Supertall Skyscrapers to transform Toronto’s skyline

Toronto has long been home to tall buildings, but in the coming years, a new wave  supertall skyscrapers will redefine the city’s skyline. While Toronto has experienced more high-rise development than any other North American city over the past decade, these towering new additions will rise above the rest.

What is a Supertall Skyscraper?

According to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), a supertall skyscraper is any building 300 meters (984 feet) or taller. Currently, more than 250 supertalls exist worldwide.

Toronto’s tallest structure, the CN Tower, stands at 553 meters, but it is classified as a tower rather than a skyscraper, as less than 50% of its height is occupied. The city’s current tallest building, First Canadian Place, reaches 298 meters (72 storeys)—falling just 2 meters shy of supertall classification. Built in 1975, it has held its title for nearly 50 years.

With Toronto’s ongoing construction boom, eight supertall skyscrapers are now in development, with three already under construction.

Toronto’s Upcoming Supertall Skyscrapers

1) SkyTower at Pinnacle One Yonge (Under Construction – 345 metres / 105 storeys)

Located at the foot of Canada’s longest street, SkyTower is part of a multi-tower development near Toronto’s waterfront. Designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects, this mixed-use tower will feature residences, a Le Meridien by Marriott International hotel, commercial offices, retail, and community spaces. 

Construction on the tower has now surpassed the 60 storey mark at time of writing. Upon completion, SkyTower will be the first building in Canada to surpass 100 storeys.

2) 19 Bloor St W (Approved – 317 metres / 99 storeys)

Planned to rise just west of the Yonge and Bloor intersection, 19 Bloor St W is a 99-storey residential tower designed by IBI Group and developed by Reserve Properties. The building would contain a total of 1,290 residential units.

3) The One (Under Construction – 308 metres / 85 storeys)

Situated at Yonge and Bloor, The One is making an impact on the northern edge of downtown. Designed by Foster + Partners, this 85-storey skyscraper will house residences, an Andaz hotel, and retail space. 

Construction on the mega development has now passed the 70 storey mark at the time of writing, with completion of the project now under the helm of developer Tridel.

4) Forma West Tower (Approved – 308 metres / 82 storeys)

Located at King and Duncan in the Entertainment District, Forma West is part of a two-tower project by Great Gulf, Dream Unlimited, and Westdale Properties. Designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, the shorter East Tower (73 storeys) began construction in fall 2023. Upon completion, both towers will contain residential, commercial, and institutional spaces.

5) One Yonge Phase 3 (Approved – 305 metres / 92 storeys)

This third phase of the Pinnacle One Yonge project will rise adjacent to SkyTower and will be dedicated to residential condominiums. The tower is also designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects.
 

6) Union Park Office tower (Approved – 303 metres / 61 storeys)

The tallest of a four-tower complex by Oxford Properties, Union Park is located along Front Street West near John Street in Toronto’s Entertainment District. Designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, this 61-storey tower is currently planned as one of the city’s tallest office towers.
 

7) 191 Bay (Approved – 301 metres / 64 storeys)

Located in the in Toronto’s Financial District, 191 Bay by QuadReal Properties will rise above the historic Commerce Court complex. Designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects, the office tower will also feature one of the city’s highest viewing platforms.

8) Concord Sky (Under Construction - 300 metres / 85 storeys

Rising from the south-east corner of Yonge and Gerrard streets, Concord Sky by developer Concord Adex will become one of the tallest residential towers in the city upon completion.  Designed by KPF and Architects—Alliance, the towers tapered profile and sail-like appearance will have an impressive impact on the city skyline. 

Construction progress on the tower has now surpassed the 8th storey at the time of writing.

The Future of Supertalls in Toronto

Whether all these projects will reach completion or maintain their proposed heights remains to be seen. However, with Toronto’s rapid development, it is clear that the city is embracing supertall skyscrapers like never before. Stay tuned as we continue to track these projects as they progress through various stages of construction.