58-storey buildings (38.5m to 190.9m) would introduce 1,109 residential units, comprising 741 condominiums and 368 market-rate rental homes, along with 3,250m² of retail space. The approval provides for a 1,894m² public park and at least 465m² of community agency space, while requiring amenity improvements to the existing rental buildings and a plan to mitigate construction impacts on their tenants.

Wellesley Parliament Square, designed by Arcadis for Greatwise Developments

66 Wellesley Street East
Three coordinated Council decisions granted planning, rental demolition, and heritage approvals for 66 Wellesley Street East in Church-Wellesley Village. Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects for Montez Corporation and MOD Developments, the 36-storey (121.14m) building would contain 410 rental units (including 65 replacements) along with 852m² of retail and 184m² of community space. All replacement homes will be maintained as rentals for at least 20 years, with 51 offered at affordable rents and 14 at mid-range rents for their first decade of occupancy. Heritage work by ERA Architects includes conservation and interpretation plans for 64 Wellesley Street East and documentation of the existing World Pride murals.

66 Wellesley Street East, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects for Montez Corporation and MOD Developments

M1 Regent Park
A revised Zoning By-law amendment approved by Council advances M1 Regent Park, planned for the northeast corner of Dundas and Regent streets. The 35-storey (120.97m) building, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects for The Daniels Corporation and Toronto Community Housing Corporation, would deliver 413 rental units, including 65 affordable homes, above 246m² of retail space. The amended Section 37 agreement secures at least six additional affordable rental units for a minimum of 25 years, while allowing them instead to be delivered as affordable ownership housing subject to City approval, in addition to community benefits previously established for the wider Regent Park redevelopment.

M1 Regent Park, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects for The Daniels Corporation and Toronto Community Housing Corporation

North York

Poyntz Residences
City Council approved linked planning and rental demolition applications for Poyntz Residences, on the south side of Poyntz Avenue west of Yonge Street. Designed by B+H Architects for CentreCourt and Arkfield Development, the 51-storey (173.45m) tower would contain 604 residential units and 206m² of commercial space. The approvals secure approximately 405m² of on-site parkland and eight replacement rental units for at least 20 years, with seven maintained at affordable or mid-range rents for their first decade of occupancy.

Poyntz Residences, designed by B+H Architects for CentreCourt and Arkfield Development

Maxium 11 Vinci Crescent
A 14-storey (48.36m) residential building at Maxium 11 Vinci Crescent received Official Plan and Zoning By-law approval, as amended, from City Council. Planned for the south side of Vinci Crescent in Clanton Park, the ICON Architects-designed development for Trolleybus Urban Developments and Equiton Developments would contain 301 residential units above two underground levels. Added directions call for efforts to secure an off-site parkland dedication, potentially connecting to Faywood Park, while further work through Site Plan review is to examine a reduced building height.

Maxium 11 Vinci Crescent, designed by ICON Architects for Trolleybus Urban Developments and Equiton Developments

765 Steeles Avenue West
Previously approved in 2022, 765 Steeles Avenue West returned to Council for revised zoning that replaces the former Section 37 provisions. Designed by Arcadis for Starlight Investments, the 29-storey (100.35m) building planned east of Bathurst Street in Newtonbrook would add 296 market-rate rental units and 1,082m² of community space. Council adopted the amended site-specific Zoning By-law after the item arrived from North York Community Council without a recommendation, while also repealing the corresponding 2022 by-law.

765 Steeles Avenue West, designed by Arcadis for Starlight Investments

25 Cedarcroft
Council’s amended zoning approval clears the way for 25 Cedarcroft, a 29-storey (96.5m) infill building on the north side of Antibes Drive in Westminster. The SvN-designed proposal for Novi Properties calls for 316 market-rate rental units, with Council directing staff to pursue affordable housing and a unit mix containing fewer studios and more family-sized homes. Site Plan review is also to secure amenity upgrades for tenants of the existing apartment building.

