Site of former abandoned KFC in Toronto is a step closer to becoming park

A long-awaited park at the corner of Queen Street West and Augusta Avenue is inching closer to reality after years of planning 

The City of Toronto is preparing to host a public open house this week where local residents and community members can review design concepts for the future park. City staff say the project has already received input from hundreds of participants, whose feedback has helped shape two potential design options for the space.

The park is set to span approximately 820 square metres at 464-470 Queen St. W., right at the corner of Queen and Augusta. Current plans for the small green space include seating areas, greenery, public art, and lighting.

The site of the future park. Photo: Google Maps.

According to the project's timeline, design development and the demolition of 468 Queen St. W. will take place through summer 2026, and a detailed design phase will follow through fall 2026. After this, the City plans on hiring a construction team.

If all timelines remain the same, construction on the park could begin as early as spring 2027, with the new park opening sometime in 2027. The City also plans to launch an online survey sometime this month to gather more feedback on the design options.

Plans for the park date all the way back to 2021, when it was revealed that the abandoned KFC-Taco Bell at the corner of Queen and Augusta, along with the long-standing sneaker retailer, SVP Sports, would be demolished to make way for the park.

Since then, the former SVP Sports space has been repurposed as It's Ok* Studios, an independent, Black-led, interdisciplinary arts hub that hosts creative programming and community events.

The upcoming open house is set to be held at It's Ok* Studios (468 Queen St. W.) on Tuesday, March 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.