Toronto City Council recently approved zoning applications for six significant development projects, marking a major step toward expanding residential and mixed-use spaces across the city. Spanning multiple neighborhoods from Etobicoke to East York, these projects will provide a mix of market-rate and affordable housing, purpose-built rentals, and mixed-use developments that will contribute to Toronto’s growing skyline.
For construction professionals, these approvals translate into upcoming opportunities for builders, tradespeople, engineers, and project managers as these developments move closer to the construction phase. Below are the details of the six approved projects:
1. 450 Dufferin Street
Developer & Architect: Hullmark & Superkül
Location: 450 Dufferin Street, Little Portugal
Application Type: Official Plan and Zoning By-Law Amendment
Approved for construction is an 18-storey purpose-built rental building featuring 175 three-bedroom units, six of which will be affordable. The project includes 3,918 sq. ft of non-residential space at street level. This development is expected to create job opportunities for structural engineers, electricians, and plumbing professionals as it integrates modern high-rise residential construction techniques.
2. 1-19 Thelma Avenue
Developer & Architect: DealCore Properties & Cranson Capital, designed by Richard Wengle Architect
Location: 1-19 Thelma Avenue, Forest Hill
Application Type: Official Plan and Zoning By-Law Amendment
Storeys reports that this seven-storey residential apartment building will provide 24 spacious three-bedroom units, ranging from 1,980 to 3,046 sq. ft. The project also includes 55 vehicle parking spaces and 36 bicycle parking spaces. The high-end residential nature of this project suggests a focus on premium materials and detailed craftsmanship, offering work for finishing carpenters, HVAC specialists, and high-end flooring contractors.
3. 267-275 Merton Street
Developer & Architect: Collecdev-Markee Developments & CreateTO, designed by gh3
Location: Davisville Village
Application Type: Zoning By-Law Amendment
This ambitious 40-storey mixed-use affordable housing development will be built on city-owned land, aligning with Toronto’s HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan. The project includes 494 residential units, of which 148 will be affordable, alongside 1,076 to 3,229 sq. ft of non-residential space. A new on-site park and 496 bicycle parking spaces will also be part of the development. With a high-rise tower of this magnitude, demand for crane operators, concrete formwork specialists, and steelworkers will be high.
4. Bela Square Phase 2 (90 Eastdale Avenue & 2 Secord Avenue)
Developer & Architect: DBS Developments, designed by Arcadis
Location: East York
Application Type: Zoning By-Law Amendment
The second phase of Bela Square includes a 40-storey residential building with 535 units, 35 of which will be rental replacement units. The development also features 141 vehicle parking spaces and 603 bicycle parking spaces. The project secured an additional approval for Rental Housing Demolition, allowing for the removal of 31 existing rental dwelling units. This large-scale residential tower will provide ample work for masons, glazing specialists, and drywall installers.
5. 210 Markland Drive
Developer & Architect: Hazelview Investments, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects
Location: Etobicoke
Application Type: Zoning By-Law Amendment
This project features three new mixed-use buildings of 9, 10, and 12 storeys, alongside an existing 13-storey rental building with 152 units. The new buildings will add 484 residential units, 3,530 sq. ft of non-residential space, and a 17,125-sq. ft park. The development also integrates a 16,716-sq. ft Privately-Owned Publicly Accessible Space (POPS), ensuring pedestrian-friendly features. Work will involve landscaping, site servicing, mechanical systems, and electrical installations.
6. 87 Ethel Avenue
Developer & Architect: iKore Developments, designed by Turner Fleischer Architects
Location: The Junction
Application Type: Zoning By-Law Amendment
One of the largest projects in this round of approvals, the development at 87 Ethel Avenue includes four towers of 34, 34, 31, and 31 storeys, delivering 1,409 rental units, 141 of which will be affordable. The project will also feature 77,963 sq. ft of non-residential space for office, retail, daycare, and institutional uses. A 947-vehicle parking garage and 1,580 bicycle parking spaces are included. This large-scale project will require significant structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering expertise, along with extensive trades work across various disciplines.
Construction & Workforce Implications
The approval of these six projects represents a major investment in Toronto’s built environment, creating new opportunities for contractors, tradespeople, project managers, and engineers. From structural concrete work and glazing installation to HVAC and electrical systems, these projects will provide steady employment for thousands of workers in the coming years.
Looking Ahead
Additional development approvals may follow, further expanding the city’s residential and commercial landscape. As construction timelines are established, Toronto’s construction workforce can anticipate new projects, job opportunities, and advancements in urban infrastructure.
These projects mark an exciting chapter in Toronto’s urban growth, with strong implications for the city's workforce and economic development. The approvals bring these developments one step closer to breaking ground, fueling progress for both builders and future residents alike.
