The Gardiner Corridor Alliance (GCA) is a group of developers, designers, planners, and other professionals working to transform the 6.5km stretch of land along and adjacent to the elevated Gardiner Expressway. Learn more about some of our inaugural members: EllisDon and Wallman Architects.
Get to know the members of the Gardiner Corridor Alliance (GCA), who represent a range of fields working from Dufferin to the DVP, from Liberty Village to the Port Lands, including: real estate; investment and capital; architecture, design, and planning; law practice; engineering; construction and project management; place-makers: and public agencies.
EllisDon
Q: Tell us about EllisDon. What do you think is your key differentiator?
A: EllisDon is an employee-owned global construction services company with a purpose to redefine the construction industry. EllisDon is focused on innovation and sustainability while delivering the future of construction by empowering people to push beyond traditional construction boundaries. With thousands of salaried and hourly employees across 15 national and international offices, EllisDon has become a leader in every sector and nearly every facet of the construction industry.
As a company, we build on great relationships, and this has been a key differentiator for EllisDon. At our core, we are a company that prioritizes individuals and values relationships. Each project, regardless of size, is viewed not merely as a task to accomplish but as a chance to fortify connections and make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and the broader community. This commitment has enabled us to build lasting relationships with clients and achieve great success in the projects we have completed.
Q: What projects are you most well-known for in Toronto?
A: As the world’s first stadium with a retractable roof, the SkyDome (now named the Rogers Centre), which opened in 1989, is a Toronto icon. Home to the Toronto Blue Jays and formerly the Toronto Argonauts, this 52,000-seat venue attracts millions of fans every year. More than just a sports venue, this structure is a must-see for tourists, and its unique design has become a symbol of Toronto’s modern architecture. Its place on the city’s skyline is undeniable, representing both innovation and entertainment.
Located within CIBC Square, 81 Bay Street is a striking 54-storey office tower that plays a key role in shaping Toronto’s Financial District. The building houses the newly constructed Union Station Bus Terminal, which serves as a major hub for thousands of commuters daily. A standout feature of the project is the West Terrace Overbuild, a public park that spans overactive railway tracks, providing green space that connects office tenants and the public alike. This integration of architecture, urban planning, and transit connectivity reflects Toronto’s commitment to sustainable development and efficient infrastructure.
In the heart of Toronto’s Railway Lands West precinct, the Condos at 150 Dan Leckie Way provide 428 units designed with low-income families in mind. This project stands out for its focus on community, with shared spaces like communal kitchens and children’s playrooms, fostering a sense of belonging. As one of the city’s few affordable family housing options, this development enriches Toronto’s housing landscape while promoting sustainable living.
The Southcore Financial Centre is a landmark project, located in Toronto’s southern core, comprises three major buildings, including the PwC Tower, Bremner Tower, and the Delta Toronto Hotel. Together, they redefine downtown living and working, with state-of-the-art office spaces and a luxurious hotel connected to Union Station. The Southcore Financial Centre has become a symbol of Toronto’s growing business district and its future as a global financial hub.
West Block is a transformative development that combines residential, retail, and commercial spaces. The project includes two residential towers—LakeShore and LakeFront—that stand 40 and 44 stories tall, respectively. The first phase of this project also included a 50,000 sq. ft. Loblaws supermarket and over 87,000 sq. ft. of retail space. With its central location near the Gardiner, the West Block is well-positioned to serve as a key urban hub, contributing to the revitalization of Toronto’s waterfront.
The LCBO Building at 100 Queen’s Quay is a 24-storey office and retail tower that stands out in downtown Toronto. The building includes a two-floor podium dedicated to retail space, anchored by a flagship LCBO store, and features four levels of underground parking. This development is strategically located in the heart of the city, near the Gardiner Expressway.
Q: What completed projects along the Gardiner corridor (Dufferin to the DVP) are you most proud of?
A: As part of the CIBC Square development, 141 Bay Street will join 81 Bay Street in becoming a remarkable new office tower right in the heart of Toronto’s Financial District. This massive development will provide a blend of commercial spaces and public areas, including a park that will span over the rail corridor. With its prime location near the Gardiner and a connection to Union Station, this tower will be a key part of enhancing the city’s skyline and improving connectivity for workers and residents alike.
