We’re using the industry’s best practices to help reduce our impact.

From the very beginning, we knew that our business would be based on three central tenets: build future-proofed communities that anticipate the needs of tomorrow; incorporate human-centred design that responds to the way people really live; and do it all while respecting and protecting this planet that every one of us calls home.

Environmental Stewardship is always top of mind for us, and, with every new community we continue to add innovative and improved solutions to back this pillar, supporting long-lasting, balanced urban landscapes that ensure a better tomorrow. Here is a look at some of the best practices we’ve implemented across our communities.

Waste Reduction, Diversion & Management

Waste – the amount we produce as a community, as a company, as individuals – is an enormously pressing concern. That’s why, at every Collecdev community we have systems in place to reduce, divert, and manage waste as effectively as possible.

During every phase of construction, we use pro-active, on-site waste management and diversion programs that meet and exceed Toronto Green Standards (TGS), meaning that:

• 75% of the construction material from our sites is recycled.
• 86% of construction waste is diverted.
• Materials such as wood, scrap metal, drywall, concrete, and cardboard don’t end up in landfills, but instead are brought to the appropriate recycling facilities.

Beyond the construction phase we also aim to reduce building occupant waste by providing residents with the necessary tools to reduce and responsibly dispose of the waste they create. Our comprehensive Homeowner Manual helps residents make sense of what can and cannot be recycled which helps maximize our diversion from landfill, while information on nearby waste disposal depots helps them take care of the rest.

We also equip every Collecdev community with a tri-chute central waste collection system that sorts and separates garbage, recycling, and organics, as well as an accessible storage space for pick-up of textiles, bulky items, and hazardous waste. We constantly explore innovative technologies that can help incentivize residents to increase recyclable content and lower waste, reducing the volume of material destined for landfills and incinerators.

Environmentally-Friendly Technology & Protocols

Beyond waste reduction, we also aim to improve the performance and resilience of our communities with environmentally-friendly technology and protocols.

On the technology side, our construction team has introduced ECOPact concrete to current and future communities. ECOPact is a sustainable, low-carbon concrete with a 30-50% lower CO2 output compared to a standard concrete mix. The innovative material delivers the same great durability, strength, and performance, with a massive reduction in carbon emissions, building sustainability into each building from the ground up. It’s also helping us reach our goal to become net-zero in support of the initiative by the Government of Canada.

With an eye to fighting climate change and transforming the economy, the Canadian government has made a pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and proposed the Net-Zero Challenge to visionary businesses who want to do the same. At Collecdev, this endeavour is perfectly aligned with our commitment to reduce the carbon footprint of our communities and, as the industry moves away from fossil fuels, we continue to actively seek greener solutions to help decarbonise our environment, reduce waste, and improve construction efficiency.

Environmental initiatives are equally supported by the small details and, on the protocol side, we have enacted best practices on our sites like cloud-based construction management software that allows us to operate virtually paperless. From blueprints to tenders, drawings to documents, our Site and Management Teams have switched from paper to electronic communication, not only reducing our paper needs and environmental footprint, but improving timelines and organization as a result.

Geothermal Energy

The potential of geothermal energy to change the landscape of our industry can’t be overestimated and one of our proudest accomplishments in environmental stewardship has been our role in pioneering the technology in residential development in the GTA.

Already popular in many European countries, this innovative system reduces the environmental impact of urban development while addressing evolving customer needs.

Geothermal energy:

• Reduces a building’s carbon footprint
• Produces 70% less greenhouse gas.
• Uses about 40% less energy than a traditional HVAC system
• Saves over 5 million litres of water every year
• Reduces annual energy costs for the entire building
• Offers predictable monthly utility costs
• Pumps can simultaneously cool one part of the building while heating another, giving residents full control over their own space
• Reliable technology that works through every season
• Increases property value

When we introduced geothermal energy systems at Tretti, Nørdic, and Westwood Gardens, the industry took notice and has started to follow suit. We are proud to be leading the way for our peers, demonstrating that this sustainable and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems can have an enormous impact on urban development and effect industry-wide change that leads to a brighter future.

Every day, in all our communities, we are constantly trying to find new and better ways to protect the planet while continuing to develop the well-rounded environments that lead to a better quality of life. Visit collecdevmarkee.com to learn more.

The accolades for Cielo continue to accrue. The most recent honour? A nod on the shortlist for Interior Design Magazine’s Best of Year (BoY) Awards for Best Multi-Unit Housing Design. For more than 17 years, the BoYs have been honouring the best in design talent, celebrating designers, architects, and manufacturers from around the world in a gala event in New York City. They have come to represent the ultimate measure of excellence, showcasing what’s happening in the world of design today, while simultaneously setting the bar even higher for the future.

This year, the selection committee was captivated by the extraordinary design at Cielo – a statement of refined architectural modernism, with serene spaces that comfort, calm and inspire, together, creating a backdrop where people can live their lives, raise their children, and confront the triumphs and challenges of the everyday.

