Predicting what Toronto’s skyline could look like in the future

Big changes are coming to Toronto’s skyline.

Throughout the city, there are more than 100 high-rise buildings currently under construction and a further 300+ that are proposed or approved. Toronto also has the third highest number of skyscrapers in North America, and is soon expected to overtake Chicago which ranks second behind New York City.

Recently, Rider Levett Bucknall recorded a staggering 240 cranes in Toronto during the third quarter of 2023.

Increasing population, demand for housing, planning policy, economic activity and investment have all contributed to the surge in new construction over the last decade, most visible in the form of high-rise condominiums.

Using 3D visualization and current data based on development applications submitted to Toronto City Planning, we can accurately model how the city’s future skyline may look like in the coming years.

The following images capture an east facing view of the Downtown Core as seen from Humber Bay Shares in Etobicoke.

Existing (present day)

Toronto’s existing skyline is dominated by familiar landmarks such as the CN Tower, First Canadian Place, and newer additions like Aura and One Bloor East.

The Financial District, where many of the city’s tallest buildings are located, features prominently along with neighbourhoods like South Core and the Entertainment District, which have experienced significant growth over the last decade.

Under Construction (0-5 years)

The most significant changes coming Toronto’s skyline in the near future will be the completion of the city’s first supertall skyscrapers, The One and SkyTower. Both developments are well into construction on their way to becoming the city’s tallest buildings. Given their locations on opposing ends of the Downtown Core, the towers nicely bookended the northern and southernmost points of the city skyline.

Other noteworthy changes include the 85-storey Concord Sky at Yonge and Gerrard, and the 73-storey east tower of the Frank Gehry-designed Forma near King and John.

Proposed or Approved (5-10+ years)

The most dramatic changes yet to come for Toronto’s skyline include the densification of the Yonge Street Corridor, Bloor-Yorkville, the Entertainment District, Eastern Waterfront, as well as entirely new neighbourhoods like East Harbour. The significant increase in height and density throughout the skyline may also see the addition 5 more supertall skyscrapers, which are currently proposed or approved.

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