Website under construction
Exciting changes are on the way! We're currently renovating our website. Please check back soon for updates.
Thank you for your patience!
Stay up to date


Bloor & Dufferin

community-oriented, pedestrian-first urban design

Scroll Down

 

 

About the project

The Bloor & Dufferin development includes several residential buildings, including a 56-unit affordable housing building, office and retail space, a new public park, private and public streets, a Community Hub with a daycare centre, and direct access to the Dufferin TTC Subway.

In September 2021, Hazelview and Fitzrovia took over as co-development managers for the project with the aspiration to create a world-class example of community-oriented, pedestrian-first, mixed-use urban design.

This project will deliver a historic $50M community benefits package – one of the largest community benefits package to date for the City of Toronto, including:

  • +2,000 residential units, including 46.5% family-oriented units
  • 56-unit eight storey affordable housing building conveyed to the City of Toronto
  • $12.5 million cash contribution to create and support additional affordable housing in Ward 9-Davenport
  • City of Toronto-owned Community Hub and daycare on the first two floors of the former Kent School building
  • A new public road that is bus-accessible to prioritize safe and convenient transportation for students and visitors alike
  • A new 3,580 m2 park at 70 Croatia St

 

Aerial Rendering

Ground Floor Retail Plan

 

 

 

Renderings

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may be subject to change.


  • Guiding Principles

    We want to create a new type of neighbourhood destination in Toronto that captures the spirit of the community – a place where people will come to take in the local cultural offerings and unique urban experiences. Based on what we heard from the community, we have identified guiding principles that will help shape the development’s foundation.

  • A City Building Opportunity

    We are excited to create a world class project in this community that will be relevant to our time and celebrated by future generations.

  • Diverse Housing

    We are committed to delivering a range of housing types to meet the needs of a growing and diverse population in different life stages.

  • Retail & Lifestyle Experience

    We understand the importance of providing diverse retail throughout the development to support local businesses and engage the local community.

  • Celebrating Heritage

    We are committed to exploring ways to commemorate and integrate the unique heritage elements of The Kent School into our masterplan.

  • Integration

    We intend to create new connections that knit this site into the fabric of the existing neighbourhood.

  • Placemaking

    We envision creating a series of lively and interesting pedestrian-oriented spaces that add to the vibrancy of the neighbourhood through a variety of uses and experiences.

  • Parks & Green Space

    Our goal is to encourage community health and well-being by creating a community park and new public gathering spaces.

  • Sustainability

    Sustainability is important to us. We will be exploring ways to improve energy and water efficiency, support public transit and cycling, and integrate green infrastructure.

  • Inclusivity

    Public engagement is an integral part of our planning process and we intend to keep the community involved as we move forward with the development of this site.

The Process

2014

  • Toronto District School Board declares
    Bloor & Dufferin site surplus.

June 2016

  • Bloor & Dufferin/ TDSB Lands Community
    Meeting organized by TDSB, Toronto
    Lands Corporation and City of Toronto.

December 2016

  • Capital Developments and
    Metropia team is selected
    after competitive process.

December 2016 to
February 2017

Began community engagement:
  • Held community meetings and outreach sessions with the Province of Ontario, TDSB, City of Toronto, local community groups, and other stakeholders.
  • Completed neighbourhood canvassing to gather feedback directly from local businesses and residents.
  • Hosted public open houses to share updates and gather input.

February to
March 2017

  • Guiding principles and concepts
    for the project developed.

April 13, 2017

  • First Open House.
  • Developer led community
    consultation meeting.

September 20, 2017

  • Initial application submitted to the City of Toronto.

Spring to
Fall 2017

  • Continue community outreach.
  • Revise pre-submission materials based on feedback.

Winter to
Spring 2018

  • Participate in city-led community meetings.
  • Receive initial comments from city planning staff.
  • Participate in Urban Design Review Panel.
  • Continue community engagement.
  • Revise application (second submission)
    based on consolidated feedback.
  • Ongoing community engagement and modification to plans.
  • Site plan application submitted.

Summer to
Fall 2018

  • Receive detailed comments from city Planning staff.
  • Participate in additional work group meetings.
  • Continue community engagement.
  • Engage with Social Development, Finance & Administration staff to coordinate proposed Community Hub design and programming.
  • Revise application (third submission) based on consolidated feedback.
  • Participated for the first time in the BIG on Bloor Festival to strengthen relationships with community members.

February 2018

  • City-led community meeting.
  • Preliminary report presented to Toronto
    East York Community Council.

January 2018 to 2019

  • Application review with planning staff.
  • Community consultation.

2019

April 15, 2019

September 2021

  • Hazelview and Fitzrovia took over as co-development managers for the project.

2022

For West Block – From September 2021-2023:
  • February 2022 Commenced – Demolition of BCI School (phase 1 and phase 2).
  • Heritage commemoration plan approved by the City.
  • May 2023 – Below grade construction began on site for both Block A and Block B.

End of 2023 to
Present

  • Community engagement process began for the new park at 70 Croatia St (www.toronto.ca/70croatiastreet).
  • Project construction in progress.
  • Affordable housing building groundbreaking event (Summer 2024).