Tuesday, April 21, 2026
The Exhibition Place Board of Governors endorsed in principle the Exhibition Place Vision Plan and Concept Scenario, marking a significant step forward in the evolution of one of Toronto’s most important civic assets.
The endorsement follows a presentation from Chief Executive Officer, Don Boyle, outlining the Vision Plan and its potential to transform Exhibition Place into a more connected, accessible and vibrant, year-round destination for residents and visitors. The Vision Plan builds on the site’s 192-acre footprint and existing infrastructure, focusing on improved connectivity, enhanced public realm, and the creation of flexible spaces to support major events, festivals and everyday use by Torontonians.
“We are excited to take this important step forward in realizing the future of Exhibition Place. This vision builds on the site’s rich history while positioning it to better serve Toronto. By evolving Exhibition Place from a collection of venues into an interconnected campus, the plan is designed to reduce pressure on city streets, support Toronto’s growing festival and events sector, and strengthen the city’s position as a global destination. We look forward to working closely with the City and our partners to advance this vision in a way that delivers meaningful benefits for residents, visitors and the broader region,” said Boyle.
The Vision Plan aligns with broader city-building priorities, including improved transit integration through the future Ontario Line, enhanced waterfront connectivity, and increased capacity to host large-scale events in purpose-built spaces. Key elements include Festival Plaza, delivering approximately 69,300 square feet of flexible space capable of accommodating up to 20,000 guests, as well as Nexus Park, a revitalized Food Building and a market area, all designed to provide consistent, year-round amenities for residents and visitors. Together, these elements will reinforce Exhibition Place as a cohesive, accessible and active public destination, guided by a long-term framework for its continued evolution as a key component of Toronto’s waterfront and regional infrastructure network.
“This Vision Plan is about revealing the full potential of Exhibition Place, transforming this vital City asset and economic driver into an even more welcoming, accessible, and vibrant year-round destination for major events and community recreation, with local connectivity and a truly outstanding shared public realm for all residents and visitors to discover and enjoy,” said Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik and Chair, Board of Governors of Exhibition Place.
According to the Exhibition Place board, it will now work to explore planning and financing options to advance the plan, as well as the Province, to explore solutions related to last-mile connectivity and associated funding. The board also directed ongoing consultation and engagement with the local community, tenants and clients, through a Consultation and Engagement Plan to be presented later this year.
“Overall, the Vision Plan sets out an ambitious and promising framework. With careful attention to everyday use, equitable access, and genuine community partnership, Exhibition Place can evolve not only as a major destination, but as a lived, shared civic space.” said Ric Amis, Chair, West Side Community Council.
Featured image: Aerial view of the Exhibition Place Vision. (CNW Group/Exhibition Place)
