The built form of New Toronto could be improved, but I do find that the area has bones for potential. Although low-rise and mostly architecturally non-descript, the buildings still meet the street generally on a decent level. If intensification can be achieved, infilling the scattered strip mall/plazas and lesser utilized sites then that could help this area gradually improve.
Retail occupancy rates are rather consistent for this stretch. A couple hidden gems in there as well. Like the Cellar Door restaurant has gotten some solid reviews. Further west I used to frequent Sloppy Joe's and 850 Degrees Pizzeria quite a bit several years ago. Tatsu's Bread is great too. Although technically that may be considered more towards Long Branch area where the urbanity tapers off more once you go west of Kipling.