The Junction is undergoing its biggest development boom in generations.
From large mixed-use projects and other industrial sites, the neighbourhood’s historic industrial character is rapidly changing into a new mix of homes, jobs(?), and public spaces (?) — forever altering the feel of the community.
In this ongoing series of posts, we’re looking at one of the major development areas in Toronto’s Junction. What makes the Ryding Ave Lands unique is that it still considers local industry — at least for now. However, these projects are also removing an important piece of the neighbourhood’s historic character: the old Stock Yards area where good industrial jobs still exist and the traditional blue-collar feeling of the Junction remains.
The Ryding Lands Study – Simple Guide – part 1 of a series on this project.
The Ryding Lands Study is shaping the future of a small pocket of industrial land along Ryding Avenue in Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood. Here’s what you need to know:
Key Facts
- Location: Ryding Avenue (between Keele St & St. Clair West), near Gourlay Crescent
- Size: About 3.15 hectares (8 acres)
- Current Rule: SASP 832 – No housing allowed until the study is complete
- Public Meeting #2: Public Engagement Meeting, Wed. April 15, 2026: David Appleton Community Centre, 33 Pritchard Avenue – 6:30pm
What the Study Will Decide
| Topic | What’s Being Studied |
|---|---|
| Housing | How much housing can be built and what heights are appropriate |
| Jobs / Non-Residential Space | Minimum amount of job space required (at least 15% of total floor area or 1.0x site area) |
| Affordable Housing | 10% affordable ownership or 7% affordable rental (locked for 99 years) – strongly encouraged |
| Parks & Streets | New public park space and better walking/cycling connections |
| Industrial Transition | How to phase out heavy uses (like meat processing) before new homes arrive (Ouch) |