25 Cedarcroft, designed by SvN for Novi Properties

1 Tudor Gate and 39–43 Wilket Road
A single Zoning By-law amendment approved by Council advances two related proposals at 1 Tudor Gate and 39–43 Wilket Road, on opposite sides of Tudor Gate east of Bayview Avenue in York Mills. Both designed by Baron Nelson Architects, the pair of 6-storey (30.72m) condominium buildings would provide a combined 65 units, including 55 with three or more bedrooms. The consolidated application from 2588302 Ontario Inc and 2638212 Ontario Inc arrived at City Council without a recommendation from North York Community Council and was adopted through an amending motion.

1 Tudor Gate and 39-43 Wilket Road, designed by Baron Nelson Architects for 2588302 Ontario Inc and 2638212 Ontario Inc

Etobicoke

4686 Dundas Street West
City Council adopted Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments, as amended, for 4686 Dundas Street West, planned for the northeast corner of Dundas Street West and Chestnut Hills Crescent in the Chestnut Hills neighbourhood. Designed by Q4 Architects for The Remington Group, the two blocks would rise 2 and 2½ storeys (9.4m and 10.46m), providing ten three-bedroom freehold townhouses above one level of underground parking. Council’s amendments included requirements for a 1.8m wood privacy fence along adjoining residential properties.

4686 Dundas Street West, designed by Q4 Architects for The Remington Group

Other Notables

Chinatown Tomorrow Planning Initiative
By a 23–1 vote, Council adopted the Chinatown Tomorrow Planning Initiative and its West Chinatown Planning Framework, establishing new guidance for current and future development across the district. The decision also enacted Official Plan changes throughout West Chinatown and new zoning provisions for properties along Baldwin Street. Complementary directions call for 2027 funding toward a Cultural District Program, exploration of community uses at 161 Baldwin Street, a mobility and road-safety plan, a potential community roundtable, and the temporary pedestrianization of part of Huron Street between August and October, 2026.

West Chinatown Study Area, image via City of Toronto

Lake Shore Boulevard West
Rather than adopting the proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments for Lake Shore Boulevard West, Council referred the City-initiated planning framework back to staff for further review. Covering the corridor from Etobicoke Creek to Dwight Avenue, the proposal included new land-use policies, zoning standards, and urban design and streetscape guidelines intended to shape incremental redevelopment. Staff are to report to Etobicoke York Community Council in the first quarter of 2027 after examining pedestrian and road safety, local congestion, the potential loss of boulevard parking, and height regulations intended to reinforce the corridor’s mid-rise scale and local character.

Lake Shore Boulevard West Study Area, image via City of Toronto

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Toronto and Ottawa Commit Up to $2.7B to Deliver 5,600 Rental Homes

Anthony Teles — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:00:00 -0400

A new partnership between the City of Toronto and the federal government is expected to unlock more than 5,600 purpose-built rental homes across 18 projects, backed by up to $2.7 billion in federal financing and funding. Announced yesterday, the partnership also includes $703.7 million in City funding and incentives aimed at moving new housing into construction in neighbourhoods across Toronto.

Of the over 5,600 homes, more than 4,500 (roughly 80% of the total) are expected to be under construction by the end of 2026. The program spans both privately developed purpose-built rentals and City-led projects, with more than 1,800 homes planned as affordable, rent-geared-to-income, rent-controlled, or supportive housing.

“Toronto is becoming a model for how a great city can build its way forward,” said Prime Minister Mark Carney. “Together with the City of Toronto, we are getting thousands of new rental homes built, across every part of the housing system, in strong, safe communities that people can afford. This is what is possible when governments build together.”

Toronto skyline, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor SixPoints

The larger funding stream will direct more than $1.8 billion in low-cost financing from the federal Apartment Construction Loan Program to nine privately led projects, supporting over 3,700 rental homes, including more than 1,000 affordable units. According to Carney, the developments had already secured zoning approvals but had been unable to advance without additional financing.

