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Plans announced today outline a new purpose-built practice facility for the WNBA Toronto Tempo just east of Exhibition Place. Canada’s first WNBA franchise, the Tempo are set to play their first game at the Coca-Cola Coliseum, their home venue within Exhibition Place, on April 29. Within walking distance, the facility's 701 Fleet Street location, just outside the Princes’ Gates, would be delivered through a partnership with the City of Toronto on City-owned land. In addition to serving as the team’s dedicated training base, the project is structured to provide significant community access as a year-round public recreation hub with courts, programming, and new park space.
The project would repurpose an underused overflow parking lot on the block bordered by Lake Shore Boulevard West, Strachan Avenue, Fleet Street, and Fort York Boulevard. Much of the land on the block not given over to the facility would be used to expand publicly accessible open space through new parkland and recreational amenities.
“We’re partnering with the Toronto Tempo to turn an underused site into a world-class facility that serves both professional athletes and the public. With year-round access to recreation, new park space and inclusive programming, this project delivers real benefits for residents while strengthening Toronto’s leadership in women’s sport,” said Mayor Olivia Chow.
The facility would be delivered through a long-term lease arrangement on the City-owned land. The City would secure guaranteed public use of the facility, including a minimum of 2,200 hours annually across the gymnasium, training areas, and multi-purpose spaces. Programming is expected to be developed with input from the local councillor and community partners, with a mix of drop-in use, registered programming, permit allocations, and seasonal CampTO offerings.
The proposal envisions a 1-storey purpose-built training facility designed by HOK for Kilmer Group and the City of Toronto. Located within a few minutes walk of Coca-Cola Coliseum, the building would function as the team’s primary practice venue. At the core of the facility would be a comprehensive indoor program for professional-level training and preparation, with two WNBA regulation courts. Supporting spaces would include a fully outfitted locker room designed with individual showers and changing areas, alongside dedicated amenities such as a mother’s room and personal care spaces.
Sports medicine and performance areas would accommodate treatment, rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, and recovery, including hydrotherapy pools, a sauna, and wellness consultation rooms. Additional facilities would include player lounges, dining and nutrition-focused areas, and a film theatre with adjacent meeting rooms.
“This performance centre is about building the foundation for sustained excellence,” said Monica Wright Rogers, General Manager of Toronto Tempo. “Our players deserve a world-class environment that supports every aspect of their development, and our community deserves access to spaces that inspire the next generation. This facility will be both.”
Beyond the indoor training spaces, plans call for two outdoor basketball courts and a mini-pitch, complemented by public washrooms and the new park space. With the Toronto Tempo working alongside the City and local partners to deliver a range of basketball-focused initiatives, the space would host structured development opportunities designed to support athletes across different skill levels.
“This new facility is a game-changer for local residents and Toronto’s waterfront communities,” said Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik. “By combining a world-class training centre with high-quality public recreation space to enjoy in all seasons, I am proud to ensure that everyone has better access to sports, programs, alongside park and recreation amenities that make our city stronger and more connected.”
The project arrives as the Toronto Tempo prepare to launch their inaugural season, marking the arrival of the WNBA in Canada with the league’s first team based outside the United States. The proposal remains subject to City Council approval, with lease terms and final agreements still to be confirmed. If approved, construction is anticipated to begin in the fall, with the facility targeted for completion in 2028.
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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