Shaping the New Bloor & Dufferin: How Hazelview's Bloor Crossing Is Redefining Community Living in Toronto
Bloor Crossing is a master-planned community at the intersection of Bloor Street West and Dufferin Street in Toronto, delivering approximately 2,000 purpose-built rental units, an $80 million community benefits package, a new public park, a City of Toronto-owned community centre, and an underground pedestrian tunnel to Dufferin Station. Co-developed by Hazelview and Fitzrovia Real Estate on a 7.3-acre former TDSB land site, this Bloor and Dufferin development represents one of the most comprehensive neighbourhood transformations in recent Toronto history.
Station House Rentals by Hazelview is designed to revitalize Bloordale Village and support the arts, culture, and local businesses that define this neighbourhood—creating a pedestrian-first, mixed-use environment that connects to existing transit services, including TTC Line 2.
Key Takeaways:
- Bloor Crossing delivers an $80 million community benefits package—one of the largest in City of Toronto history—including a 56-unit affordable housing building, a $12.5 million affordable housing cash contribution, and a new 3,580 m² public park.
- Hazelview secured one of the largest CMHC MLI Select loans ever issued, scoring 120 points with ~40% energy improvement over national building code standards and Rick Hansen Foundation Level 1 accessible design certification.
- Station House introduces over 1,000 purpose-built rental suites across two buildings—Station I (12-storey boutique mid-rise, 284 suites) and Station II (34- and 38-storey towers, 856 suites)—with first move-ins beginning Summer 2026.
What Is Bloor Crossing—Hazelview's Master-Planned Community?
Bloor Crossing is a collaboratively led, master-planned community Toronto development located at 1141 Bloor St. West and 980 Dufferin St., directly across from Dufferin Station on TTC Line 2. The project brings together five residential towers to deliver approximately 2,000 purpose-built rental Toronto units on a 7.3-acre parcel of former Toronto District School Board land. The Bloor-Dufferin area appeals to renters who want to live on Bloor Street without being in the downtown core—offering access to parks, local businesses, independent cafés, and direct subway transit, all within a walkable, village-scale neighbourhood.
In September 2021, Hazelview and Fitzrovia Real Estate took over as co-development managers following the completion of the original 2019 rezoning. The partnership's aspiration: to create a world-class example of community-oriented, pedestrian-first, mixed-use urban design.
The $80 Million Community Benefits Package
The Bloor and Dufferin development delivers one of the largest community benefits packages in the City of Toronto's history. Every element—from the affordable housing building to the public park—is designed to serve both residents and the surrounding Bloordale neighbourhood.
Community Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
Residential units | ~2,000 purpose-built rental units, including 46.5% family-oriented units |
Affordable housing | 56-unit, 8-storey building conveyed to the City of Toronto for public affordable rental housing |
Affordable housing cash contribution | $12.5 million to create additional affordable housing in Ward 9–Davenport |
Community Hub & Daycare | City of Toronto-owned, on the first two floors of the historic Kent School building |
Public park (green space) | New 3,580 m² park at 70 Croatia St. (about the size of a baseball field) |
New public road | Collegiate Road—a new bus-accessible public road extending Pauline Avenue south of Bloor, designed for safe student and visitor transportation |
Ground floor retail | 174,000 sq ft of retail space |
Office | 50,000 sq ft of commercial office space |
Amenity space | 70,000 sq ft of amenity space |
Heritage preservation | Bloor Collegiate Institute façade (1927) and Kent School were integrated into the development |
Assembly Lane | New pedestrian-oriented laneway lined with retail and landscaping |
Artist Commons | Dedicated space for local artists to display public art in the development's laneways |
The 46.5% family-oriented unit allocation directly supports Station House's positioning as a home for families, professionals, and long-term renters.
The Development Timeline at Bloor & Dufferin
The Bloor Street West development has evolved over a decade from surplus school land to one of Toronto's most ambitious urban projects. Since Hazelview and Fitzrovia took over as co-development managers in September 2021, the project has moved from rezoning into full construction—with first move-ins at Station II confirmed for Summer 2026. The timeline below captures every verified milestone from City of Toronto planning records, CMHC financing disclosures, and Hazelview announcements.