A second stream will provide $310 million through Build Canada Homes to advance nine City-led developments on municipally owned land. Together, these sites are planned to deliver 1,885 rental homes, including 739 affordable units and supportive homes and more than 1,100 rent-controlled homes, complementing the private-sector projects with a substantial non-market component.

The City-owned sites will accommodate a range of affordable, rent-geared-to-income, rent-controlled, and supportive homes, delivered with public, non-profit, and Indigenous housing partners. Beyond adding rental supply, their construction is expected to generate local jobs and procurement opportunities.

The 18-project roster includes a 16-storey building in Parkdale and a development at 158 Borough Drive in Scarborough. Other examples include an Indigenous-led, 100-unit project at 15 Denison Avenue and a development at 1113–1125 Dundas Street West planned with mass timber construction, geothermal energy, and other low-carbon design features.

1113-1125 Dundas Street West, designed by Moriyama Teshima Architects and Montgomery Sisam Architects for CreateTO

“Every Canadian deserves a safe, affordable place to call home,” said Gregor Robertson, federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. “Through our partnership with the City of Toronto, we are aligning investments and working together to accelerate the construction of much-needed housing.”

Toronto’s contribution totals $703.7 million in direct funding and financial incentives. The package includes $530 million connected to the City-led projects, including 99-year exemptions from municipal and education property taxes intended to improve their long-term financial viability.

The partnership follows the recent launch of the $1.5-billion Development Charge Reduction Program, jointly backed by Toronto, Ontario, and Ottawa. That initiative cuts development charges by 40% to 60% for eligible projects for more than three years, while maintaining funding for infrastructure needed to accommodate the city’s growth.

158 Borough, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects for CreateTO

The City is also launching a new phase of its Purpose-Built Rental Housing Incentives Stream. Projects reserving at least 20% of their homes as affordable housing will be eligible to defer development charges indefinitely, reducing upfront costs while securing a long-term affordability component.

“Today’s announcement shows what’s possible when governments work together,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “I want to thank Prime Minister Mark Carney, Minister Gregor Robertson and our federal partners for their commitment to building more homes in Toronto. Today’s investment means more people will have the opportunity to find a home they can afford, stay close to their communities and build a future in the city they love.”

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West End Connections: Construction Updates on Transit and Trails

Nolan XuerebCraig White — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 11:52:49 -0400

In Toronto's West End, a number of major active transportation infrastructure projects are advancing above, at, and below grade, with recent news on extension work on two rail trails, new tracks for regional rail as part of Metrolinx's multi-billion dollar GO Expansion program, and work to better connect regional rail with the TTC subway. In this article, we catch up with what's going on currently to make getting around Toronto's Junction Triangle area easier.

Looking southeast towards downtown as a new pedestrian and cycling bridge is assembled to connect the southern extension of the Davenport Diamond Greenway with the planned West Toronto Rail Path extension, July 20, 2026, image courtesy of UrbanToronto forum contributor adamm

Westward from Union Station through the West End, into York, and on to Etobicoke, rail capacity expansion on the Kitchener GO Line has progressed continuously since the 2011 launch of the Georgetown South Expansion project. New sections of a fourth track, new grade separations, and a reconstruction of Bloor GO station will gradually enable significant service increases, all taking place in a corridor that already saw the Union Pearson Express added in 2015 as Toronto's first airport rail link.

Looking south along the Kitchener Line Rail corridor from Dundas Street West in 2015 towards a then already complete section of quad tracking, image courtesy of James Bow via Transit Toronto

As services and frequencies have increased, so has demand, particularly on the Union Pearson Express, now often over-capacity, which commuters have taken to using as a faster (albeit pricier) alternative to the TTC's subway and surface network when heading downtown. In order to accommodate the increased demand, and better accommodate the existing heavy rail traffic made up of a mix of Kitchener Line, Milton Line, and VIA Rail service, a long-time goal of the various capacity expansion projects has been the delivery of four continuous tracks along the Kitchener corridor between Lansdowne Avenue and Dupont Street.

