Situated on the northeast corner of Gerrard Street and Carlaw Avenue, the 2.27-hectare site is proposed to be transformed into a mixed-use transit-oriented community (TOC) anchored by the future Gerrard Station along the Ontario Line.
The proposed TOC at Gerrard-Carlaw North would provide greater public access to enhanced parkland and greenspace, increase transit access and connectivity, optimize street connections to improve mobility via a new street connecting Carlaw Avenue and Pape Avenue, and provide new retail and housing units.
The TOC program was created by the Province of Ontario to improve transit access and bring more housing, jobs, retail, and public amenities near and around transit stations. In addition, the program encourages collaboration with all parties involved: province, builders, municipality, and the local community to deliver new, modern subways and TOCs at a lower cost to the taxpayer.
About
the proposal
Economic activity
Comprised of a mix of residential units, transit connections, retail space, and parkland, the proposed Gerrard-Carlaw North TOC will create approximately 225 new jobs at the heart of a future major transit station while providing convenient connections to thousands of commuters.
To enhance the quality of life for residents in the Riverdale neighbourhood, the proposed TOC would create approximately 7,810 square metres of cohesive public space, including access to retail, a grocery store and amenities space.
Environmental
The proposed TOC supports sustainability objectives outlined by the Toronto Green Standards and aims to exceed objectives by:
- Prioritizing energy efficiency by reducing window-to-wall ratio.
- Exploring the use of geothermal systems to reuse energy from cooling to heating seasonally.
- Prioritizing green roofs and permeable surfaces for onsite stormwater management.
Housing
The proposed TOC is anticipated to deliver approximately 1,080 residential units. New residential buildings will be complemented by high-quality communal indoor and outdoor amenity spaces that will act as an extension of personal living space, contributing to the quality of life of residents and the community.
Connectivity
The future Gerrard Station will serve the surrounding neighbourhood as a transit hub, facilitating direct, convenient, and accessible connections between the Ontario Line subway and existing surface transit routes along Gerrard Street, Pape Avenue and Carlaw Avenue, including the 506 streetcar and the #72 bus.
The proposed TOC would also support active transportation by providing over 1,000 bicycle parking spots, including dedicated spaces reserved for transit users.
Gerrard-Carlaw North
Community Engagement
The Province of Ontario and Choice Properties hosted the second community engagement session on March 30, 2023 about the future Gerrard-Carlaw North as a proposed mixed-use transit-oriented community anchored by the future Gerrard Station on the Ontario Line.
Meeting Information
Virtual Open House #2 has concluded.
Watch the recording. The project team will continue to keep the community informed throughout the process.
Site
Information
The site is located at the northeast corner of Carlaw Avenue and Gerrard Street, in the Riverdale neighbourhood. The site is triangular in shape and bounded by Carlaw Avenue to the west and Pape Avenue to the east, a laneway to the north, and the Metrolinx rail corridor to the south. The site currently includes a No Frills grocery store and the Riverdale Shopping Centre.
A Transit-Oriented Community
Situated directly adjacent to the future Gerrard Station along the Ontario Line, the proposed Gerrard-Carlaw North TOC will provide convenient and safe connections to downtown Toronto and surrounding areas. The proposed TOC will cohesively provide the community with enhanced greenspace, a new public park and spaces. A new and accessible public street will connect Pape Ave to Carlaw Ave to improve the flow of pedestrians and vehicles within and around the site. The attractive street design will include wide sidewalks, public seating, trees and landscaping, and other high-quality design features to create a welcoming environment and foster opportunities for social connections.
Enhancing Retail
A new grocery store and commercial space will be incorporated into the proposed TOC Gerrard-Carlaw North. New commercial space, such as offices and retail space, will create more jobs along a portion of Carlaw Avenue, while supporting community growth.
Project
Timeline
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October 2022
OPA/ZBA Application submitted to the City of Toronto
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November 29, 2022
Virtual Open House #1
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March 30, 2022
Virtual Open House #2
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the proposed timing of this project?
- Where can I review the proposed plans for the site?
- Is the grocery store closing? Is an affordable grocery store part of the plans for the site?
- What transportation strategies are part of the proposal?
- How much open space and parks are part of the proposal?
- What type of amenities and community facilities are being considered?
- What is the status of the Ontario Line?
- What is the unit mix, including units for families and affordable housing?
- Where can I learn more about the province’s transit-oriented communities (TOC) program?
What is the proposed timing of this project?
Metrolinx will take control of the site in 2024 to construct the Ontario Line. Choice Properties will begin construction of the proposed transit-oriented community (TOC) following the completion of the Ontario Line and the work is expected to take several years.
Where can I review the proposed plans for the site?
A proposal was submitted to the City of Toronto in October 2022 and is under review.
Is the grocery store closing? Is an affordable grocery store part of the plans for the site?
Choice Properties is working to bring a grocery store back to the site. This project has a long timeline, and we want it to be relevant to our retail tenancy plan for when the Site is developed following the completion of the Ontario Line. The plan for future retail will be defined at a later stage but is planned to include a grocery store.
What transportation strategies are part of the proposal?
The active transportation strategy is intended to provide new mobility infrastructure (new street, signalized intersections, pedestrian linkages, public realm enhancements, bike racks, bike paths) to enhance connectivity and build upon the excellent transit accessibility afforded by the site’s immediate adjacency to the future Gerrard Station. The provision of active transportation measures and a suite of Transportation Demand Management measures (objectives to promote the use and increase the efficiency of existing and planned active sustainable transportation modes) will aim to reduce car reliance and meet the City of Toronto's green standards requirements.
How much open space and parks are part of the proposal?
About 40% of the TOC site will have dedicated public parkland (3,370 sq.m) with privately owned public open spaces (POPS) over the rail corridor and the transit plaza area in front of the station entrance. These open spaces will support future residents and community members, coupled with the abundant number of nearby parks and open spaces in the Riverdale neighborhood.
What type of amenities and community facilities are being considered?
The City of Toronto has initiated a Gerrard-Carlaw Planning study that will include an assessment of the existing community amenities, including Matty Eckler Recreation Centre. This study will help inform resources and amenities that are needed within the greater Riverdale community, including schools and facilities such as a daycare. Infrastructure Ontario and Choice Properties have been working closely with the City of Toronto and the completed study will help to inform the amenities provided in the area.
What is the status of the Ontario Line?
Metrolinx is responsible for the delivery of the Ontario Line subway alignment and station. More details will be confirmed and shared as the design phases progress. Please visit Metrolinx.com/OntarioLine for more information or contact the Ontario Line Community Engagement team at 416-202-5100 or by email at OntarioLine@metrolinx.com.
What is the unit mix, including units for families and affordable housing?
The TOC proposes approximately 1,080 units, with 37% allocated to family-sized units (2- and 3-bedrooms). An affordable housing strategy will be developed through discussions with the province and the City of Toronto.
Where can I learn more about the province’s transit-oriented communities (TOC) program?
Please visit ontario.ca/page/transit-oriented-communities to learn more about Ontario’s plan to build vibrant, mixed-use communities that will bring more housing, including affordable housing options, and jobs within a short distance of transit.
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