Milestone | Date / Status |
|---|---|
TDSB declares land surplus | 2015–2016 |
Province committed $20M for new school + community hub | December 2016 |
Capital Developments & Metropia complete rezoning | 2019 |
Hazelview & Fitzrovia take over as co-development managers | September 2021 |
Construction underway on site | 2022 |
Hazelview secures one of largest CMHC MLI Select loans (856 units) | 2024–2025 — 120 points scored, ~40% energy improvement over NECB 2017, Rick Hansen Foundation Level 1 accessibility |
Dufferin Station pedestrian tunnel — Stage 1 (North side, Bloor St.) | Demolition Feb–Mar 2026; Excavation & shoring May–Jul 2026; Below-grade formwork Aug–Nov 2026; Backfill & temporary road Dec 2026–Jan 2027 |
Station House (Hazelview) launch | February 3, 2026 |
Station II pre-leasing opens | February 2026 |
Station I pre-leasing opens | Spring 2026 |
Station II first move-ins | Summer 2026 |
Station I first move-ins | Q4 2026 |
Kent School Community Hub occupancy (City of Toronto) | Q2 2026 (April–June) |
70 Croatia Street Park — construction starts | Spring 2026 |
70 Croatia Street Park — opens | 2027 |
New Bloor Collegiate Institute school | Under construction — 110,000 sq ft, 4-storey, 924 pupil places |
Bloor Crossing full build-out (all towers + public realm) | Phased through ~2028–2029 |
The CMHC MLI Select finance achievement is a critical trust signal. Hazelview's application qualified under both energy efficiency and accessibility categories, surpassing baseline requirements with a total of 120 points—above the program's maximum benefits threshold. The 856-unit loan is one of the largest CMHC-insured loans ever issued under the MLI Select program.
What's Next for Bloor & Dufferin Development
The broader Bloor-Danforth corridor is attracting significant transit and development investment beyond Bloor Crossing itself. Community engagement has been a critical component of this urban planning process—public consultations have shaped the guiding principles of the development, involving local residents, businesses, and stakeholders throughout each phase.
- Monitor the UP Express tunnel. Metrolinx is constructing a 270-metre pedestrian tunnel connecting Bloor GO/UP Express Station to Dundas West TTC Station. Once complete, Station House residents will have a two-stop subway ride to direct airport access via UP Express—a new stop that adds significant future value.
- Track the Kent School Community Hub Visioning phase. The City of Toronto has entered a Community Hub Visioning process to determine programs for the Kent School space. The fully accessible hub may house studios for artists, galleries and event spaces, or creative entrepreneurial spaces.
- Follow the 70 Croatia Street Park Advisory process. The Community Advisory Committee (15 community members) and Indigenous Advisory Circle (10 members) continue to shape the park's final design alongside STUDIO tla and Trophic Design.
How Station House Anchors the Bloor Crossing Vision
Station House is Hazelview's anchor within Bloor Crossing—over 1,000 purpose-built rental suites across two distinct buildings, each designed for a different lifestyle. The buildings share landscape design by Studio TLA and architecture by Turner Fleischer, but diverge in scale, interior design, and personality. The project preserves the heritage façade of Bloor Collegiate Institute and revitalizes the historic Kent School—ensuring that the neighbourhood's past shapes its future.
Feature | Station I | Station II |
|---|---|---|
Building Type | 12-storey boutique mid-rise | Two towers (34 + 38 storeys) |
Total Suites | 284 | 856 |
Avg. Suite Size | 684 sq ft | 655 sq ft |
Design Style | Heritage-inspired (restored Bloor Collegiate façade) | Contemporary high-rise |
Interior Design | Diamond Schmitt | Mason Studio |
Architecture | Turner Fleischer | Turner Fleischer |
Landscape Design | Studio TLA | Studio TLA |
Ideal For | Families, quiet-seekers | Young professionals, social living |
Amenity Scale | Boutique wellness + social | 30,000+ sq ft shared amenities |
Pre-Leasing | Spring 2026 | February 2026 |
Move-In | Q4 2026 | Summer 2026 |
With a Walk Score of 95 and a Transit Score of 93, Station House ranks among the most connected rental communities in Toronto's west end.
Hazelview's Track Record in Purpose-Built Rental Communities
Hazelview brings over 25 years of real estate experience to Bloor Crossing Toronto. The firm's integrated platform—spanning investment, development, and property management—is designed to deliver rental communities that perform long-term for both residents and investors.
Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
Development Pipeline | $13.1 billion |
New Homes Underway | 20,000+ across 27 active projects |
Purpose-Built Rentals Delivered | 1,600+ |
Track Record | 25+ years |
Development Square Footage | 17.3 million sq ft in various stages |
"We've spent more than two decades refining a development platform that combines scale with precision," said Michael Williams, Managing Partner, Head of Development, Hazelview Investments. "Our focus is on creating purpose-built rental communities that stand the test of time—projects designed for residents, built for performance, and positioned to deliver long-term value."
Canada's First Rainbow Registered Residential Rental: In June 2025, Hazelview Properties earned Rainbow Registered accreditation for Story of Midtown Toronto® at 73/75 Broadway Av—the first residential rental building in Canada to receive the honour from Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce. The accreditation reflects year-round inclusion initiatives, staff training, and a people-first spirit that carries forward into every Hazelview community.
Community Amenities, Public Space, and Urban Design
Bloor Crossing delivers a layered public realm—park, pedestrian lane, heritage streetscape, ground floor retail, community hub, and direct transit connection. Each layer services a distinct function for both Station House residents and the broader Bloordale community.
