In 1889, Toronto industrialist Thomas McDonald purchased over 500 acres of farmland in Etobicoke Township. He subdivided the tract into commercial, residential and industrial sectors, with industrial lands reserved on Seventh Street (now Islington Avenue) and Eighth Street to the west. The need for enhanced electricity supply for the development’s industries required construction of the hydro station. More than 100 years later the station and its 21-acre site have been listed for sale by CreateTO. To “conserve the cultural heritage value of the landmark property and maintain the historic industrial character of metal manufacturing of over 80 years in South Etobicoke”. 

Paul Chomik of the Etobicoke Historical Society led a walking tour of the neighbourhood. Architect Joey Giaimo presented on the adaptive reuse of industrial buildings. Four Charrette design teams then set to creating ideas for conservation and redevelopment that were evaluated by Megan Torza of DTAH Architects, Michael McClelland of ERA Architects, Alex Corey of Toronto Heritage Planning Services, Myles MacKenzie of PMA Landscape Architects, and Chris Bateman of Heritage Toronto.

All charrette teams highlighted the importance of restoring the hydro station, as well as enhancing employment and cultural opportunities, providing park space and community gardens for its community. The winning proposal, “Lakeview Park & The Hub”, focused on retrofitting the historic substation into a multifunctional hub that would contain an interpretive and informational centre as well as amenities for community groups, parents, children, seniors and schools. There would be greenhouse pods at the sides of the building and reworking of the 21-acre landscape within expansive artificial hills that would be topped by a lookout with views of the lake and city.