Cadillac Fairview Announces $21 Million Redevelopment Investment in CF Shops at Don Mills

Ontario's first outdoor urban shopping centre to undergo upgrades and enhancements to deliver a retail destination for all seasons

TORONTO, May 3, 2016 /CNW/ - Cadillac Fairview (CF) revealed today a $21M investment in CF Shops at Don Mills, their first open-air shopping destination in Ontario which opened in April 2009. The revitalization is a reflection of CF's relentless commitment to providing Canadians with a best in class retail experience and will feature pedestrian enhancements, parking improvements, elevated entertainment zones and convenient nearby LRT transit accessibility. Construction is already underway and is expected to be completed by Spring 2017.

"CF Shops at Don Mills is a unique shopping, dining and entertainment experience-led destination with a strong connection to the community and surrounding area," said Niall Collins, Senior Vice President, Development, Cadillac Fairview. "Through property investment, we are bringing more of what guests love to the centre, creating an inviting and accessible space where everyone can spend the day and come together year-round."

Pedestrian and parking improvements

Both drivers and pedestrians will benefit from the planned redevelopment at CF Shops at Don Mills. Upgraded wayfinding and signage will be installed to help guests navigate and move seamlessly through the property. Drivers will experience parking improvements featuring new, illuminated, digital signage displaying real time parking counts and better access to the free, four-level, 1,000 stall parkade through a new pedestrian entry way.

At street level, in particular O'Neil Road, street-scaping including the widening of sidewalks and installation of cobblestone roadways and unique catenary lighting system will provide a revitalized pedestrian facelift. Upgraded furniture and seating areas, on-property art installations and landscaping will infuse new life into greenspace and walkways to reinvigorate the overall retail space, complementing the distinct neighbourhood charm synonymous with the centre.

Enhanced entertainment zone and outdoor gathering places

Known for hosting lively outdoor events, the premium outdoor retail and entertainment complex will expand its one-of-a-kind public spaces for community members and shoppers alike to congregate. A second entertainment experience zone at the junction of Leadly Lane and Karl Fraser Road will be added to increase regular programming and entertainment onsite.

Guests of CF Shops at Don Mills will enjoy new landscaped spaces, including widened sidewalks, store front bench seating and seasonal décor in celebration of the neighbourhood charms. The existing onsite water fountain will receive a refresh including added artistic features, creating an alternate place of relaxation for families to gather in addition to the already popular Town Square and Community Park.

Additional Transit Accessibility

Located in the heart of North York, CF Shops at Don Mills can already be easily accessed by TTC. Public transit access will be further improved with a nearby Science Centre Station (formerly Don Mills Station) along the Cross Town LRT. Station and track construction is nearly completed and will provide convenient and increased access for existing and new shoppers to reach the property.

Addressing Community Feedback

This redevelopment investment reflects CF's commitment to providing unique experiences for all four seasons while effectively supporting retailers and servicing the community. Guest feedback has helped to inform the revitalization plan to ensure improvements to the premium outdoor shopping experience serves the community appropriately.

"As an active neighborhood partner, we are constantly striving to enhance our retail selection and service offering," said Ilene Klein, General Manager, CF Shops at Don Mills. "The redevelopment effort incorporates changes based on valuable recommendations from our guests to allow us to effectively meet the needs of shoppers and our community. 

In addition to the redevelopment improvements, CF Shops at Don Mills will welcome new retail partners, restaurants and services in the coming months which will further add to an improved guest experience.

About Cadillac Fairview
Cadillac Fairview is one of the largest owners, operators and developers of best-in-class office, retail and mixed-use properties in North America. The company also invests in retail, mixed-use and industrial real estate in Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. Valued at more than $29 billion, Cadillac Fairview owns over 37 million square feet of leasable space at 71 properties in Canada, including landmark developments, such as Toronto-Dominion Centre, CF Toronto Eaton Centre, CF Pacific Centre and CF Chinook Centre.

Cadillac Fairview has been wholly owned by the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan since 2000. Ontario Teachers' is a diversified global investor and administers the pensions of more than 300,000 active and retired school teachers.

About CF Shops at Don Mills
CF Shops at Don Mills is Ontario's first urban outdoor shopping and entertainment destination and is home to an assortment of over 100 stores, services and restaurants. For more information, visit www.cfshopsatdonmills.com.

SOURCE Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited

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Katherine Murdick, [email protected], 647-978-6077