Retail, Green Space, and Transit Integration at Bloor Crossing
Retail
- 174,000 sq ft of ground-level retail along Bloor Street and the new Assembly Lane
- The Bloor Collegiate Institute façade will be preserved as a setback, creating patio space for future retailers along the Bloor frontage
- Assembly Lane: a new pedestrian-oriented laneway lined with retail and landscaping
- A dedicated Artist Commons will provide space for local artists to display public art in the development's laneways—supporting the arts and culture that define Bloordale
Green Space — 70 Croatia Street Park
- 3,580 m² (0.9 acres)—a new City of Toronto public park, about the size of a baseball field
- Designed by STUDIO tla in collaboration with Hazelview, City of Toronto Parks, and Indigenous designers, Trophic Design Inc.
- Key features: natural play structures, performance area, seating areas, shade structures, misting corridor, new trees and naturalized plantings (native and pollinator species)
- A central path inspired by the Indigenous teaching of Jiibay Miikana (spirit path) traces a historic creek beneath the park
- Currently in Detailed Design; construction starts Spring 2026; park opens 2027
Transit Integration
- Collegiate Road: a new bus-accessible public road extending Pauline Avenue south of Bloor to enhance traffic flow and pedestrian safety across the site
- New cycling infrastructure and bike parking support cyclists commuting along the Bloor corridor
Kent School Community Hub
- City of Toronto-owned Community Hub and daycare on the ground floor of the historic Kent School building
- The fully accessible hub may house studios for artists and performers, galleries and event spaces, or creative entrepreneurial spaces
- Daycare will feature tall ceilings and dedicated outdoor spaces for children of different age groups
- The City entered the Community Hub Visioning phase—community input from stakeholders and local residents will shape final programs and services
Bloor and Dufferin Development Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bloor Crossing development at Bloor and Dufferin?
Bloor Crossing is a master-planned community at 1141 Bloor St. West and 980 Dufferin St., co-developed by Hazelview and Fitzrovia. It includes approximately 2,000 purpose-built rental units across five residential towers, a 56-unit affordable housing building, 174,000 sq ft of ground floor retail, a new 3,580 m² public park at 70 Croatia Street, a City of Toronto-owned Community Hub and daycare in the historic Kent School, and an underground pedestrian tunnel connecting directly to Dufferin Subway Station. The project delivers an $80 million community benefits package—one of the largest in City of Toronto history.
Who is Hazelview and what are they building at Bloor & Dufferin?
Hazelview is a Toronto-based global real estate firm with $10.9 billion in assets under management, a 25+ year track record, and 20,000+ residential suites managed across Canada. At Bloor & Dufferin, Hazelview is developing Station House—over 1,000 purpose-built rental suites in two buildings: Station I (12-storey boutique mid-rise, 284 suites) and Station II (two towers at 34 and 38 storeys, 856 suites). Station House is part of the Bloor Crossing master-planned community and features architecture by Turner Fleischer, interior design by Diamond Schmitt (Station I) and Mason Studio (Station II), and landscape design by Studio TLA.
What's the future of the Bloor and Dufferin area?
The Bloor & Dufferin intersection is being transformed into a complete, mixed-use community. Upcoming milestones include the opening of a City-owned Community Hub and daycare (Q2 2026), construction of the 70 Croatia Street Park (opening Spring 2027), completion of the underground pedestrian tunnel to Dufferin Station, and the new Bloor Collegiate Institute school (110,000 sq ft, 924 pupil places). The broader Bloor-Danforth corridor is also gaining a UP Express tunnel connection at Dundas West Station, giving residents two-stop subway access to Pearson Airport. The redevelopment supports a pedestrian-first, mixed-use environment that connects to existing transit services and strengthens cycling routes along the Bloor corridor.
When will Bloor Crossing be completed?
Bloor Crossing is being delivered in phases. Station II by Hazelview began pre-leasing in February 2026 with first move-ins expected Summer 2026. Station I opens pre-leasing in Spring 2026 with Q4 2026 move-ins. The Kent School Community Hub is expected to open Q2 2026. The 70 Croatia Street Park is under detailed design with construction starting Spring 2026 and the park opening Spring 2027. The full build-out of all towers and public realm elements is phased through approximately 2028–2029. For the latest progress updates and contact details, visit the Station House website at stationhouserentals.com.
Next Steps for the Bloor & Dufferin Community
Bloor Crossing represents one of Toronto's most comprehensive neighbourhood transformations—2,000+ new homes, an $80 million community benefits package, heritage preservation, a new park with Indigenous design leadership, and direct subway access. Station House by Hazelview anchors this vision with 1,000+ purpose-built rental suites, two distinct building personalities, and a developer with a 25-year track record. The government-backed CMHC financing, City of Toronto-owned community hub, and Indigenous-led park design reflect a forward-thinking approach to creating lasting neighbourhood value.
Station House at Bloor Crossing is now leasing. Register today for first access to suite selection. Explore the Bloor Crossing master plan to see the full community vision. Or browse available suites and floorplans to find your next home.



