Toronto parking lot popular with CNE visitors will disappear for good this fall

A new "game-changer" sports facility is set to replace a Toronto parking lot that, for decades, has served as a major draw for visitors attending the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) and other events held at Exhibition Place.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow was joined by Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik and representatives of the Toronto Tempo on Friday to share news of the new Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) practice facility and community recreation hub planned just east of Princes' Gates, on the current surface parking lot at 701 Fleet St.

The existing parking lot just northeast of the Strachan Ave. and Lake Shore Blvd. intersection — described as "underused" by Mayor Chow — is destined to disappear as early as this fall to make way for the new "world-class" sports facility, which means this upcoming CNE will likely be the last time this lot sees heavy use.

"We're partnering with the Toronto Tempo to turn an underused site into a world-class facility that serves both professional athletes and the public," said Chow. "With year-round access to recreation, new park space and inclusive programming, this project delivers real benefits for residents while strengthening Toronto's leadership in women's sport."  

The news of the new practice facility comes just days ahead of the Tempo's inaugural season, with home games being played at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in Exhibition Place, a short distance from the practice facility site.

"This new facility is a game-changer for local residents and Toronto's waterfront communities," said Malik, hailing the move to combine "a world-class training centre with high-quality public recreation space to enjoy in all seasons."

In a unique first-of-its-kind arrangement for a WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo has agreed to include a community use element to its plan in exchange for the long-term lease of CreateTO lands.

The facility is set to include two full-sized indoor basketball courts and changerooms, outdoor recreation amenities including two outdoor courts and a mini-pitch, new park space, and public washrooms. 

The terms state that the City of Toronto will secure at least 2,200 annual hours of community programming access for the building, including public use of the facility's gym and training spaces.

"This performance centre is about building the foundation for sustained excellence," said Tempo GM, Monica Wright Rogers. 

"Our players deserve a world-class environment that supports every aspect of their development, and our community deserves access to spaces that inspire the next generation," said Rogers, promising that "This facility will be both." 

If approved by City Council in its current form, construction on the new facility is expected to commence in the fall and wrap up in 2028.