A Union-Pearson Express train arrives at Bloor GO station, image courtesy of flickr contributor Tom Page at https://www.flickr.com/photos/tompagenet/19982559061/

With long-term plans to run the Union Pearson Express up to every 7.5 minutes, and the Kitchener Line every 15 minutes, quad-tracking has been a necessity to better facilitate these intertwined passenger operations. On July 30th, a step towards achieving the goal was met with the Province of Ontario announcing the official completion of the fourth track across this 2.5-kilometre stretch of the corridor. While this achievement follows nearly two decades of work and hundreds of millions of dollars spent on the corridor overall, the recent completions require following phases to make them work for entire lines, so there is no date yet for when service increases can be applied here.

Looking south toward Bloor GO, where a segment of the recently completed 2.5-kilometer fourth track is visible on the east side of the Kitchener Line rail corridor, July 2026, Image courtesy of Metrolinx

Within Bloor GO station itself, a transfer connection delayed by over half a century is progressing as work continues on the pedestrian tunnel to Dundas West station. Initially opened in 1974, the GO station was built with no direct connection to the Line 2 Bloor subway station, the entrance to which is less than 200 metres to its west. In the 52 years since, riders transferring between the transit modes have had to use an outdoor, poorly signed on-street route to make the connection.

An aerial photograph of the intersection Bloor Street West and Dundas Street West, with Dundas West station and Bloor GO sitting in close proximity to one another, image courtesy of Google Earth

Talk of building an underground connection directly linking the stations failed to become action for years as the owner of the adjacent Crossways apartment complex opposed the below ground easement required to construct the most direct tunnel route. Metrolinx eventually expropriated the necessary space, and in May 2024 work finally began on the project, with excavation commencing within the P2 level of the apartment complex's garage.

A diagram displaying the new subterranean connection soon to open between Bloor GO and Dundas West station, image courtesy of Metrolinx

In the more than two years that have passed since construction began, significant progress has been made, with excavation long complete and much of the structural work done. Despite this, neither Metrolinx's project page for the tunnel nor their monthly construction updates provide an estimated completion date, leaving riders waiting to know when they will finally enjoy direct, weather-protected transfers between Bloor GO/UPX and Dundas West subway stations.

One of the staircases under construction that will connect Bloor GO/UPX and Dundas West subway stations, July 9, 2026, image courtesy of Metrolinx

Impacting the area in another way this summer is the recent, long-awaited reopening of a central portion of the West Toronto Rail Path. The pedestrian and cycling path runs along the east side of the Kitchener GO corridor from Cariboo Avenue in the north to Dundas Street West in the south, but a long section was closed during the quad-tracking work through the Bloor GO station area. Reopened as on July 31, 2026, attention now turns to its two-kilometre southeasterly extension.

Looking south towards Bloor Street West along the recently reopened central portion of the West Toronto Rail Path, August 1, 2026, image courtesy of Friends of the West Toronto Rail Path

Plans to extend the West Toronto Rail path southeast, to just north of King Street West in this phase, the light orange section on the map below, have been slogging through the bureaucratic systems of Metrolinx and the City of Toronto for the better part of twenty years. Work had been projected to begin — but then failed to — in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025. This year, the City put the section out to tender though, and a winning bid is expected to be announced in the Fall of 2026, at which time the City will also publish an expected timeline for work and completion.

Existing portion of the rail path (dark orange) and the route of the proposed southern extension (light orange), image courtesy of Friends of the West Toronto Rail Path

Meanwhile, Metrolinx is working on the southernmost segment of their own west end multi-use trail project which they have dubbed the "Barrie-Downtown Corridor Multi-Use Path." It will be a trail beside the Barrie GO corridor that functionally extends the Davenport Diamond Greenway south of Bloor Street, connecting from Davenport Road into the West Toronto Rail Path extension.

