queen street west retail space

5 spaces on Queen West that just won't rent

Queen Street West is one of the most popular places to visit in Toronto thanks to its eclectic mix of retailers and restaurants.

In recent years, however, much of the street - especially between University and Bathurst - has been made up of big-box retailers. And that's likely because they're the only ones that can afford the rent here.

Along Queen Street, there are also numerous storefronts that have been empty for quite a while now, and it doesn't look like tenants are moving in anytime soon.

Here are some of the places on Queen West that just won't rent.

365 Queen Street West

While C Squared used to be at 365 Queen St. W., the Silver Snail was next door at 367 Queen St. W. Both storefronts are now part of a new low-rise building that includes both modern and heritage elements.

256 Queen Street West Toronto256 Queen Street West

This storefront has been empty since Pages closed in 2009. Rent here is $75 per square foot, and it's 3,800 square feet in total.

272 Queen Street West Toronto272 Queen Street West

Before this was Carl's Jr, this location was home to HMV. That means this prime location could be home to either a restaurant or retailer next.

340 Queen Street West Toronto336-340 Queen Street West

This storefront was once Le Chateau and has been empty since Urban Behaviour closed. While it briefly transformed into Spirit Halloween in October it's still seeking a long-term tenant. The Pearl Group plans to transform it into a four-storey retail building.

607 Queen Street West Toronto607 Queen Street West

Gangster Burger flamed out a few years ago and nobody seems to want to take on the new lease.

Lead photo by

Derek Flack


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Latest in City

Over 100-year-old Toronto train station getting big changes after years of neglect

The evolution of the Toronto skyline since 1957

Canadians can cash in on all these government payouts in October

What the next three months of fall weather will look like in Ontario

More than 700,000 Ontario residents just got a raise

Iconic sign in Niagara Falls comes down marking end of era for Ontario tourist draw

Ontario cops on the hunt for people who took part in homecoming chaos

Daylight Saving Time ends soon and here's when Ontario clocks 'fall back'