Pinewood Toronto Studios – 225 Commissioners Street

Project History

Pinewood Toronto Studios is a prime example of a partnership with the private sector to achieve economic development objectives. The complex attracts jobs, has increased revenues to the City, leverages private-sector investment, repurposed a former brownfield industrial site to new uses, and realizes the City’s economic development objectives.

As the City’s economic development corporation, Toronto Port Lands Company (then operating as TEDCO and now part of CreateTO) sponsored research to understand why Toronto was losing big film productions to other cities. The research identified the need for purpose-built studio space and larger sound stages in order for Toronto to compete for international large-scale film productions.

In support of the City’s objectives, TPLC organized an international, competitive bid for a private joint venture consortium to develop the new project. TPLC owned property in the Port Lands that could accommodate this project. Once the investors were in place, TPLC conducted a 30-acre remediation of the lands. The result was the first private sector commercial investment in revitalizing Toronto’s waterfront.

Phase 1 of the $60 million, 260,000 sq. ft. landmark studio complex included a 45,000 sq. ft. purpose-built sound stage. The completion of Phase 1 created an anchor and a catalyst for redevelopment in the Port Lands within the new Studio District. Phase 2 of the expansion began in 2012 with the lease of additional 2.2 acres to build three new sound stages.

In 2018, Toronto Waterfront Studios Development Inc. proposed a further expansion. The proposal will support 224,864 square feet new non-residential uses, including studio space, new communication, broadcasting and office space. This expansion will enhance Toronto Pinewood Studios state-of-the art sound stages that anchor the Port Lands Media, Innovation and Creativity Cluster.