“This new building blends the modern charm of a high-rise with the historical significance of the Bloor Street United Church, all while creating a space that fosters community and connection,” says Andrew Dyke, KPMB partner and one of the architects on the project. Outside, a sweeping tower rises up from the 19th century neo-gothic landmark, creating the structure for aesthetically stunning interiors that expertly combine warm materials like wood, stone and meticulous touches of gold, to create a synergy between the sleek finishes and the ecclesiastical elements of the church.

“We knew from the start that Cielo was an exceptional project,” says Natascha Pieper, Collecdev’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, “but with each new nomination and award we continue to be honoured and humbled by the overwhelming response from both the industry and, more importantly, the purchasers who have chosen to make Cielo their home.”

The BoYs put Cielo in illustrious company, among some of the very best architects and designers in the world including Gensler and BIG – Bjarke Ingles Group. It’s a position not unfamiliar to KPMB, the renowned architectural firm responsible for Cielo and lauded for an extensive portfolio that includes award-winning projects like The Gardiner Museum and the restoration and renovation of the historic Royal Conservatory of Music campus with the addition of a breathtakingly beautiful new glass and brick performance venue, Koerner Hall, all just a few blocks away on Bloor.

“For us, the key thing is that it fits,” says Marianne McKenna, the KPMB partner heading the Cielo design team. “Even if a new building is of a different scale and of a different time, we’re firmly committed that it should complement the older buildings around it. We’re committed to making our neighbours feel good.”

With the striking plans for Cielo, the neighbours in the Annex will no doubt be overjoyed. The sleek and stylish residential tower will breathe new life into one of the city’s historic landmark structures, enhancing one of its most beloved neighbourhoods. A nod from Interior Design Magazine only confirms what we already knew – this community is an uncommon luxury, a place that will redefine Toronto’s skyline and quickly become a landmark Bloor Street address.

Don’t miss your opportunity to capture an uncommon luxury. Contact a member of our sales team today to learn more about our remaining suites.

By appointment only.
416 640 2543 | info@cielocondos.com

It should come as no surprise that Toronto’s most fashionable neighbourhood knows a thing or two about how to deck the halls in style, and this year is no exception. Fleurs de Villes is taking Christmas spirit to a whole new level with NOËL Bloor-Yorkville, a festive floral trail just in time for the holiday season.

From December 7-11, visitors can stroll along a spectacular trail of brilliant installations, created by Toronto’s favourite florists – over 30 pieces in total, including the famous floral mannequins, adorned in breathtaking attire trimmed in holly and pine.

The festive trail begins in the lobby of the W Hotel and unfurls to the west, with stops at Holt Renfrew, Eataly, the Park Hyatt and the Hazelton Hotel, to name a few, all just steps from Cielo, Collecdev’s spectacular community rising up at 300 Bloor Street West.

NOËL Bloor-Yorkville is just one of the incredible activities that populate a year-round calendar of events in the neighbourhood. Aside from an impressive array of upscale market eateries, amazing restaurants and designer boutiques, the area around Cielo is also home to public art installations, celebrity motor rallies, and Summer Music in the Park.

The western half of Bloor Street West offers a completely different vibe – relaxed, bohemian, cool, and decidedly unique. Then of course there’s the Annex, Harbord Village and the lush green campus at UofT. All in all, Cielo offers a truly exceptional opportunity to live in an architectural landmark, with breathtaking views, fabulous amenities and a rare Bloor Street address in Toronto’s most revered community. It’s no wonder it’s over 90% sold out.

It’s not too late to put a Cielo residence on your wish list! Contact a member of our sales team today and don’t miss the opportunity to capture an uncommon luxury this holiday season.

By appointment only.

1. +1 416 640 2543
2. info@cielocondos.com

Fleurs de Villes NOËL is taking place December 7-11. Visit the website for more detail. And for more information on Cielo, contact a member of our sales team.

Inspiration and innovation. Fashionable and functional. The consideration of cadence within the environment and the essence of comfort and convenience are all essential elements to creating a perfectly aligned ambiance and aesthetic that defines a complementary living experience. This is the art of designing interior space.

Every year the esteemed members of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) gather to recognize the creativity, innovation and talent of land developers, builders, renovators, designers, and marketers within our dynamic industry. This year The OHBA Awards of Distinction marked a milestone 30^th anniversary and were held in Niagara Falls, Ontario, to honour building excellence across the province of Ontario.

Where you live inspires how you live – as much as the location makes an immense difference, even more so does the environment within the walls you call home. It is with enormous pride we announce Cielo Condos has risen above the competition to secure the top Award of Distinction for Best High or Mid-Rise Condo Suite.

Designed by the renowned architectural firm KPMB, Cielo seamlessly incorporates one of Toronto’s most significant neo-Gothic structures, the revered Bloor Street United Church (BSUC), into a sleek and stylish residential tower. This uncommon luxury effortlessly flows from outside into the building, reinventing experiential living space unlike any other. With the vision to redefine the way space comforts and inspires living, whether for the move-up buyer/investor or the downsizer, the key to every suite at Cielo is to maximize living space and functionality while never losing sight of the element of form that supports this luxury brand.

