Landlord Cadillac Fairview is investing $21 million to enhance its CF Shops at Don Mills in suburban Toronto. Construction is already underway, with a completion date set for the spring of 2017. Pedestrian enhancements, parking improvements, elevated entertainment zones and convenient nearby LRT transit accessibility are all part of the plans for the open-air shopping centre, which opened in April of 2009.

Upgraded wayfinding and signage will be installed to help shoppers better navigate the property. The centre's public realm, particularly along O'Neil Road, will see enhanced street-scaping including wider sidewalks, new cobblestone roadways and unique catenary lighting systems. Common areas will see upgraded furniture and seating areas, on-site art installations and landscaping. Widened sidewalks, store-front bench seating and seasonal decore will be features of the enhanced centre. The existing onsite water fountain will also receive a refresh.

Parking improvements to the centre will include new, illuminated, digital signage displaying real time parking counts and better access to the centre's free four-level, 1,000 stall parkade through a new pedestrian entryway.

*Click above for interactive Google Map*

CF Shops at Don Mills' entertainment components will also be enhanced, with a second entertainment zone being added at the junction of Leadly Lane and Karl Fraser Road. The centre already features one of the region's only VIP Cineplex theatres, drawing from an affluent catchment surrounding the centre.

Cadillac Fairview Senior Vice President of Development Niall Collins explained how the centre mixes local retail with big national and international chains, creating a retail mix that's lacking in many enclosed malls. CF Shops at Don Mills will also see more housing on-site -- hundreds of new residential units are already on the 40-acre property, with a total of about 2,000 units in seven towers expected when completed. The centre is constantly evolving, according to Mr. Collins, as Cadillac Fairview continues to invest in creating an innovative mixed-use community.

Access to public transportation will be enhanced with the opening of the Cross Town LRT -- CF Shops at Don Mills will soon be accessed via nearby Science Centre Station (formerly Don Mills Station), with station and track construction nearly completed.

All renderings were supplied by Cadillac Fairview.

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web: May 4, 2016