A major redevelopment vision is emerging at Burlington Centre mall, where 11 residential towers—ranging from 23 to 37 storeys—have been proposed to replace the now-closed Hudson’s Bay store and adjacent surface parking. The ambitious plan, prepared by Turner Fleischer Architects for RioCan REIT, would dramatically reshape the northeast corner of the 777 Guelph Line property into a high-density, mixed-use community.
Project Scope and Early Proposal Details
Although still in the early stages with no formal planning application submitted, the proposal outlines an eight-building, 11-tower development across a 40,645m² parcel. The towers would introduce a total of 3,476 residential units and 7,279m² of retail space at grade, helping establish an active and pedestrian-friendly street presence.
The vision includes:
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Four towers at 23 storeys
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Two towers at 25 storeys
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One tower at 29 storeys
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Two towers at 33 storeys
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Two towers at 37 storeys
Combined, these towers would create a total gross floor area of 249,558m², with 242,279m² allocated to residential and the rest for retail, reflecting a high-density Floor Space Index (FSI) of 6.14.
Site Characteristics and Transit Access
The proposed redevelopment site lies between Fairview Street to the north and Prospect Street to the south, within Burlington’s Dynes neighbourhood. The area includes the now-vacant Hudson’s Bay building, Active Green + Ross, and a significant portion of surface parking. It is approximately 1.8 km from Burlington GO Station, with access to Lakeshore West GO rail and bus services. Nearby Burlington Transit stops are within a four-minute walk.
Though not currently within a designated Major Transit Station Area (MTSA), the site’s location near regional and local transit connections supports the intensification vision. Metrolinx’s future GO Expansion plans also aim to increase service frequency, making this location increasingly accessible.
Public Realm and Urban Integration
Plans show a focus on integrating the development into the surrounding urban fabric through the addition of two new public streets:
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A north-south road connecting Fairview and Prospect streets
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An east-west extension toward the Canadian Tire lot to the east
A new public park covering 4,237m² is also proposed, positioned near the location of the former Hudson’s Bay building. The green space is designed to offer a central community gathering point, anchoring the residential towers and enhancing livability.
Construction Potential and Workforce Outlook
While timelines are not yet established, the scale of the proposal would generate significant construction activity over multiple years. This includes opportunities for:
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Site preparation and infrastructure for new public streets and park space
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High-rise concrete and steel framing across 11 towers
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Retail-grade podium construction with storefront interfaces
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Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing system installation
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Extensive cladding, window, and balcony installation across towers
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Streetscaping and public realm development
Urban Toronto reports that the need for skilled trades—from crane operators and concrete workers to mechanical installers and finishers—will be substantial, with each tower contributing to sustained employment over multiple construction phases.
Wider Development Context in Burlington
This proposal follows years of speculation regarding the Hudson’s Bay site, which officially closed in February 2025. Nearby high-rise projects such as the Paradigm Condominiums (18 storeys) and upcoming proposals at Brant and Ghent (up to 25 storeys) reflect the city’s growing push toward vertical growth.
Elsewhere in Burlington:
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2362 Fairview Street has an 11-storey proposal
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795 Brant Street is planned for 33 storeys
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Holland Park Garden would bring seven towers ranging from 29 to 37 storeys
Conclusion: A Redevelopment with High Stakes and High Potential
The Burlington Centre redevelopment proposal is one of the largest and boldest residential visions the city has seen to date. With 11 towers, thousands of new homes, retail space, new streets, and a central park, the project could reshape not just the mall site—but the future skyline of Burlington.
For those in the construction industry, it presents a rare opportunity to work on a large-scale, multi-phase urban project, helping transform a post-retail landscape into a thriving residential and mixed-use community.
