Unlocking Toronto’s Dormant Sites: How “Tower in the Park” Infill Could Fuel Housing Growth

Toronto’s housing crisis has reached a critical turning point. With available development land shrinking, construction costs rising, and housing demand showing no signs of slowing, developers, planners, and policymakers are looking for creative ways to build within the city’s existing footprint. One of the most promising strategies on the horizon is the reimagining of Toronto’s many “tower in the park” sites.

These are the familiar postwar apartment towers scattered throughout the city, tall buildings surrounded by open lawns, surface parking lots, and unused green space. Once symbols of modernist optimism, many of these properties have aged and now sit on land that holds enormous untapped potential. Toronto’s recent housing policies and planning initiatives are shining new light on these spaces, seeing them not as static relics but as opportunities for smart, sustainable infill development.

What Are Tower in the Park Sites?

Between the 1950s and 1980s, Toronto experienced a boom in high-rise apartment construction. Influenced by European urban planning philosophies, these buildings were set far back from the street and surrounded by expansive green areas meant to provide light, air, and recreation.

Decades later, these same design choices have created vast areas of underutilized land across the city. Today, as Toronto grapples with a severe housing shortage, these sites are being recognized as ideal candidates for infill development, particularly in established neighbourhoods that already have access to transit, schools, and commercial amenities.

Why They Matter Now

The City of Toronto has set an ambitious goal of building 285,000 new homes by 2031. Meeting that target will require thinking beyond traditional greenfield or high-rise developments. Infill housing provides a way to add density where it already makes sense, near existing infrastructure.

According to city planning reports, more than 500 high-rise apartment sites across Toronto have enough space to support additional mid-rise or low-rise housing. That means tens of thousands of potential new units without the need for major land acquisitions or long infrastructure timelines.

This shift aligns with the city’s broader focus on gentle density, increasing housing options while maintaining livability and neighbourhood character. With updated zoning policies and the Toronto Green Standard’s continued push toward sustainable building, tower in the park infill is quickly becoming one of the most important tools in Toronto’s housing strategy.

Policy Shifts Enabling Change

The City of Toronto has recently begun rolling out planning frameworks to unlock these underused sites. The Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods initiative and updates to the City Wide Zoning By-law are making it easier to build low-rise multiplexes, mid-rise infill, and community-scaled developments on existing apartment lands.

New guidelines also encourage partnerships between building owners, developers, and city housing agencies to ensure that new housing is both affordable and sustainable. There is growing momentum behind combining electrified building systems, mass timber structures, and transit-oriented design to meet climate targets and long-term livability goals.

This approach is not just about adding density, it is about improving the quality of life in existing communities, creating safer streets, accessible green space, and upgraded infrastructure.

Opportunities for Developers and Builders

For developers and construction management firms, tower in the park infill presents several compelling advantages.

Reduced infrastructure strain: New homes can connect to existing roads, utilities, and transit.

Predictable zoning pathways: Many of these projects fit within the city’s new infill guidelines, reducing the uncertainty that typically comes with rezoning.

Potential for modular construction: Since these sites often involve repeatable unit types and tight construction windows, modular and panelized systems can accelerate delivery while minimizing disruption to existing tenants.

Community revitalization: Thoughtful infill development can introduce new amenities, retail spaces, and updated public areas that breathe new life into aging neighborhoods.

However, these projects also require careful planning. Many existing apartment buildings are still occupied, which makes staging, logistics, and safety coordination critical. Site access, parking, and temporary utility management must be planned meticulously. That is where early-stage construction management and design collaboration become essential.

Challenges to Watch

While the potential is significant, infill development is not without its challenges.

Community feedback often focuses on issues such as parking, shade impacts, and the preservation of mature trees. Infrastructure upgrades, particularly to electrical and stormwater systems, can also become bottlenecks if not anticipated early.

Financing can be another hurdle. Since infill projects typically rely on complex ownership structures, lenders may require additional assurance of feasibility and community alignment. Transparency, clear phasing, and reliable delivery partners make all the difference in securing approvals and investor confidence.

The RIISE Building Perspective

At RIISE Building, we see infill development as a natural evolution of Toronto’s growth story. Our team is actively helping developers identify sites with infill potential and determine where modular or hybrid systems can add value.

By integrating early project analysis, utility coordination, and sustainability strategy, we help clients move from concept to construction-ready faster and with fewer risks. Our approach ensures each project aligns with the Toronto Green Standard, city zoning frameworks, and evolving community expectations.

We believe the future of Toronto’s housing growth lies not only in building new towers but in revitalizing what already exists, turning dormant spaces into connected, sustainable, and livable communities.

Conclusion

Toronto’s tower in the park sites hold immense potential to reshape the city’s housing future. As policy, technology, and market forces align, these once-quiet spaces may become the foundation for the next wave of urban transformation.

For developers, architects, and construction partners, this is a pivotal moment to act. Those who plan strategically, embrace modular and sustainable systems, and collaborate early will be best positioned to deliver the kind of thoughtful density Toronto needs.

Interested in exploring the infill opportunity?Connect with RIISE Building to discuss site analysis, feasibility, and next-generation construction strategies for Toronto’s evolving housing landscape.