Exhibition

The transit-oriented community (TOC) proposal would transform Exhibition Station into a connected transit hub with new housing, office and retail space. Transit riders will be able to connect to GO Transit, the TTC and the Ontario Line subway, making it more convenient to get to this popular destination for sporting events, concerts and other attractions, as well as the growing Liberty Village community.

The Exhibition Station site consists of two sites, which have been identified as TOC opportunities. The sites will be developed by the Province in line with the stated objectives of the TOC program.

Why is Exhibition a designated TOC?

The future growth potential for the Exhibition Station site is dependent on a planned transit station that will serve the surrounding neighbourhood. Exhibition Station would operate as a transit hub, connecting GO Transit and TTC and subway service along the future Ontario Line making it more convenient to get to this popular destination and growing community. The proposed sites at the future Exhibition Station would deliver a mix of new housing, office and retail space.

What are the benefits of the Exhibition TOC Project?

The Province, in consultation with the City of Toronto, is working on a development proposal that would transform Exhibition Station into a connected transit hub with new housing, office and retail space. Transit riders will be able to connect to GO Transit, the TTC and the Ontario Line subway.

The introduction of Liberty New Street between Dufferin and Strachan, as well as new and enhanced pedestrian access across the rail corridor, will support the re-integration of Liberty Village and Exhibition Place with the surrounding street and block network. Liberty New Street will walkability and will be complemented by the courtyards, forecourts, parkettes and Privately-Owned Publicly Accessible Spaces (POPS) of the proposed development.

The proposed public area and landscape design draws on the distinct character of the historic former industrial area and builds on the pattern of existing mid-block passageways which provide increased flexibility and opportunity for diverse programing and promote active transportation. The proposed landscape strategy draws on visual cues, materials and interpretive representations of the area’s former rail spurs, loading bays and industrial forecourts.

Economic activity

Comprised of a mix of uses, the proposed development concept represents a strategic effort to maintain the viability of the Liberty Village Employment Area while introducing higher value commercial, office, retail and residential uses paired with transit investment.

The proposed development will deliver approximately 24,100 square metres of office space in a prime, transit-accessible location, with the potential to attract major commercial tenants and support the continued growth of Liberty Village as a regional driver of jobs, innovation and cultural production within Toronto’s diverse economy. It will accommodate approximately 988 people and 1,347 jobs in the south end of the Liberty Village Employment Area.

The project also creates over 4,400 square metres of new retail space, which will help activate the public right-of-way and support local economic development. On the Jefferson site, a central retail-concourse will provide shopping opportunities and direct access between the Ontario Line and GO Rail train platforms.

Environmental

The proposed development supports sustainability objectives by:

Introducing people and jobs directly adjacent to transit;
Providing on-site bicycle parking spaces in excess of by-law requirements;
Meeting or exceeding the requirements of green roofs and the Toronto Green Standard.

Housing

The proposed development is anticipated to deliver approximately 568 residential units, expanding housing options by including affordable units. These will be complemented by high-quality communal indoor and outdoor amenity spaces which will act as an extension of personal living space, contributing to the well-being of residents and overall liveability of the area.

Connectivity

As the western terminus of the Ontario Line, the proposed Exhibition Station will provide integrated access and efficient interchange between multiple transit modes, TTC bus service (such as the 29 Dufferin bus), regional GO transit service and the Ontario Line.

Direct interface between TTC bus lines, the Ontario Line and existing regional GO transit service, and enhancements to the active transportation network and nearby Exhibition Loop streetcar lines (such as the 511, 504 and 509 streetcars) result in a significant transit interchange.

Liberty New Street will include two vehicular travel lanes, TTC bus laybys, a multi-use path, sidewalks and enhanced pedestrian-oriented landscape features where possible. The introduction of new transit infrastructure and Liberty New Street will contribute to increased connectivity on a neighbourhood, city wide and regional scale.

Transit-oriented and pedestrian-friendly streetscape improvements will contribute to the walkability of the area.

The proposed development supports the uptake of active transportation through the provision of over 890 bicycle parking spots with dedicated spaces reserved for transit users.

Project documentation

Cover Letter (0.12 MB PDF)
Planning Rationale (14.5 MB PDF)
Project Data Sheet Atlantic Site (0.81 MB PDF)
Project Data Sheet Jefferson Site (0.81 PDF)
Architectural Plans Atlantic Site (20.2 MB PDF)
Architectural Plans Jefferson Site (16.6 MB PDF)
Exhibition Shadow Study Atlantic Site (33.7 MB PDF)
Exhibition Shadow Study Jefferson Site (29 MB PDF)
Transportation Impact Study (17.9 MB PDF)
OLTA FSR Exhibition TOC (7 MB PDF)
Drainage and Stormwater Management Report (5.8 MB PDF)
OLTA Memo and Drawings (0.73 MB PDF)