FlyOver Canada and Canada Lands Company have submitted a Site Plan Approval application for a flying simulator theatre in Downtown Toronto, intended to take guests on a 6,000 kilometre virtual journey across Canada’s iconic landscapes and beautiful vistas. Located directly adjacent to the CN Tower, Ripleys Aquarium, and Rogers Centre, the theatre would serve the droves of tourists and locals that flock to the area year-round.

Evening view of Flyover Canada, image via submission to the City of Toronto

Proposed in part of the area currently occupied by the Bobbie Rosenfeld Parkette, the building would rise 28 metres above-grade and house 3 concourse levels wrapping around the Theatre itself. Seating up to 88 guests for each showing, the experience will mimic Flyover’s other theatres in Vancouver and Reykjavik using special effects, wind, mist, scents, and the ride's motion to create a flight-like experience.

Aerial of the site within its context, image via submission to the City of Toronto

Construction of the building would also make improvements to the existing landscaping, forming three separate gardens that keep in with the theme of celebrating Canada’s diverse landscapes. The South Garden would represent the Boreal Forest that makes up the landscape of northern Canada, while the areas surrounding the entrance and the east side of the building would mimic the Laurentia bioregion that covers most of Eastern Canada; using prairie grasses and perennial flowers. The north end would use rough stone and small plantings in reference to the tundra.

Aerial overview of the site, image via submission to the City of Toronto

The building’s exterior by Sturgess Architecture of Calgary uses a faceted shape, clad both in wood framing and angular aluminum panels. The theatre space above is framed with a circular shape and clad in what could potentially be Dichroic Glass, similar to what was recently used at Canary Block Condos. The same texture that surrounds the upper volume appears in the lobby space seen below.

Interior lobby at Flyover Canada, image via submission to the City of Toronto

The project already conforms to the Official Plan and Zoning restrictions set out for the site, so it’s likely that the planning approvals process be relatively quick here. If all goes well, Toronto will have another tourist attraction to amplify the already-successful Bremner Boulevard area in 2022.

A view of Mount Assiniboine from the FlyOver Canada ride, image from FlyOver Canada

Additional information and images can be found in our Database file for the project, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread, or leave a comment below.

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