Construction has officially started on the Canoe Landing Centre, a multi-use facility located on the site formerly known as Block 31, at the corner of Fort York Boulevard and Brunel Court in Toronto’s CityPlace neighbourhood.

Integrated with the adjacent Canoe Landing Park, the new facility will include two elementary schools, in partnership with the TDSB and TCDSB, a community centre and a child care centre. Jean Lumb Public School (TDSB) and Bishop Macdonell Catholic (TCDSB) will each have a capacity of 550 children ranging from kindergarten to the eighth grade. Canoe Landing Child Care Centre will serve a total of 54 children, from infants to preschoolers. The mixed-use facility, designed by ZAS Architects, is expected to open in September 2019.

“I’m excited that families living in higher density communities such as this one will have access to these much-needed services,” said Councillor Joe Cressy (Ward 20 Trinity-Spadina) in a press release. “Not only will this facility fit with the surrounding architecture but it will be seamlessly integrated with the very popular Canoe Landing Park to provide more public space for the community to enjoy.”

The facility will feature a green roof, shared gym, separate outdoor play areas for each age group and various energy efficient elements within a modern, three-storey structure.

In 1992, Canadian National Railways transferred ownership of Block 31 to the City of Toronto. Since then, the city has entered into an agreement with the TDSB and the TCDSB to develop the site. Development levies were used to fund the facility’s construction.

“I am thrilled that schools, a community centre and child care are becoming a reality in this amazing, growing neighbourhood,” said TDSB Trustee Ausma Malik. “This collaborative project sets an example for how together we enrich and meet the needs of a vibrant and high density community. The benefits will be felt now and for many generations to come.”