By continuing to browse this site you permit us and our partners to place identification cookies on your browser and agree to our use of cookies. Review our Cookies Policy for details.
The transit-oriented community (TOC) proposal for Corktown Station offers a dynamic community with housing, jobs, commercial uses (including office and retail spaces), and community spaces, such as a library, connected to the Ontario Line subway and TTC bus and streetcar services. In recognition of the historical significance of the land, the province will work closely with the City of Toronto, stakeholders, the community, and Indigenous partners to collaborate on a meaningful plan to commemorate the rich heritage of Canada’s First Parliament site.
The Corktown Station site consists of both the First Parliament site (South site) and the block directly to the north of Front Street (North site), both of which have identified as TOC opportunities and will be redeveloped by the Province in line with the stated objectives of the TOC program.
Why is Corktown a designated TOC?
The future growth potential for the Corktown site is dependent on a planned transit station that will serve the surrounding neighbourhood, connecting to local bus and streetcar routes, as well as subway service along the Ontario Line. The proposed sites at the future Corktown Station would deliver a mix of new housing opportunities, commercial, retail and community space, while commemorating the history of the First Parliament site.
What are the benefits of the Corktown TOC Project?
The Province, in consultation with the City of Toronto, is working on a development proposal that would deliver new housing and a broad mix of uses to a future Corktown Station along the Ontario Line subway. This includes a City-planned library and public open space that will offer opportunities to commemorate the historic features and uses of the site and area, such as Indigenous heritage, the previous Lake Ontario shoreline and the former First Parliament lands and buildings.
The proposed development will support community uses and programming on the First Parliament site, providing approximately 2,300 square metres of new public institutional space (e.g. library).
While the site is now primarily occupied by a car dealership and several parking lots, the proposal protects for opportunities to highlight the many layers of history on the site, which include Canada’s First and Second Parliament buildings, the Home District Gaol and Consumers’ Gas Company operations.
Archaeological assessment of the First Parliament site will be undertaken before construction commences to understand and document its many layers of history and to conserve any artifacts that may be revealed through excavation. Metrolinx is working with the City of Toronto, the Indigenous Communities and community stakeholders to develop a historical interpretation and commemoration plan that will inform station design and future site planning.
Economic activity
Comprised of a mix of residential, transit, retail, office, institutional and open space uses, the proposed development will provide transit-supportive housing and employment opportunities introducing approximately 3,350 jobs at the heart of a future major transit station area.
The proposed development will deliver approximately 59,000 square metres of office and creates over 2,500 square metres of new retail space.
Environmental
The proposed development supports sustainability objectives by:
Introducing people and jobs directly adjacent to transit;
Providing on-site bicycle parking spaces in excess of by-law requirements;
Meeting or exceeding the requirements of green roofs and the Toronto Green Standard.
Housing
The proposed development is anticipated to deliver approximately 1,490 residential units, including affordable units. These will be complemented by high-quality communal indoor and outdoor amenity spaces which will act as an extension of personal living space, contributing to the well-being of residents and overall liveability of the area.
Connectivity
The Corktown transit Station will serve the surrounding neighbourhood as a transit hub; facilitating direct, convenient and accessible connections between the Ontario Line subway and existing surface transit routes along King Street East and Parliament Street including the 504 King streetcar and 65 Parliament bus; the 501 Queen streetcar and 75 Sherbourne bus are also accessible within a 5-minute walk (500m).
The proposed development supports the uptake of active transportation through the provision of over 2,000 bicycle parking spots with dedicated spaces reserved for transit users.
