Rail Deck Development proposes to turn the unused air space over the rail corridor between Blue Jays Way and Bathurst Street in downtown Toronto into a vibrant community, while simultaneously addressing the City of Toronto’s critical need for housing and public green space.
THE EVOLVING DESIGN PROCESS
Collaboration with the surrounding community has been a priority since the project’s initial submission in 2022. The resubmission builds on the original vision for this new neighbourhood by incorporating direct asks from the community, refining the design of nearly every block of the development. This proposal is rooted in what Torontonians believe is critical to deliver to the city, but it doesn’t end here. The development team hopes to receive feedback during further community engagement sessions in the fall of 2024.
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More than half
of the development site has been
reserved for park land and open space
Approximately
three acres
reserved for
priority park land
Approximately
six acres
identified for a potential
park expansion area
The revised proposal includes several key changes that look to maximize housing opportunities on the site, while responding to community consultation and feedback.
- Removal of one tower in the East Block to address community feedback, improving sunlight conditions on neighbouring open space
- Measures taken to address housing supply issues, including increased building heights across the development and the addition of one tower in the Centre Block
- Conversion of Centre Block privately owned public spaces (POPS) to an internal mid-block connection, linking Front Street to the future potential park and enhancing community connectivity
- More than 20% reduction of overall proposed parking supply
- Addition of a direct access to the future Spadina-Front GO Station through the Centre Block to improve transit connectivity
Proposed public spaces
The development team remains committed to building a truly livable neighbourhood with accessible public space, transit connectivity, and amenities. The proposed park at Rail Deck Development will connect Toronto’s entertainment district to the waterfront – two areas that are currently disconnected by the rail corridor. The size and configuration of the park space proposed for this new neighbourhood remains under discussion with the City of Toronto.
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