Last Updated - June 10, 2025
CreateTO, on behalf of City of Toronto and in collaboration with the Toronto Lands Corporation (TLC) and Toronto District School Board (TDSB), has launched a Request for Proposal (RFP) to advance the redevelopment of 705 Progress Avenue in Central Scarborough. The RFP seeks architectural services to re-envision a large commercial property to achieve several city-building outcomes. These outcomes include the establishment of a new public elementary school, the creation of a new city park, the introduction of affordable housing, and the development of a permanent community hub for local charities, non-profits or service providers.
Interested parties can access the RFP here through July 16, 2025.
In 1996, the former Scarborough Board of Education and the former City of Scarborough jointly purchased 705 Progress Avenue on a 50-50 basis, intending to redevelop the almost 11-acre site into an elementary school and municipal park. Given the area’s anticipated population growth, the site presents a valuable city-building opportunity for both the TDSB and the City of Toronto.
In 2021, City Council directed City staff and CreateTO to collaborate with the TDSB on developing a master plan for the site. This plan would explore additional uses, including housing and a community hub. The TDSB approved a conceptual master development plan in late 2024, which was subsequently endorsed by City Council and CreateTO this year.
More recently, the property was included in a larger emerging agreement that is advancing a Memorandum of Understanding among the City, the TDSB, and TLC. This agreement establishes a commitment to develop at least 20% of all residential units as affordable rental on school sites as part of housing initiatives across Toronto. This agreement would serve to advance the City’s housing supply targets and demonstrate the importance of partnerships across public institutions.
Through the launch of this RFP, TLC looks forward to advancing this agreement and collaborating with new development partners, intending to initiate construction at 705 Progress Avenue by 2027.