The launch of construction comes less than two years after the developer brought the community to market, making it one of the few condominium projects in Toronto that launched in 2023 to have broken ground. In a climate where new high-rise activity has slowed dramatically, the ground breaking speaks to Almadev’s experience with large-scale communities.

LSQ is envisioned as a complete community: housing, employment, and amenity spaces within a well-connected urban setting. The plan includes residential towers, office and retail uses, and a new public park. Situated just east of Highway 404 and a short distance from Don Mills subway station, the site could also benefit in the future from a new station on the proposed Sheppard Line 4 Subway Extension right at Victoria Park Avenue, now being studied.

Construction at LSQ has begun with the first phase, which includes two towers, LSQ1 and LSQ2, rising at 43 and 30 storeys respectively. Together, they will add 800 residential units, including 83 affordable rentals, with a shared underground garage and EV-ready parking. LSQ1 is already 85% sold, and LSQ2 introduced a series of incentives last year aimed at improving affordability and easing entry for buyers. The momentum marks a significant first step in Almadev’s broader multi-phase vision for the site, which includes four additional blocks.

Designed by a team that includes WZMH Architects for the masterplan, Wallman Architects for LSQ1 and LSQ2, and Ferris + Associates for landscape architecture, LSQ brings together residences and workplace environments within a cohesive urban plan. The community will be anchored by a new 1.2-acre public park and supported by more than 400,000 square feet of office and retail space. Infrastructure to support cycling and transit use has been planned from the outset, with bike storage and shuttle service to the subway helping shape a walkable, transit-oriented environment.

For Almadev, the groundbreaking affirms a long-term investment in building at scale during a challenging moment for the industry. “We’ve always believed in this area and its potential to grow into something exceptional,” said Rafael Lazer, CEO. “As experts in masterplanned communities, we understand what it takes to bring housing at scale — and more importantly — how to do it right. Reaching this milestone at LSQ, especially in today’s challenging market, is no small feat. It’s a powerful testament to the strength of the development, the resilience of the vision, and the incredible talent and dedication of our team. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’re building here.”

With first occupancy for LSQ1 and LSQ2 projected for 2028, Almadev is already advancing plans for future phases of the community, including additional towers, expanded commercial uses, and refined public realm elements. At the same time, the developer continues to progress on other masterplanned projects across the GTA, including Galleria on the Park in Toronto’s West End where Galleria III is currently under construction, and an upcoming community at 3300 Rutherford Road in Vaughan.

UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on these developments, but in the meantime, you can learn more about them from our Database files, linked below. If you’d like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.

View original Urban Toronto article here. Also featured on RenX.ca