A diagram depicting the locations of the various built, and proposed, paths, railways and rail stations in West Toronto, image courtesy of Metrolinx

The bridge seen under-construction below will form the most southerly portion of the Barrie-Downtown path, and will be complete before it connects to anything at its south end. There, it will eventually merge with the West Toronto Rail Path as it bridges over the GO Barrie line.

Looking south from Dundas Street West as the pedestrian and cyclist bridge that will carry the southern extension of the Davenport Diamond Greenway over the Barrie Line is constructed, July 27, 2026, image courtesy of UrbanToronto forum contributor jer1961

Seen on the map below, the bridge above is found where the orange arrow points to the left. It and the Barrie-Downtown trail beyond the tip of the arrow will open once the WTRP, the dark green line, is constructed through this section. The second orange arrow, pointing down, represents another possible connection to the WTRP, across the Kitchener GO corridor to Sorauren Park. Southeastwards from here, the WTPR will travel along the east side of the rail corridor through Brockton Village and Little Portugal, before reaching West Queen West and then terminating (until the phase after that is built) at the intersection of Sudbury and Abell streets, just north of Liberty Village. To ensure trips down the path are entirely car-free, the trail will take overpasses above Lansdowne Avenue, Brock Street, Dufferin Street, and Queen Street, some of which was constructed over a decade ago in anticipation of this extension.

Route of the WTRP southern extension between Dundas and Sudbury streets, image courtesy of the City of Toronto

With the West Toronto Rail Path southeast extension still just inching forward after years of delays related to a ballooning budget, at least the route past Bloor GO/UPX has been reopened to the public. Shuttered in 2022 to facilitate rail corridor widening and construction of the new Randolph Avenue entrance to Bloor station, Metrolinx initially promised the closure would last a single year. Four years later, this part of the path is once more fully accessible, allowing commuters and recreational users alike to travel continuously from Cariboo Avenue to Dundas Street West for the first time in nearly half a decade.

Looking south towards the then still uncompleted Randolph Avenue entrance to Bloor GO, and the temporarily closed segment of the WTRP, October 9, 2025, image courtesy of Metrolinx

UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on the West Toronto Rail Path extension and GO Expansion, but in the meantime, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum threads or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.

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News Roundup for August 6, 2026

UrbanToronto Staff — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:30:00 -0400

Toronto area prices drop 4.5% in July as real estate enters a balanced market; rising cost of low-end rental units driving increase in homelessness, report shows; Greater Toronto home sales tick lower in July as prices fall; and other news.

Toronto area prices drop 4.5% in July as real estate enters a balanced market (The Star)

Rising cost of low-end rental units driving increase in homelessness, report shows (The Globe and Mail)

Greater Toronto home sales tick lower in July as prices fall: real estate board (CityNews)

Ontario launches reviews of eight public agencies including Metrolinx, LCBO (The Globe and Mail)

Rushden Sailpast

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

Seen from a sailboat plying Lake Ontario's waters on a perfect day, Toronto's growing cluster East End towers are making for a steadily more impressive view. Prominent here behind the expansive greenery of The Beach are the three towers (so far) of the Rushden Station complex — green, red, and blue — while The Dawes rises east of them, following a gap that could one day be filled by a fourth Rushden tower.

Rushden Station and The Dawes — new residential buildings under construction in Toronto's East End, rise over Lake Ontario, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor milkycontent

This image comes to us courtesy of UrbanToronto Forum contributor milkycontent. 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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Ground Broken on 400-Plus Rentals, French-Language Theatre on Danforth

Anthony Teles — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 15:19:39 -0400

Construction has formally kicked off at 1111 and 1117 Danforth Avenue, where a pair of connected developments will bring more than 400 rental suites in a mix of market-rate, rent-controlled, affordable, and deeply affordable units to Toronto’s East End. Mayor Olivia Chow and Toronto-Danforth Councillor Paula Fletcher joined Woodbourne Canada Management, Neighbours Community Homes, and Le Théâtre français de Toronto for the Friday, July 31 ground breaking ceremony, marking the start of a mixed-income community that will also give the French-language theatre a permanent home.

