One of downtown Toronto's last gas stations could be torn down for condos

Downtown Toronto's supply of gas stations is dwindling, and another one just joined the chopping block.

A proposed 50-storey condominium at the northeast corner of Richmond and Jarvis spells the potential end of an existing Petro-Canada location that has functioned as a gas station since the 1960s.

As more and more developers balk at the current condo market crash, it is the Alberta-based parent company of Petro-Canada, Suncor Energy, that is pursuing the redevelopment proposal for its 115 Jarvis site.

The proposal seeks to tear down the existing gas station and convenience store, and build a 50-storey condo tower in their place. The tower is proposed to rise almost 165 metres with a design by architects Arcadis that features a pair of fused volumes differentiated through contrasting finishes.

While many new proposals have opted to pursue rental housing amid a nosediving condo market, Suncor is planning 596 condominium units for the site.

Such residential densities are promoted by planning policies that support high-rise development in proximity to transit stations. The building would position residents just steps away from the future Moss Park Station on the Ontario Line, while the site is within easy walking distance of the existing Queen subway station.

But despite nearby subway access, as well as the 501 streetcar just steps away, it should still come as little surprise that the oil and gas giant behind the project felt it necessary to include a four-level underground parking garage that would add another 142 cars to clogged downtown streets.

However, the majority of the building's residential population would still be expected to get around via transit, as well as almost 600 bicycle parking spaces within the base of the tower.

The loss of this gas station would join other recent closures of fuelling points in the city centre.

Recently-demolished gas stations in Toronto include former Esso and Circle K locations at 176 Front St. E. and 241 Church St., both torn down in 2022, as well as another location at 952 King St. W., demolished in 2024.