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The City of Toronto is aiming to revitalize a series of its historic properties through the ModernTO program. This week, CreateTO has revealed a select group of developers who are in the running to reimagine the former Toronto Coach Terminal site at 610 Bay Street and 130 Elizabeth Street. The now shuttered terminal was used by GO buses and other intercity bus services until it was replaced by the new Union Station Bus Terminal in December, 2020. The terminal has PATH tunnel access under Bay Street to the Atrium on Bay complex.
Along with the seven other properties that make up the ModernTO portfolio, the initiative is part of the city’s broader strategy to modernize and make better use of its real estate assets.
The shortlist, which was compiled following a comprehensive Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) issued on November 24, 2022, is made up of the following seven developers:
- Capital Developments
- Hines Canada
- Kilmer Group & EllisDon Inc.
- MOD Developments
- TAS Developments
- Tricon Residential
- Tridel Group & Woodbourne Capital Management
The shortlist was referenced in a report from CreateTO back dated April 6, 2023, but remained confidential at that time. The developers are now invited to submit detailed proposals, marking the second phase of the selection process.
The current renderings are not indicative of the final design. As per the news release, they are meant "to illustrate the nature of development that is possible on the site."
The redevelopment of the former Toronto Coach Terminal site, which holds a significant place in the city’s history as a central transportation hub, presents a unique opportunity. Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park) highlighted the importance of this site, expressing hope that the ModernTO program will enable the transformation of this site into a hub for affordable housing and other city-building initiatives.
The vision for the redevelopment is to create a mixed-income, mixed-use development. The site’s priorities include affordable housing, a Paramedic Services Multi-Hub, and office spaces for the life science and biomedical sectors.
Vic Gupta, CEO of CreateTO, shared that the site’s heritage and prominent location make it a unique redevelopment opportunity. He emphasized this calls "for a unique vision that will push the envelope when it comes to mixed-use development that includes affordable housing."
A key requirement for the redevelopment is the preservation of the existing heritage building, reflecting the city’s commitment to its historical roots. The redevelopment will also include improvements to the streetscape along Edward and Elizabeth streets.
The next step in the process is the release of the Request for Proposal (RFP) in the third quarter of the year, with the selection of a successful proponent expected in the fall. This will be followed by a final report to the CreateTO Board of Directors and Toronto City Council.
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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