Plans announced today call for a new purpose-built practice facility for the WNBA Toronto Tempo east of Exhibition Place. Canada’s first WNBA franchise, the Tempo, will play its first game on April 29 at the Coca-Cola Coliseum, its home venue at Exhibition Place. The facility’s 701 Fleet Street location, just outside the Princes’ Gates, is within walking distance and would be built on city-owned land through a partnership with the City of Toronto. In addition to serving as a training base for the team, the project is structured to provide comprehensive community access as a year-round public recreation center with playgrounds, programs and new parking spaces.
Toronto Tempo Performance Center designed by HOK for Kilmer Group
The project would repurpose an unused overflow parking lot on the block bounded by Lake Shore Boulevard West, Strachan Avenue, Fleet Street and Fort York Boulevard. Much of the land not made available to the facility would be used to expand publicly accessible open space with new parks and recreational facilities.
“We are working with the Toronto Tempo to transform an underused site into a world-class facility that will serve both professional athletes and the public. With year-round access to recreational activities, new park space and inclusive programming, this project will provide real benefits for residents while strengthening Toronto’s leadership in women’s sports,” said Mayor Olivia Chow.
Teaching Circle, image courtesy of Toronto Tempo
The facility would be provided under a long-term lease agreement on city-owned land. The city would provide guaranteed public use of the facility, including at least 2,200 hours per year in the gymnasium, training areas and multi-purpose rooms. Programming is expected to be developed with input from council and community partners, with a mix of drop-in use, registered programming, permit allocations and seasonal CampTO offerings.
The proposal includes a single-story, purpose-built training facility designed by HOK for Kilmer Group. The building is within walking distance of the Coca-Cola Coliseum and would serve as the team’s primary practice facility. The centerpiece of the facility would be a comprehensive indoor professional training and preparation program with two regular WNBA courts. Supportive spaces include a fully equipped locker room with individual showers and changing areas, as well as special amenities such as a maternity room and personal care rooms.
Indoor court, image courtesy of Toronto Tempo
Sports medicine and performance areas would include treatment, rehabilitation, strength and conditioning training and recovery, including hydrotherapy pools, a sauna and wellness consultation rooms. Other facilities include gaming lounges, dining and nutritional areas, and a cinema with adjacent meeting rooms.
“This performance center is about laying the foundation for sustainable 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.”
East entrance designed by HOK for Kilmer Group
In addition to the indoor training areas, two outdoor basketball courts and a mini-play field are planned, supplemented by public toilets and the new parking area. As the Toronto Tempo works with the city and local partners to deliver a range of basketball-focused initiatives, the space would provide structured development opportunities designed to support athletes of all skill levels.
“This new facility is critically important to Toronto residents and waterfront communities,” said Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik. “By combining a world-class training center with high-quality public recreation spaces that can be enjoyed any time of year, I am proud to ensure everyone has greater access to the sports, programs, and parks and recreation facilities that make our city stronger and more connected.”
An elevated view of the center designed by HOK for Kilmer Group
The project comes as the Toronto Tempo prepares to launch its inaugural season and marks the arrival of the WNBA in Canada, with the league’s first team based outside the United States. The proposal still requires city council approval, with lease terms and final agreements still to be confirmed. If approved, construction is expected to begin in the fall. Completion of the facility is scheduled for 2028.
UrbanToronto will continue to monitor the progress of this development, but in the meantime you can learn more in our database file linked below. If you’d like, you can join the discussion in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the designated area on this page.
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