Today, Mayor Olivia Chow, Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik (Spadina-Fort York) and representatives from Toronto Tempo and the City of Toronto announced the location and vision for a new high-performance training facility and community recreation hub at 701 Fleet St., just outside the Princes’ Gates at Exhibition Place. The announcement comes as the Tempo prepare to launch their inaugural season this spring.
The City will partner with the Toronto Tempo, Canada’s first Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team, to develop a world-class training centre that will also serve as a year-round public recreation facility. Located near the team’s home court at Coca-Cola Coliseum, this unprecedented partnership represents the first WNBA facility in North America to include dedicated community access and programming.
In exchange for a proposed long-term lease on City-owned land identified by CreateTO, the Toronto Tempo will deliver a state-of-the-art practice facility complete with two full-sized indoor basketball courts and changerooms, outdoor recreation amenities including two outdoor courts and a mini-pitch, new park space, and public washrooms, while assuming responsibility for maintenance of the training facility and improving long-lasting items.
Through lease terms to be approved by Toronto City Council, the City will secure at least 2,200 hours of annual access for community programming, including use of the gym, training spaces and multi-purpose rooms. To meet community needs, programming will be developed in collaboration with the local councillor, and is expected to include registered and drop-in programs, permit allotments and seasonal CampTO offerings. The lease terms set a new Toronto record for community access compared to comparable agreements in other locations.
Designed by internationally recognized architecture firm HOK, with landscape design by NAK Design Strategies, the project reflects the City’s commitment to design excellence. The revitalized site will enhance connectivity between nearby communities, Fort York, The Bentway and the waterfront.
This partnership supports broader city-building goals by transforming an underutilized parking lot into vibrant parkland and a dynamic sports facility, enhancing public space and expanding opportunities for recreation and community use.
The announcement coincides with the Toronto Tempo’s inaugural season, following the success of sold-out WNBA demonstration games in Toronto in 2023. As the newest franchise in the WNBA and the league’s first team outside the United States, the Tempo position Toronto as a global hub for women’s professional sports. The Toronto Tempo is a women-led organization with an ownership group that includes Kilmer Sports Ventures, Serena Williams, Masai Ujiri and Lilly Singh.
Pending City Council approval, construction is expected to begin this fall, with completion anticipated in 2028.
Quotes:
“We’re partnering with the Toronto Tempo to turn an underused site into a world-class facility that serves both professional athletes and the public. With year-round access to recreation, new park space and inclusive programming, this project delivers real benefits for residents while strengthening Toronto’s leadership in women’s sport.”
— Mayor Olivia Chow
“This new facility is a game-changer for local residents and Toronto’s waterfront communities. By combining a world-class training centre with high-quality public recreation space to enjoy in all seasons, I am proud to ensure that everyone has better access to sports, programs alongside park and recreation amenities that make our city stronger and more connected. All while championing our Toronto Tempo, and strengthening Toronto as a hub for professional women’s sports.”
— Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik (Spadina-Fort York)
“This performance centre is about building the foundation for sustained excellence. Our players deserve a world-class environment that supports every aspect of their development, and our community deserves access to spaces that inspire the next generation. This facility will be both.”
— Monica Wright Rogers, General Manager, Toronto Tempo
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