While 716 square feet is certainly not small for a condominium in the heart of a world-class city, designing a space of this size does require clear focus and an emphasis on flexibility and performance. The most impressive feature of this suite design is the way it manages to create separate zones within a limited space. There are essentially two distinct and private sleeping ‘wings,’ each with its own bathroom, plus the entertaining area in the centre. The living/kitchen/dining space perfectly accommodates everything needed for today’s modern lifestyle. Flow has been considered and optimized, positioning the kitchen on an interior wall that performs equally well as the backdrop for a dinner party or a simple weeknight dinner. An expansive balcony runs the entire width of the unit, providing abundant natural light for every room and creating a space that prioritizes peace and wellbeing.

A luxuriously large feat for a smaller, sophisticated footprint, Cielo’s suites deliver inspiring space to entertain, socialize, and relax, all while taking in extraordinary views. And with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious balcony, an inviting living space and a den, they don’t have to sacrifice anything, even in 716 square feet.

This notable win for Best High or Mid-Rise Condo Suite is yet another acknowledgement of Cielo’s extraordinary community and lifestyle – one that is truly an “uncommon luxury.”

Each year, BILD’s Pinnacle Award for Best High-Rise Building Design is presented to the development that not only makes a significant contribution to its location and to the surrounding neighbourhood, but that provides real value to future residents. We’re thrilled to announce that this year, Cielo Condos has risen above the competition, capturing the hearts of the judges to win this prestigious award. 

Our vision for Cielo was not only to create a striking architectural presence that will rise above Bloor Street West and redefine Toronto’s skyline, but to create a true sense of community.

Designed by the renowned architectural firm KPMB, Cielo seamlessly incorporates one of Toronto’s most significant neo-Gothic structures, the revered Bloor Street United Church (BSUC), into a sleek and stylish residential tower.

The iconic architecture artfully blends the historic and the contemporary, creating the “refined modernist” aesthetic that has cemented KPMB’s reputation for design excellence across the globe.

“For us, the key thing is that it fits. It’s a KPMB hallmark. Even if a new building is of a different scale and of a different time, we’re firmly committed that it should complement the older buildings around it. We’re committed to making our neighbours feel good.” – Marianne McKenna, Founding Partner, KPMB

The neighbours around Cielo will no doubt be overjoyed.

The new design reopens the church to Bloor Street with portals, accented with a stunning bronze and glass screen, that open into a new narthex and to the sanctuary beyond. A transparent four-storey glass pavilion replaces the old annex wing of the church and houses both church offices and leasable space, providing an ongoing source of financial support for BSUC’s mission.

Above, the classic point tower glass box is split into two sections that pinwheel around each other on all four sides, creating two vertical strategies: one a grid of punched windows sheathed in bronze metal, and the other, a screen with a window wall behind. It’s this pas de deux between these two striking vertical gestures that gives the building its distinct visual identity, that and the unique hue of the metallic panels that artfully merges browns, purples, pinks and reds to reference the church’s original sandstone, creating a gorgeous kaleidoscopic amalgam that will undoubtedly glow.

“Cielo’s design sets the tone for an incredible lifestyle that fosters diversity, strong relationships and a sense of community, all hallmarks of what we stand for at Collecdev. Not only does it allow an extraordinary centuries-old church to continue to operate and evolve for today’s modern world, it creates new spaces where residents and the community can come together to feel connected, welcomed and engaged, enhancing one of Toronto’s most beloved neighbourhoods.”  – Natascha Pieper, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Collecdev

This exciting win for Best High-Rise Building Design goes beyond Cielo’s architecture to endorse a complete community, one that points to a future where development is socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable, truly an “uncommon luxury.”

The Olympics aren’t the only place to win gold these days – the radiant metal, awarded only to the best of the best, was also present earlier this month on stage in Orlando, Florida at The Nationals, where Cielo took to the podium for Multi-Family Community of the Year and Best Brochure.

As the foremost Sales and Marketing Awards from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the Nationals honour the best in the building industry for superior new home sales and marketing achievements in advertising, product and community design. Gold winners were selected by a panel of industry experts, from over 1,200 entries and Cielo topped the list.

“We are extremely proud of these awards,” said Collecdev Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Natascha Pieper, “Cielo is an example of a truly complete community, offering a lifestyle of luxury and convenience in the Annex, Toronto’s celebrated arts & cultural hub. Being recognized as the Multi-Family Community of the Year – and by one of the industry’s most important associations – is an honour and reinforces our commitment to raising the bar on the residential experience.”