Since 2013, we have also successfully completed three crucial bridge projects along Dufferin Street for both the City of Toronto and Metrolinx, encompassing emergency repairs, a bridge extension, and a complete bridge replacement. While these projects might appear modest in scope at first glance, they are, in fact, vital components of the city’s infrastructure, serving as key arterial routes that facilitate smooth and efficient traffic flow to and from the Gardiner Expressway.
Q: What projects do you have in the works along the Gardiner that people should watch for?
EllisDon is currently completing the Port Lands Flood Protection and Enabling Infrastructure program, a collaborative venture being undertaken by Waterfront Toronto, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, the City of Toronto, Province of Ontario and Federal Government of Canada. The Port Lands are one of North America’s largest undeveloped brownfield sites. The re-naturalization of the Don River mouth through the Port Lands is a critical first step in unlocking the redevelopment potential of the area. The project will establish diverse ecosystems and includes the addition of substantial parkland areas and recreational trails, community spaces, and Cherry Street roadway realignment and reconstruction.
Under a separate contract within the larger Port Lands program, EllisDon successfully demolished the Gardiner Logan ramp over the course of five weekends. Prioritizing sustainability, we recycled materials whenever possible and meticulously managed the disposal of non-reusable debris in accordance with environmental standards. This approach not only minimized waste but also ensured that the project’s environmental footprint was kept to a minimum.
EllisDon was also recently awarded the Gardiner Bridges Rehabilitation project, spanning five locations from Kipling Avenue to Park Lawn Road, with mobilization activities underway.
Wallman Architects
Q: Tell us about Wallman Architects. What do you think is your key differentiator?
A: Wallman Architects has been shaping cities with bold, thoughtful design since 2006. Founded by Rudy Wallman and built on a legacy stretching back to 1985, our team is all about collaboration, creativity, and delivering impactful spaces. We’re big believers that good design should do more than look great. It should support resilience, equity, and well-being in every community we touch. We are proud to have been at the forefront of delivering housing in multi-unit residential buildings and have the honour to shape communities and people’s homes. We collaborate closely with developers and partners to bring value beyond profit to deliver design that’s socially meaningful and culturally impactful.
Q: What projects are you most well-known for in Toronto?
A: Every project is an opportunity to create something enduring, not just in concrete and steel, but in community, comfort, and beauty. We pride ourselves in ensuring our buildings respond to context and the needs of our clients, so to us, each building is special. We strive for each of our designs to be different and original, so it is difficult to choose. However, our most recent completed endeavour was a project with Tridel on the luxury residences at The Well, a development that has transformed the former site of The Globe and Mail. Also, our Scala Condominium project at Leslie and Sheppard has truly reshaped the landscape in that neighbourhood.
Q: What completed projects along the Gardiner corridor (Dufferin to the DVP) are you most proud of?
A: One standout is 10 York, a sleek, glassy tower that turns heads from the Gardiner Expressway. Its striking, tapered form soars dramatically up from a challenging triangular-shaped site. The building’s dynamic design not only makes a strong visual impact but also reflects our studio’s approach to shaping dense urban environments with clarity and purpose.
Other notable projects in the area are Minto Westside, Liberty Tower in Liberty Village, and Time & Space at Front and Sherbourne. Bringing these buildings to life was our goal to deliver high-performance design to the city’s evolving fabric. Working with clients such as Tridel, Lifetime and Minto, who truly understand the city’s potential and who trust us to push the boundaries of creativity, has allowed us to deliver spaces that enhance both the built environment and our clients’ business goals.
Q: What projects do you have in the works along the Gardiner that people should watch for?
A: Rising soon at the vibrant intersection of Queens Quay West and Lower Simcoe, Q Tower Condos promises to be a defining landmark on Toronto’s ever-evolving waterfront. This striking 60-storey residence by Lifetime Developments is a bold reimagining of urban life by the lake. With its sculptural silhouette and thoughtful design, Q Tower harmonizes visionary architecture with the everyday needs of its residents. This is our latest opportunity to craft a dynamic presence on the skyline. One that offers sweeping views of the city and Lake Ontario, while seamlessly weaving into the rhythm and character of the surrounding streetscape.