Streetcar Developments orchestrated the transformation of Riverside Square—an ambitious, mixed-use masterplan at Queen Street East and the Don Valley Parkway—into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly community. With a design that seamlessly blends heritage, modern architecture, and dynamic urban life, this development reshaped one of Toronto’s east-end neighbourhoods. Let’s explore how it came together.

1. Master Planning & Design Vision

• Contextually sensitive transformation: Streetcar envisioned Riverside Square as a revitalization of former industrial lands, weaving in the area's rich heritage—such as the homage to Toronto’s first baseball stadium with “Baseball Place”—to foster a community, not just condos.

• Signature architectural design: The site features five buildings designed by RAW Design and Giannone Petricone Associates. The project blends adaptive reuse—like reinforcing and adding atop existing steel warehouses—with bold, glass-clad new towers for a modern edge.

• Anchor public amenities: A central outdoor square with retail frontages—including cafés, a grocery store and shops—activates the street level and drives community engagement.
  
  

2. Construction & Technical Execution

• Phased construction approach: Development proceeded in phases through the late 2010s, with initial completion in 2020–2021 and the final phase wrapping up by 2024.

• Innovative structural engineering: One memorable challenge involved vertically expanding on an existing steel warehouse. The project used shotcrete for reinforcing elevator cores and required reinforcing original steel columns to support upper levels.

• Deep infrastructure integration: Four underground levels of parking were carved out from the bedrock, enabling the inclusion of car storage without compromising above-ground design.
  
  

3. Urban Living Integration

• Lifestyle amenities: Residents enjoy a robust amenity suite—rooftop pools, sun decks, private party lounges, a fitness centre, guest suites, and 24-hour concierge services—which help create a well-rounded living experience.

• Walkable, transit-rich location: With a Walk Score of 92, residents benefit from exceptional accessibility—streetcar lines (301, 501, 502) for quick transit access, plus proximity to parks, the DVP, and local shops.

• Anchoring broader revitalization: The development catalyzed change in the neighbourhood—including the restoration of the historic Broadview Hotel—to enhance urban fabric and cultural context.

4. Community Engagement & Cultural Impact

• Commitment to public art: Streetcar fostered local culture through initiatives like funding vibrant murals in the area, supporting the streetscape with arts and visual storytelling.

• Local event involvement: The developer is a known sponsor of community festivals such as “Eats & Beats,” reinforcing their role in building more than just structures—they help build community identity.
  
  

Final Summary

Streetcar Developments crafted Riverside Square with meticulous attention to architectural design, engineering ingenuity, and urban livability. Through adaptive reuse, phase-based construction, lifestyle-focused amenities, and an enduring commitment to community and heritage, Riverside Square stands as a model of 21st-century urban renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the developer of Riverside Square in Toronto?
Riverside Square was developed by Streetcar Developments, a Toronto-based builder known for creating boutique-style, transit-friendly, and community-focused condo projects across the city.

When was Riverside Square built?
Construction of Riverside Square began in the mid-2010s, with the first phases completed around 2020–2021 and final phases wrapping up by 2024.

What makes Streetcar Developments unique as a builder?
Streetcar focuses on revitalizing urban neighbourhoods, often incorporating heritage preservation, adaptive reuse, and thoughtful integration of retail, public spaces, and community culture.

How many buildings are in Riverside Square?
The master-planned community features five mid- and high-rise buildings, including residential towers, retail at street level, and integrated public courtyards.

What types of amenities are offered at Riverside Square?
Residents enjoy amenities such as a rooftop pool, fitness centre, concierge services, party lounges, guest suites, and landscaped outdoor spaces—all designed to complement urban lifestyles.

Buying your first home is exciting—and confounding. Condos can feel like an accessible entry point into property ownership, but they come with their own pros, cons, and hidden costs. This guide dives deeper than the top results, giving you clarity, confidence, and the context to decide if condo life makes sense for you.

1. Why a Condo Might Be a Great Starter Home

• Lower upfront cost compared to single-family homes — often more attainable in major urban markets.

• Less maintenance—snow removal, landscaping, and repairs are typically handled by the condo corporation.

• Location perks—many condos are centrally located and offer walkability, transit access, and community amenities. 

• Negotiation advantage in a buyer’s market—buyers now enjoy more flexibility on price, closing dates, and incentives. 

2. What You Need to Know: Fees, Rules & Lifestyle Fit

• Condo fees add up, and they factor into your mortgage stress test—be sure to include them in your budget. 

• Condo boards impose rules—on renovations, pet policies, rentals, and more, which may limit flexibility. 

• Market dynamics are slow—appreciation often lags behind freeholds, making condos a slower path to equity growth. 

3. Is Now a Smart Time to Buy a Condo in Toronto?

• Yes—for many buyers, particularly first-timers—because prices are down (by over 5–6%) and supply is high, offering more choice and negotiating power. 

• Condo listings, inventory, and competition are rising—tilting the balance in buyers' favour. 