To win Multi-Family Community of the Year, Cielo stood out from the crowd as a shining example of a building that’s more than just a place to call home. This exciting community encourages inspiration and connection, combining a prime location and a rare Bloor Street address with easy access to transit, world-class education, cultural institutions, designer boutiques and the city’s finest restaurants. With remarkable architecture, scintillating skyline views, sumptuous amenities, and extraordinary interiors, Cielo imbues luxury into every experience, every space, every interaction, every day.

The community brochure narrated that story beautifully, earning the project another win for Best Brochure, its second gold of the night, alongside five Silver Awards including Best Presentation Centre, Best Social Media Campaign and Best Digital Marketing Campaign. Overall it was a strong showing for Cielo and a huge nod from one of the largest trade associations in the U.S.

“We’ve always known that Cielo is an outstanding community,” says Pieper, “it’s wonderful to know that the industry agrees.”

To learn more about Cielo and about Collecdev’s full portfolio of inspiring, engaging communities, register today.

Our latest community is getting big kudos south of the border – Cielo has won 5 Silver National Sales and Marketing Awards from the NAHB.

The National Association of Home Builders – one of the largest trade associations in the U.S. – has recognized Cielo for:

• Best Brochure – Community
• Best Social Media Campaign
• Best Digital Marketing Campaign
• Multifamily Community of the Year
• Best Presentation Centre

The Nationals pay tribute to the best in the building industry for superior new home sales and marketing achievements in advertising, product and community design. Silver Award winners were selected by a panel of 13 industry professionals from across the country during a 4-day judging process, reviewing over 1200 entries. With such elevated competition, receiving the wins are an enormous honour for us and for Cielo, a community introducing “An Uncommon Luxury” to the Annex, Toronto’s celebrated arts & cultural hub.

The incomparably iconic building will reach toward the sky on Bloor Street West, a statement of refined architectural modernism, poised above a 19th century neo-gothic landmark, redefining the Toronto skyline. Residents will discover a lifestyle where breathtaking views stretch out in every direction across tree-lined Victorian streets; where the Bloor subway is at their doorstep; and where the designer boutiques of Mink Mile, the world-class University of Toronto, and the city’s finest restaurants are all just steps away.

“The Nationals are the most prestigious awards of their kind, setting the benchmark for innovations in new home design, marketing and sales,” said John Madden, chairperson of the Nationals.

Collecdev Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Natascha Pieper, concurs. “Cielo is an incredible community, offering a lifestyle of extreme luxury and convenience at a rare Bloor Street address. We’re honoured that the campaign we developed to tell the story of this exceptional project has been recognized by one of the industry’s most important associations.”

As a Silver Award winner, Cielo is also a finalist for the esteemed Gold Awards in the corresponding categories, to be presented in February 2022 in Orlando, Florida.

The Collecdev-sponsored ArtworxTO installation from world-renowned street artist Troy Lovegates is now complete and on display in full technicolour at the corner of Dupont Street and Howland Avenue. The vibrant piece spans the entire length of the brick building, creating a colourful presence that has already started to pop up across social media feeds, including the artist’s own.

Local business owner and chef, Anthony Rose, recently posted, “Ridiculously excited to have this tremendous piece of art on the side of Fat Pasha. I am in constant awe of the artist and have been for years. This piece is beyond. Please come check this beauty out for yourselves.”

Lovegates covered the surface in a rainbow of hues – the turquoise, lavender, chartreuse, poppy, emerald, peach, cobalt and dandelion creating a patchwork backdrop for ten intriguing faces of every race, gender, and age.

Walk through the neighbourhood for a visit and the faces might become familiar; following his signature artistic process, Lovegates immersed himself in the storied Annex neighbourhood to find inspiration for the mural, collaborating with community organizations to bring local characters and residents to life with an incredible level of artistic detail.

The Dupont Street Mural is just the latest example of Collecdev’s commitment to community building through the integration of diverse elements like public art that stimulate conversation, engage the public and enrich society as a whole. This portrait of the Annex is part of the bigger picture, one that helps support Toronto’s reputation as a thriving, accessible, welcoming home for locals and visitors alike, something we aim to do with every project.

The Dupont Street Mural is located at 414 Dupont Street. Drop by and snap a photo of this phenomenal installation today. #collecdev 

Listening to Berndnaut Smilde speak is a bit like listening to an architect – the Amsterdam-based artist talks at length about how he’s interested in witnessing his creations “change shape” and “reflect light,” and how each one “is rooted in a time and place.”

But Smilde isn’t discussing buildings, he’s talking about clouds, the natural phenomenon so ephemeral in nature: literally here one moment, gone the next.

It’s that sense of transience, of the “impermanent state of being,” that has obsessed the world-renowned artist ever since he created, then photographed, his first cloud installation, Nimbus, inside a small sixteenth-century chapel in Holland, back in 2012.

Smilde’s hyper-realistic cloud installations have come to life in factories, museums, castles and dungeons around the world, and to much critical acclaim. The original photo of Nimbus now resides at London’s famous Saatchi Gallery. In 2012, his innovative cloud-creating technique earned the artist a spot on Time magazine’s list of Top Inventions of the Year.

