The City of Toronto is seeking to revitalize a number of its historic buildings through the ModernTO program. This week, CreateTO announced a select group of developers applying to redevelop the former Toronto Coach Terminal site at 610 Bay Street and 130 Elizabeth Street. The now closed terminal was used by GO buses and other intercity bus routes until December 2020 when it was replaced by the new Union Station Bus Terminal. The terminal has PATH tunnel access under Bay Street to the Atrium on Bay complex.
Looking southwest towards the Toronto Coach Terminal redevelopment, CreateTO’s rendering should illustrate the nature of a potential development
Along with the seven other properties that make up the ModernTO portfolio, the initiative is part of the city’s broader strategy to modernize and better leverage its real estate assets.
The shortlist, compiled following a comprehensive Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) on November 24, 2022, consists of the following seven developers:
- capital developments
- Hines Canada
- Kilmer Group & EllisDon Inc.
- MOD developments
- TAS developments
- Tricon Residential
- Tridel Group & Woodbourne Capital Management
The shortlist was referenced in a report by CreateTO dated April 6, 2023, but remained confidential at the time. Developers are now invited to submit detailed proposals, marking the second phase of the selection process.
Looking southwest towards the Toronto Coach Terminal redevelopment, CreateTO’s rendering should illustrate the nature of a potential development
The current renderings are not indicative of the final design. According to the press release, they are intended to “illustrate the type of development that is possible on the site”.
The redevelopment of the former Toronto Coach Terminal site, which plays a significant role in the city’s history as a central transportation hub, offers a unique opportunity. Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park) emphasized the importance of this site and expressed hope that the ModernTO program will enable the transformation of this site into a hub for affordable housing and other urban development initiatives.
An aerial view of the grounds and surrounding area of the Toronto Coach Terminal, image retrieved from Google Maps
The vision for the redevelopment is to create a mixed-income, mixed-use development. Site priorities include affordable housing, a paramedic services multi-hub, and office space for the life sciences and biomedical sectors.
CreateTO CEO Vic Gupta shared that the site’s heritage and premier location make it a unique redevelopment opportunity. He emphasized that this requires “a unique vision that sets new standards when it comes to mixed-use developments with affordable housing.”
Looking southwest at the Toronto Coach Terminal, image taken from Google Street View
A key prerequisite for the refurbishment is the preservation of the existing listed building, which reflects the city’s commitment to its historical roots. The redevelopment will also include streetscape improvements along Edward and Elizabeth Streets.
Looking west at 130 Elizabeth Street, image taken from Google Street View
The next step in the process is the publication of the Request for Proposal (RFP) in the third quarter of the year, with selection of a successful proposer expected in the fall. This is followed by a final report to the CreateTO Board of Directors and the Toronto City Council.
UrbanToronto will continue to monitor the progress of this development, but in the meantime you can learn more from our database file linked below. If you wish, you can join the discussion in the dedicated project forum thread or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.
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