Additional zoning bylaw amendment applications have been submitted for additional stations along the upcoming Ontario Line 3. The Transit-Oriented Community (TOC) program aims to better integrate the redevelopment of the site near the new stations into these and the surrounding urban fabric while pursuing development goals. Today, UrbanToronto introduces the Gerrard-Carlaw South TOC in South Riverdale. Designed by SvN for Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx, the site provides quick access to Gerrard Station.
Axonometric view looking northwest of the Gerrard-Carlaw South TOC designed by SvN for Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx
The zoning ordinance changes here call for a mixed-use development that would transform two blocks on the west side of Carlaw Avenue between Gerrard Street and Dickens Street. The eastern Badgerow, Carlaw & Thackeray Block at 388 Carlaw Avenue currently houses an industrial warehouse complex with various commercial units, while the western Dickens Block property at 10 Dickens Avenue serves as a surface parking lot. Together, these locations cover approximately 20,800 m².
Axonometric view of the Badgerow, Carlaw & Thackeray Block designed by SvN for Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx
For the eastern block, the plan calls for mixed-use buildings, including towers of 11 (45.68 m), 12 (46.3 m) and 23 (79.08 m) floors. In addition, a 7-story office building would complement the diverse usage profile of the location. In total, this segment would accommodate 569 residential units. The buildings are shorter where they are closer to low-rise buildings east of Carlaw.
The design includes 1,193 m² of indoor and 1,098 m² of outdoor facilities. With 11 elevators in the four towers, there would be about one elevator for every 52 units, meaning short wait times. Two levels of underground parking would provide 213 resident parking spaces and 73 for retail and office space. The plan calls for 539 long-term and 64 short-term bicycle parking spaces, as well as dedicated areas for retail, office and general commerce.
Looking southwest at the Badgerow, Carlaw & Thackeray Block, designed by SvN for Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx
The property at 388 Carlaw Avenue is listed on the city's Heritage Register. The building, which originally housed the Jefferson Glass Company Limited, is constructed primarily of brick masonry and is characterized by its distinct industrial architecture with two large brick chimneys. The proposal calls for in-situ conservation of key heritage features.
Looking southwest at 388 Carlaw Avenue, image from Google Maps
To the west, the Dickens Block will house towers of 30 (103.43 m) and 39 (130.83 m) floors. These towers would add a total of 745 residential units to the community. There would be 1,465 m² of indoor and 1,055 m² of outdoor facilities. Seven elevators are planned in both towers, resulting in approximately one elevator per 106 units, resulting in longer wait times. Provisions are planned for 223 residential parking spaces on two underground floors. There are also 671 long-term and 85 short-term bicycle parking spaces as well as additional space for retail and office use.
Looking northwest at the Dickens Block, designed by SvN for Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx
At the heart of SvN's design philosophy for the Gerrard-Carlaw South TOC are seven key objectives: improving the site's boundary conditions, integrating railway safety infrastructure such as a guard wall, integrating into the cityscape, creating an attractive public space, respecting historical elements and providing a wide range of employment opportunities and providing a variety of housing options, including family-sized units.
Axonometric view of the Dickens Block designed by SvN for Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx
Modeled after similar successful models in cities such as Vancouver, London and Tokyo, Toronto's TOC program focuses on creating vibrant, mixed-use communities around transportation hubs. Gerrard-Carlaw South in particular offers a mix of residential units, commercial opportunities and direct connections to the upcoming Ontario Line 3. Bus and tram routes also serve the station, providing better access to public transport, while bike paths on local streets provide that residents and visitors can easily find their way beyond their own neighborhood.
Looking north towards 10 Dickens Street, image from Google Maps
Once Line 3 is operational around 2031, residents and visitors to the TOC, 200 m from Gerrard station, will enjoy quick access to and from various parts of the city, particularly to the surrounding areas of the new transit line, which is 15.6 km will be Exhibition Place/Ontario Place to the Ontario Science Centre.
Surrounding developments, highlighting the upcoming Ontario Line, image from submission to the City of Toronto
The Gerrard-Carlaw South TOC is close to several current developments which contribute to the evolving character of the area. Directly across the street is The Carlaw at 345 Carlaw Avenue, a project completed in 2015 that transformed an industrial complex into a 12-story residential building with ground floor commercial space and a new live theater venue. To the north, the 4-story Elevate at Logan and 6-story Lofthouse on Logan, completed in 2023 and 2022 respectively, add to the area's residential diversity. A further TOC is planned for Gerrard-Carlaw North to the north-east of Gerrard station with space for 1,080 residential units.
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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