In 2013, international fashion magazine Harper’s Bazaar commissioned Smilde to create the mise en scène for a series of photographs with some of the world’s most famous designers – Karl Lagerfeld, Alber Elbaz, Donatella Versace, Dolce & Gabbana – in a piece, appropriately titled, ICONOCLOUDS. In 2021, his works are inspiring Cielo.

Cielo translates as “sky and heaven” in both Italian and Spanish, and the gorgeous cloud-scraping new tower rising on Bloor Street West will stretch towards the sky, reaching up to the very clouds that fascinate Smilde. The visual artist was initially inspired by the ubiquitous presence of cumulus clouds in classical Dutch paintings, a reflection of the country’s infamously rainy landscape. But, where Smilde’s artistic ancestors merely painted these magnificent forms, Smilde sought to “capture” them in interior spaces.

His precise scientific technique took over two years to perfect. Smilde creates the cloud by saturating the air within the space with a fine mist of water and then introducing a puff of smoke. The water condenses onto the smoke particles just like the droplets of a natural cloud form around tiny ‘condensation nuclei’ in the atmosphere. The clouds lasts a few seconds, just long enough to be photographed, thereby making the momentary everlasting, almost celestial.

When asked about his intention in creating these stunning images, Smilde is quizzically paradoxical. “On the one hand I wanted to create an ominous situation; you could see the cloud as a sign of misfortune. You could also read it as an element out of the Dutch landscape paintings in a physical form in a classical museum hall.” Whatever his intention, his “heavenly” nimbus images have transfixed gallery goers around the world with their other-worldly beauty. Soon, Cielo will do the same, elevating the Toronto skyline – architecturally and artistically – to new heights.

To learn more about Cielo, the Bloor Street residence bringing an uncommon luxury to the Annex – Toronto’s celebrated Arts & Cultural hub – visit cielocondos.com.

PHOTO: MICHAEL HOLLY <br/ >NIMBUS VISUAL, 2013 

Creating things that look good and that do good for the world and the people who inhabit it – it’s a philosophy that aligns perfectly with our ethos at Collecdev, and it’s exactly what’s taking place this week at Fleurs de Villes ROSÉ.

From August 4^th to 8^th, Fleurs de Villes, the globally-renowned cultivator of bespoke floral installations, returns to Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood, bringing with it a trail of floral creations touching down at Manulife Centre, Holt Renfrew, Pusateri’s, Brunello Cucinelli, The Hazelton Hotel, Yorkville Village, Yorkville Lane and more.

Over 35 pop-up installations are in full bloom, including floral couture mannequins, floral sculptures, fresh flower market stalls, and Fleurs de Villes CHIEN – a floral tribute to six delightful dogs.

In the plaza at 150 Bloor Street West, Collecdev and Cielo proudly present “The Cloud,” a light-as-air installation of pink gypsophilia, phelenopsis orchids, white ashley garden roses, white plumosa and pink and white hydrangeas.

Inspired by the ephemeral cloud installations of Dutch artist Berndnaut Smilde, the piece pays tribute to Cielo, Collecdev’s latest community, coming soon to 300 Bloor Street West.

The incomparably iconic building will reach toward the sky with an architectural beauty that seems otherworldly, in a profoundly connected location next to some of the city’s most important arts, retail, educational, and cultural institutions, many of which are hosting the colourful installations at Fleurs de Villes.

Visitors can pick up a map or scan a QR code to begin at Manulife Centre, and follow the trail throughout the Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood. In addition to The Cloud, be sure to stop by Il Patio di Eataly for an Aperol Spritz from the Floral VW Van (dubbed #SpritzBus), “paws” for a moment at Yorkville Village to see the spectacular floral interpretations of man’s best friend, and shop for fresh blooms at the pop-up flower markets on Saturday, August 7th, with a portion of proceeds supporting breast cancer research.

The entire event raises money for this important cause, with 10% of sponsorship and flower market sales donated directly via the Breast Cancer Society of Canada and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Best of all, the event is open to the public and entirely free!

“The Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood sets the perfect stage to showcase the world-class talent of Toronto,” says Fleurs de Villes Co-Founder, Karen Marshall. The neighbourhood’s internationally-renowned reputation as a destination for the very best fashion, food, wellness and culture is what attracted the creators of the event, the same traits that will appeal to residents at Cielo. Stop and smell the roses in Toronto’s most coveted neighbourhood, and discover what life can be like from a new home on Bloor Street West. 

Fleurs de Villes ROSÉ is taking place August 4th to 8th all around the Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood. For more information visit fleursdevilles.com. And to learn more about Cielo, register today.

Icebergs floating on the waterfront. A curbside fortune teller. Indigenous animal carvings on the TTC. Creativity and imagination are all around us these days, and it’s all thanks to ArtworxTO, a public art initiative from the City of Toronto.