The site occupies the southeast corner of Danforth and Byron avenues in The Pocket, about 300m east of Donlands station and 500m west of Greenwood station. Designed by Studio JCI, the contiguous buildings are being advanced on adjoining properties, with Woodbourne Canada Management and Core Development Group behind the market-rate development at 1111 Danforth and Neighbours Community Homes set to operate the non-profit housing next door at 1117.

Attendees at the ground breaking ceremony, image by Arthur Mola

Rising 13 storeys to 54.3m, 1111 Danforth will contain 297 market-rate rental homes above 1,627m² of retail space. The unit mix comprises 157 studios, 34 one-bedrooms, 23 two-bedrooms, and 83 homes with three or more bedrooms, while plans call for 305 bicycle parking spaces and just 19 vehicle spaces.

“The new mixed-income community at 1111 Danforth Avenue and 1117 Danforth Avenue are an example of what is possible when the City finds the right local partners who are also committed to solving the housing crisis,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “Thanks to the hard work and innovative thinking of our teams, the City, Neighbours Community Homes, and Woodbourne will deliver more than 400 new homes to The Danforth, including deeply affordable units with meaningful support for future residents.”

At the 14-storey (53.22m) 1117 Danforth, Neighbours Community Homes will operate 108 rental homes, including 20 studios, 52 one-bedrooms, 26 two-bedrooms, and 10 with three or more bedrooms. The total includes 27 replacement units for existing tenants and 81 additional homes, divided between 40 affordable and 41 rent-controlled units, with occupancy expected to begin in 2029.

“Our goal is not simply to build affordable housing, but to create strong, inclusive communities where people with diverse backgrounds can thrive together,” said Gautam Mukherjee, Chief Executive Officer of Neighbours Community Homes. “Working collaboratively with the City of Toronto and Woodbourne has helped make this project not only viable but also repeatable — all while delivering a higher-quality community for future residents.”

The City is contributing more than $13 million in capital funding and over $14 million in incentives through its Rental Housing Supply Program. Part of the HousingTO 2020–2030 Action Plan’s broader effort to expand housing options across the income spectrum, the development is one of 50 affordable-housing projects now under construction in Toronto that are collectively set to deliver 14,000 homes, including more than 4,000 affordable rental units.

“The new homes at 1117 Danforth Avenue will help more people build stable lives in our community, including residents who have experienced homelessness, while a secondary rental market rate development will contribute to a mixed-income neighbourhood,” said Councillor Paula Fletcher (Toronto-Danforth). “The addition of Le Théâtre français de Toronto showcases the immense level of thought, care, and consideration the City and our partners shared when we began collaborating on this project.”

Looking southwest to 1111 and 1117 Danforth Avenue, designed by Studio JCI for Woodbourne Canada Management, Inc and Core Development Group

Though occupying separate properties, the developments have been planned to function as a unified build. Their coordinated designs allow infrastructure and rear loading facilities to be shared, while City staff accelerated approvals for the non-profit building so that it could follow the same construction schedule as 1111 Danforth, an approach intended to reduce costs and move both projects forward sooner.

“Toronto needs more housing of every kind, and getting it built requires new ways of working together,” said Nick Macrae, President of Woodbourne. “This partnership demonstrates how private-sector, non-profit housing developers, cultural organizations, and government can come together around a shared goal of delivering more housing to unlock real benefits for the local community.”

Le Théâtre français de Toronto will anchor the base of 1111 Danforth with its new permanent venue, envisioned as both a performance space and a cultural hub offering inclusive programming to the wider community. Funding for the facility has not yet been finalized: the federal government supplied half of the amount requested, and the theatre is expected to launch a fundraising campaign to close the remaining gap.

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