In recent years, Toronto has witnessed a surge in proposals for the redevelopment of its shopping malls, aiming to reshape urban spaces into vibrant mixed-use communities. These ambitious projects promise to blend residential, commercial and recreational elements, revitalizing aging infrastructure and enriching the city’s landscape.
With all the talk of a housing crisis and the need to ramp up development, shopping malls and the vast surface parking lots that are associated with them are ideal housing sites. According to a city spokesperson, shopping mall activity could result in“an increase to the City’s housing supply, with approximately 68,000 residential units being proposed across 19 mall sites as of 2023.”
City councillor Gord Perks, chair of the city’s housing and planning committee, said surface parking lots make no sense in a growing city such as Toronto.
“I think Toronto’s reaching the point of maturity where there are so many things we can do with land that have higher value than parking. That the big parking lots are the dinosaurs and the comet is on the way,” he said. Here is a look.
Centerpoint Wonderland
Centerpoint Mall, located at 6464 Yonge St. in North York, is the site of an ambitious proposal by Revenue Properties Company, which has outlined a phased redevelopment plan spanning several years. This extensive undertaking involves the construction of 22 new buildings, comprising a mix of 18 highrises and four mid-rises, ultimately delivering 8,325 new residential units. Central to the vision for Centerpoint Mall is the creation of an interconnected community, including the establishment of a sprawling 20,000-square-foot public park, designed to cater to diverse recreational needs, as well as a 9,200-square-foot retail component fronting on Steeles Avenue.
Sherway Meadows
Cadillac Fairview’s ambitious revitalization plans for Sherway Gardens span multiple phases. This comprehensive redevelopment initiative aims to breathe new life into the surrounding landscape. The initial phase includes the construction of four new towers, offering a total of 6,278 residential units alongside retail and recreational amenities. At the heart of the Sherway Gardens revitalization is the emphasis on community-centric design principles. The proposal prioritizes the creation of public spaces with 14,000 square metres of new non-residential uses, such as public parks and open spaces, as well as public and private roads and a pedestrian plaza.
Bayview by the River
The proposed redevelopment of Bayview Village Shopping Centre epitomizes urban modernization and revitalization, with plans for six towers, including two south towers of 30 and 29 storeys and a north tower of 20 storeys. A feature of the Bayview Village project is its focus on enhancing public amenities and green spaces with pedestrian-friendly design elements. The ground-level retail area faces a retail promenade, designed as a pedestrian-centric space that re-establishes the contemporary mall’s connection to its origins as an open-air mall.
Eglinton LRTville
The proposed regeneration of Eglinton Square includes plans for seven towers ranging from six to 50 storeys. This project aims to redefine the urban landscape, offering a mix of residential, commercial and recreational amenities in addition to adding more than 1,600 units to the housing mix. Spanning an area of 7.7 hectares, the redevelopment presents an opportunity to create vibrant urban hubs that cater to diverse lifestyles and preferences. The Eglinton Square site is just part of a massive redevelopment of the entire Golden Mile along Eglinton Avenue East between Victoria Park Avenue and Birchmount Road that will bring a total of almost 38,000 units.
Fairview by the Sea
Cadillac Fairview, in partnership with Shape Properties, has begun the redevelopment of Fairview Mall with an application to transform the vast surface parking lots into vibrant urban communities. With plans for three highrise towers and more than 1,400 units, this project aims to reimagine the mall’s parking areas, enhancing both functionality and esthetics. The proposal includes a village green, outdoor amenity spaces and a retail pavilion.
Yorkdale Mews at the Mall
The redevelopment plans of Oxford Properties for Yorkdale Shopping Centre herald a transformative shift in Toronto’s urban landscape. With proposals for 19 highrise towers comprising more than 5,000 residential units, this project aims to create a vibrant new city within the city. Central to the Yorkdale mall redevelopment is the challenge of balancing growth with sustainability and community well-being. The proposal includes plans for public parks, green spaces and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, fostering a sense of connectivity and inclusivity.