Kicking off the city’s new 10-Year Public Art Strategy, ArtworxTO: Toronto’s Year of Public Art 2021-2022 is designed to “celebrate Toronto’s exceptional public art collection and the artists behind it.”

This exciting initiative supports artists and both new and existing artwork that reflects Toronto’s diversity and creates more opportunities for the public to engage with free public art in their everyday lives, across the entire city.

It’s in perfect alignment with our pillar of Social Sustainability, a commitment to integrating diverse programmatic elements that stimulate conversation and ensure private and public spaces are designed to enrich society as a whole. It’s why so many Collecdev communities include original art, space to create, and locations near rich cultural hubs.

Public art, as a tool for community development, civic engagement, and urban design, is everyone’s responsibility, especially those who play a direct role in shaping city growth. That’s why Collecdev is thrilled to announce our sponsorship of an ArtworxTO installation – the Dupont Street Mural by the prolific street artist Troy Lovegates.

One of the most recent additions is “Generally Speaking,” a brand-new 120-foot mural that can be found in Yorkville, near Cielo Condos. The mural is the first public piece in Canada by NYC-based African American artist Nina Chanel Abney. A self-identified queer woman, Abney’s works often explore themes of race, gender, pop culture, homophobia, and politics, and “Generally Speaking” is no exception.

The piece is full of graphic shapes, text, and icons that define an energetic visual language designed to raise awareness about cultural- and gender-based hate, and that urges the viewer to “‘stop’ for a moment of consideration on how we can embark on a communal process of healing through art and intentional contemplation.”

Plan your own route to discover Toronto’s impressive art scene using the city’s interactive artworks map where you can filter by artist, artwork name, type, neighbourhood or city program and set out to discover them all.

As Toronto continues to carve out a name for itself as a global leader in public art, Collecdev will continue to support the endeavours with commissions like the Dupont Street Mural and communities that put residents within easy reach of inspiring works. Join us for the unveiling and be a part of the legacy!

Learn more about Collecdev Communities by registering today.

For a colourful addition to your Instagram feed, follow the artists @troy_lovegates and @ninachanel.  <br/ >Image courtesy of ArtworxTO.

If you’ve spent any time walking through the neighbourhood surrounding 300 Bloor Street West then chances are that you’re already familiar with the work of KPMB. The award-winning, internationally-recognized Canadian architectural practice is responsible for more than half a dozen notable projects within a 1-kilometre radius.

Contemporary Collegiate to contemporary Modern – KPMB’s projects are defined by a deep and diverse response to place and people. The practice is united in their pursuit of community and sustainability, rooted in an essential belief in the power of architecture to have a positive influence on the way we live.

The firm has been repeatedly recognized for architectural excellence and has received over 300 awards, including 16 Governor General’s Medals, Canada’s highest honour. Founding partners, Bruce Kuwabara, Marianne McKenna, and Shirley Blumberg are each recipients of the Order of Canada for their contribution to Canadian culture and society. Read on to discover some of their signature work in the neighbourhood, and what they have in store for 300 Bloor Street West.

University of Toronto St. George Campus | 7-minute walk<b/r>As part of a consortium with Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates and Urban Strategies, KPMB developed the winning proposal to transform 20 acres of the University of Toronto’s historic St. George campus into one of the largest landscape infrastructure projects ever proposed in Canada. Principal at University College and Co-chair of Landmark Committee, Donald Ainslie, called the site “one of the crucial landscapes of the country” with a mandate to “make it live up to its history.”

The future landscape will include a series of meandering, interwoven, car-free paths and stately columns of oak trees, creating a pedestrian-friendly realm that will reimagine four landmark spaces and redefine the storied university campus for future generations.

Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto | 8-minute walk
The Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto combines international studies with a Canadian point of view. Similarly, KPMB’s expansion of the facilities combines two diverse elements – the existing traditional Romanesque Revival style with distinctively contemporary additions, where glass and steel act as counterpoints to the rough-hewn texture of historic Miramichi sandstone.

The overall vision embraces the prime location on Bloor Street West, preserving the historic elevation and creating a prominent portal onto the campus.

The Joseph L. Rotman School of Management Expansion, University of Toronto | 6-minute walk
In 2012 KPMB envisioned an expansion for the Rotman School of Management, a nine-storey, 161,500 square foot LEED-accredited vertical campus that has played a major role in establishing Rotman as the #1 Business School in Canada, as named by Business Insider, QS Global MBA Rankings, and the Financial Times.

The innovative campus brings the power of integrated thinking to life, using a central atrium staircase that acts as a catalyst to encourage interaction between students, alumni, and faculty, comprising some of the top business minds in the world.

Home to the Desautels Centre for Integrative Thinking; the Lloyd and Delphine Martin Prosperity Institute; a 400-seat multi-purpose lecture/event hall; a diverse mix of classrooms, conference and multimedia rooms; innovation labs; student lounges; study rooms; offices; and many other research programs and Institutes for Excellence, the expansion creates an environment in which ideas about business strategy and thought leadership for economic prosperity combine in a vibrant global hub.