• Several sources confirm today’s market is a buyer’s opportunity, not a seller's advantage. 

4. Are Condo Prices in Toronto Dropping? Here’s the Reality

• Yes, condo prices have declined: GTA average prices dropped about 5.9% year-over-year as of January 2025. 

• Months of inventory doubled, signaling slowing demand—6.72 months vs. just 3.56 a year earlier. 

• Days on Market at a 15-year high—average listing now takes 82 days to sell. 

5. Choosing the Nicest Condo Building: Quality Over Hype

• Consider standout buildings that blend design, amenities, and location:
  
  

  • Four Seasons Hotel & Residences in Yorkville—ultra-luxury with hotel-style services and cachet. 

  • Ideal Lofts in Little Italy/Trinity-Bellwoods—a soft-loft, heritage-inspired gem with architectural acclaim. 

  • Ten York in the South Core—a modern landmark high-rise with bold design and skyline views. 

Final Summary

If you're looking for an affordable, low-maintenance, urban-entry into real estate, a condo can work—but only if it aligns with your long-term plans, lifestyle preferences, and financial readiness. With falling prices and rising inventory, now might just be the right moment—but do more than window-shop. Crunch the numbers, weigh the rules and fees, and commit for the long haul.

Facts Q&A

Is it a good idea to buy a condo in Toronto now?
Yes—for qualified buyers seeking accessible entry into homeownership, this is a favorable window. Prices are down (~5–6%) and inventory is high, empowering buyers with choice and leverage. 

Are condo prices dropping in Toronto?
Yes—average GTA condo prices have fallen nearly 6% year-over-year, with longer days on market and increased inventory. 

How much does an average condo cost in Toronto?
As of mid-2024, the average sale price for a condo in Toronto proper was approximately $717,210. 

What is the nicest condo building in Toronto?
Top contenders include:

• Four Seasons Hotel & Residences Toronto (Yorkville)—high-end amenities and premium services. 

• Ideal Lofts in Little Italy—architecturally celebrated, boutique soft-loft style. 

• Ten York in South Core—a striking modern high-rise with urban flair.

Ah, the life of a Toronto landlord. One minute you’re approving a tenant application, and the next, you’re answering a text at 2 AM about a “suspicious noise” in the fridge. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just stepping into the rental world, managing a property in the GTA comes with its fair share of quirks, rules, and unexpected adventures.

1. The Art of Finding (and Keeping) a Great Tenant

Tenant screening is like online dating—except instead of looking for a “good sense of humor,” you’re searching for on-time payments and responsible living habits. A strong ID verification process and proper documentation can help ensure you’re welcoming reliable renters into your unit.

🔹 Pro Tip: Never skip the background checks. If an applicant rushes through the process or avoids questions, that’s a 🚩 red flag.

2. Rental Agreements: Read the Fine Print (And Then Read It Again)

Ontario has a standard lease agreement, and as tempting as it is to use an old PDF you found online, sticking to the official form is your safest bet. This document covers all essential terms, including rent, responsibilities, and rights—protecting both you and your tenant.

🔹 Landlord Tip: Ensure tenants understand what’s included in their rent (utilities? parking? that questionable basement storage?). The fewer surprises, the smoother your landlord-tenant relationship.

3. Rent Collection: The Never-Ending Saga

Ah, rent day—the moment of truth. While most tenants pay on time, there’s always that one person who suddenly “forgot” it was the 1st of the month. Offering multiple payment methods (e-transfer, post-dated checks, or pre-authorized payments) can help ensure smooth transactions.

🔹 What You CAN Do: If rent is late, issue an N4 notice promptly. Ontario has clear rules on rent collection, and knowing them is half the battle.

🔹 What You CAN’T Do: Change the locks or remove a tenant’s belongings (unless you enjoy legal troubles).

4. Repairs & Maintenance: When the “DIY” Mindset Backfires

A leaky faucet? Sure, maybe you can fix that. A full electrical issue? That’s a job for the pros. As a landlord, regular maintenance and quick response times can prevent minor issues from becoming full-blown disasters.

🔹 Must-Know: Tenants have the right to a safe and livable space, which means you’re responsible for essential repairs. If something breaks due to wear and tear, it’s on you to fix it—not the tenant.

5. Tenant Turnover: Saying Goodbye (The Right Way)

Eventually, tenants move out, and when they do, a smooth transition is key. Clear move-out instructions, a proper final walkthrough, and addressing any issues before they leave can save you time and hassle.

🔹 Avoid Common Pitfalls:

✅ Confirm the required notice period (typically 60 days for a monthly lease).

✅ Document the condition of the unit before and after the tenancy.

✅ Remind tenants to return the keys—you’d be surprised how often this is forgotten.

Final Thoughts

Being a landlord in Toronto isn’t always easy, but with the right knowledge (and a little patience), it can be a rewarding experience. From finding the right tenants to understanding rental laws, staying informed and proactive can make all the difference.

And remember—no matter how prepared you are, something unexpected will always happen. Welcome to the world of Toronto landlording! 🚪🔑