Before hosting the 2015 Pan-American Games TORONTO insisted that structures of lasting value be left behind. One of these projects is the former Athletes Village on the east side of downtown, which underwent a complete interior rebuild after the athletes checked out.  Buyers and renters will soon be moving into their apartments and townhouses. Most of the condo units were sold before the Games ended.

Neighbourhood attributes – next to Corktown Common park; Cherry Street streetcar line about to open; new YMCA; George Brown College; walking distance to the Distillery District; Young Centre for the Performing Arts; close to the city centre and Riverside, etc.

Writes architect BRANDON DONNELLY: “None of the retailers have moved in, so the area currently feels like TORONTO ‘post zombie apocalypse’ (to use a friend’s description of the neighbourhood). But all of the bones are in place for an incredible downtown neighbourhood.”

Mr. Donnelly is not all that keen on gray brick: “It’s gray on gray on gray. We’re playing into that boring Canadian stereotype here. I hope the subsequent developments introduce some wild colors. Although some red brick to tie into the Distillery District would work well too.”

But on the other hand: “Notwithstanding the gray, I’m super excited about the Canary District and I am generally bullish on the east side of downtown.”  Follow Brandon Donnelly on his ‘daily blog for city builders’ at http://www.brandondonnelly.com

<RENDERINGS – above and below what’s on its way to the Canary District>