Park Hyatt | 9-minute walk
Located at the north-west corner of Avenue Road and Bloor, the Park Hyatt reimagines the boutique hotel experience, establishing the historic building as a prime location for cultural and commercial convergence.

Mindful of the impressive heritage of the original Park Plaza, a hotel that welcomed generations of Canadian and international authors, opera singers, celebrities, and politicians for over a century, KPMB tapped into the rich memory of the past while anticipating a vibrant future. The renovated Park Hyatt continues the tradition of sophisticated hospitality in 240 hotel rooms; 65 luxury rental residential units; a redesigned lobby, restaurant, and roof-top bar; conference centre and ballroom; and a new 8,000 square foot Stillwater Spa with 13 treatment rooms.

Royal Conservatory TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning, Koerner Hall & Ettore Mazzoleni Hall | 6-minute walk
KPMB’s vision for the award-winning Royal Conservatory helped define a new cultural precinct for Toronto. With a prominent position on Bloor, at the threshold of the University of Toronto’s downtown campus, the breathtaking home for Canada’s premier music and arts educator includes a unique hybrid of a teaching and rehearsal facilities, along with three major performance venues.

Once again demonstrating a flair for seamlessly combining historic buildings with contemporary design, KPMB created a glass and steel sky-lit pedestrian court that links the Bloor Street entrance to the lobby and concert hall and provides a dynamic counterpoint to the façades of the heritage buildings. Siting, massing, and articulation were carefully considered to respect the 19th century heritage buildings that have housed the Conservatory since 1962.

The 1,135-seat Michael and Sonja Koerner Concert Hall is the performance heart of the Conservatory, a world-class venue renowned for both its acoustic excellence and its architectural beauty. Its undulating wood ‘veil’ has become an iconic image for the RCM. Just down the hall, the 240-seat Ettore Mazzoleni Hall has been restored to its original splendour, contemporary interventions integrating with the restored shell to create a flexible performance space for voice, solo, and orchestral recitals.

One Bedford | 5-minute walk
A high-end residential development bordering the Annex, One Bedford marks the transition from the heritage neighbourhood to the north, to the retail/institutional area to the south. To create a seamless evolution, KPMB designed a hybrid building form composed of two towers set on an eight-storey limestone-clad base. The north tower, a lower glass building, mediates between the base and the south point-tower, rising above with an exterior expression that echoes the masonry of the Annex neighbourhood.

Gardiner Museum | 9-minute walk
In 2006 KPMB took on the renewal of a small museum for ceramic arts and the façade of the Gardiner Museum was forever changed. The original building, completed in 1983, was stepped back from the street to preserve unobstructed views of an adjacent neoclassical-style limestone façade, and completely reclad in limestone to match new additions.

Vertical circulation and below-grade excavation produced a complete reconfiguration of the museum. Working closely with the exhibit designers, KPMB also designed the new exhibition display casework. The Gardiner has expanded its audience and has become a highly sought-after venue for Toronto events.

300 Bloor Street West | 0-minute walk
KPMB has a bold vision for 300 Bloor Street West, a plan that will transform the site into a skillfully designed mixed-use community of retail, offices, residential, and a completely renovated home for Bloor Street United Church. Evident in so many of KPMB heritage projects, the plans for 300 Bloor Street West give due deference to the historic church façade, respecting and engaging the existing masonry structure, while the tower’s minimal form and detailing introduce openness, space, and light. The church will maintain a prominent presence along Bloor, while along Huron Street, the residential lobby will present a lively and inviting gesture to the neighbourhood.

For more details on KPMB visit their website.
Photo Courtesy of KPMB

Bloor Street is known for many things – luxury retail, the tree-lined paths of Philosopher’s Walk, the beautiful Gothic Revival buildings that dot the campuses at UofT, and a slate of restaurants and cafés loved by gourmands around the city.

It’s also a bustling hub of culture with the Bloor Street Culture Corridor stretching one mile from Bathurst to Bay, home to a dozen permanent world‐class arts organizations and venues.

From your new suite at 300 Bloor Street West you’ll be steps away from the city’s most venerable institutions for music, film, art, and history. Whether your tastes run classic or contemporary, whether you favour Westwood, Wes Anderson, or Wagner, you’ll find something to surprise and delight. Clear your calendar, culture is on the agenda.

Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum is home to a world-class collection of art objects and natural history specimens from around the world and across the ages. Upcoming exhibits include an immersive and playful exhibition on one of the most adored fictional characters of all time – Winnie-the-Pooh; a look at thousands of years of India’s painted and printed cottons; and photographs from the most prestigious nature photography competition in the world. Have fun exploring the largest museum in Canada.
100 Queens Park | 9-minute walk

Bata Shoe Museum
North America’s world-renowned shoe museum is a veritable treasure trove of shoes and shoe-related artifacts. Explore an unrivalled collection across five floors. Marvel at heels, sneakers, platforms, sandals, and pointe shoes that once belonged to Roger Federer, Elton John, Karen Kain, Marilyn Monroe, Robert Redford, Elizabeth Taylor, Queen Victoria, and Terry Fox.
327 Bloor Street West | 2-minute walk

Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
This historic, century-old cinema was one of the first picture palaces in Toronto and is now home to first-run Canadian and international documentaries year-round. It began its illustrious history as the Madison Theatre, and has since had many names including The Capri, Eden, Bloor Theatre, and the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema. In 2016, following a generous gift from the Rogers Foundation, the cinema was officially named the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema.

Today the theatre, conveniently located at Bathurst Subway Station, continues to share the best in documentary programming, including The Great Green Wall, a breathtaking music-filled journey documenting an initiative to restore 8000 km of land across Africa and Ai Weiwei: Yours Truly, where the renowned artist and activist transforms Alcatraz prison into an astonishing act of socially engaged art;
506 Bloor Street West | 9-minute walk

The Royal Conservatory of Music
The Royal Conservatory is one of the largest and most respected music education institutions in the world. It’s also home to Koerner Hall, a dazzling “shoebox-style” venue described by famed concert pianist Lang Lang as “the best acoustic hall in the world.” The space has attracted performers as diverse as Yo-Yo Ma and Meryl Streep, and is renowned for its unparalleled acoustics.
273 Bloor Street West | 6-minute walk

Yorkville Galleries
This may not be one venue per se, but the collection of galleries in Yorkville is certainly a cultural experience not to be missed. From the contemporary Canadian and international art at Mira Godard Gallery, to the fine arts and photography at LUMAS, there are myriad spaces that will inspire. Flip through rare, out of print, and limited-edition Canadian art books at Ingram Gallery. “Score” a great Instagram pic with the sculpture of a Canadian hockey goalie out front of Loch Gallery on Hazelton Avenue.
Yorkville | 11-minute walk

When Toronto entered Stage 3 of the province’s reopening plan late last month, gyms were among the many businesses finally allowed to reopen their doors, but with mandated capacity limits and physical distancing, plus some places opting to enforce the use of masks, not everyone is rushing to jump back on the treadmill, especially when there’s the option to stay outside.

Studies show that exercising al fresco lowers blood pressure, improves your mood, helps with depression, and reduces stress.

Plus it’s absolutely free! So while the sun is shining and Mother Nature is cooperating, why not swap your gym time for a little stress-busting outdoors. Here are five perfect spots near 300 Bloor Street West to do just that.

Sprints on Philosopher’s Walk
This scenic footpath runs north-south, from Bloor Street to Hoskin Avenue, carving a path along a ravine landscape that was one a natural waterway, buried during the Industrial Age. Though just 400 metres long, the Walk is a fantastic spot for sprint training or a marathon leg day of never-ending frog leaps, step-ups, and walking lunges. With the architecture of the ROM, the Royal Conservatory of Music, Trinity College, the U of T Faculty of Music, and the U of T Faculty of Law to distract you, you’ll hardly notice the time fly by.

Cross-Training in Huron-Washington Parkette
Two minutes from home you’ll find the Huron-Washington Parkette. Don’t let the primary colours fool you – this is the perfect spot for expert calisthenic (read: bodyweight) training. Work your way from head to toe through a series of pushups, pullups, lunges, plank holds, air squats, burpees, and tricep dips. Use the benches, the playground, the grass. Get creative. Who says kids get to have all the fun?

A Walk Through Queen’s Park
If you want to do good for your mind, body, and soul then call up some friends and head out for an hour of socializing in the sunshine with a walk through neighbouring Queen’s Park. Named in honour of Queen Victoria, the urban park offers myriad ways to crisscross its oval layout. The north end is dominated by a canopy of large trees that provide welcome shade when temperatures rise. The south end is home to the Queen Elizabeth II Rose Gardens. Footpaths radiate in every direction – see how many new paths you can chart without repeating.

Outdoor Running Along the Beltline Trail
Mid- to long-distance runners take note, 300 Bloor Street West is a great home base for your outdoor runs. A 5-kilometre route that cuts across the leafy ravine of the Park Drive Reservation Lands and the forested trails of the Evergreen Brick Works will deliver you to the start of the Beltline Trail and back again in 10k. Another 1.4 kilometres and you’ll be in the heart of Mount Pleasant Cemetery where you have the option to continue along the Kay Gardner Beltline trail to complete 18k before arriving back home.

Bike the Humber Valley Trail
A straight shot across Bloor Street West will take you to Old Mill station where you can descend to the Humber Valley Trail. Head south along a paved route from the Old Mill through parklands and marshy areas until you arrive at the shores of Lake Ontario. Or head north where advanced riders can clock 56 km in total if you cycle the entire route from the Old Mill to Etobicoke and back again.

300 Bloor Street West is the perfect home base to break a sweat in nature, on two wheels or on two feet. Register today and find your new home.