A closer look at the new retail spaces in the Canary District in Toronto
By Lucas on Mar 22, 2016
A couple weeks ago, we received news that Dundee Kilmer and LiveWorkLearnPlay had selected four new retailers for the Canary District neighbourhood in Toronto, bringing the total number of retailers to 11. We were fortunate enough to meet up with President of Dundee Kilmer, Jason Lester, to walk the quickly developing area and chat about their interesting strategy for selecting the retailers.
Dundee Kilmer had a specific vision in mind for the retail environment at Canary District, much like their specific arts & culture vision for the Distillery District, which they developed. This is why Dundee Kilmer teamed up with LiveWorkLearnPlay, a company that specializes in retail curation, who are responsible for world-famous villages, including Blue Mountain and Mont Tremblant.
As you may know, Dundee Kilmer and LiveWorkLearnPlay have been selecting the retailers for Canary District based on a health & wellness theme. So far, about 80% of the retail space in Phase 1 has been leased (about 30,000 square feet in total). Lester says there is room for another restaurant and maybe two or three specialty shops.
“They didn't come to us, we seeked [sic] out them,” Lester said about the retailers that have been confirmed, which is very important to note. When we chatted with Rob Spanier, Partner and Principal of LiveWorkLearnPlay, about a year ago about the process of selecting the businesses that fit the health & wellness bill, he said that the owners had to write up new business plans for that specific location, as if they were applying for the spot. This is a good way of ensuring that the business is a good fit and that everyone will be successful.
OpusGlow Concept Spa
When we stopped in front of the future home of OpusGlow Concept Spa, Lester explained how they were “Really enthusiastic business owners...They had a good following, a good reputation, they were well capitalized, and they were very excited to be here.” It’s reassuring to see that there is a personal touch involved in the selection process and there are real, independent business owners behind these locations who are actually passionate about opening up shop in the Canary District.
Another thing we really like about the new retailers is that they’re not only offering products and services to the residents but they’re promoting and supporting community engagement throughout the neighbourhood. For example, The Running Room will be coordinating their meet-ups and jogging through the Don Valley. Gears will be the community’s pitstop on the way to the trails, and Think Fitness will give residents the opportunity to mingle while staying active.
Front Street in this area has been closed down for about five years now, and it will be reopening in approximately two weeks, shortly before occupancy begins, which is scheduled for April 11th. Dundee Kilmer is currently conducting predelivery inspections (PDIs) with owners, and they’ve completed about 50 so far. All of the retail is scheduled to open in June, except for Gears, which will open in April so they don’t miss out on the busy bike season.
The future of Canary District in Toronto
In total, there is about 60,000 to 70,000 square feet of retail space between Phase 1 and Phase 2. The second phase will consist of Blocks 12, 13, and 16. Lester explained how there were a few retailers that would have been in Phase 1 if they had the space to accommodate them, so much of Phase 2 is being designed with retailers already in mind. Phase 2 will also be health & wellness themed.
“The investment in the public realm, it’s unprecedented,” Lester said. “To have these granite pavers, the thoughtful public art pieces already up around the neighbourhood, having the uniqueness of the front street promenade. There’s more parks in this area than any other downtown location. The streetcar is going to be running, there’s been more talk about SmartTrack and future GO stations.”
We also toured a new model suite!
Without a doubt, Canary District is coming together as one of Toronto’s most well thought out master-planned communities ever. Canary District Condos and Canary Park are almost sold out, and Dundee Kilmer has made 60 deals with first-time homebuyers (instead of the original 50 offered) through the innovative MyHome program.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you can call Canary District home, then visit the presentation centre at 398 Front Street East Monday to Thursday from 12 pm to 6 pm or on the weekend from 12 pm to 5 pm. You can also call 416-603-7576 to book an appointment.
