Canadian Brownfields Case
Project Type
Research and Publication
Year
Winter 2025
Client /Professor
Christopher De Sousa
Role
Author, and Visual Designer
ABSTRACT
This project was developed as part of PLE865: Brownfield Redevelopment at Toronto Metropolitan University and is intended for publication through the ReActivate Lab and distribution at the 2025 Canadian Brownfields Network Conference. As a contribution to the Brownfields Best Management Practice (BMP) Case Study series, this research documents the environmental remediation and adaptive reuse of the John Street Roundhouse, a former locomotive maintenance facility and National Historic Site located in downtown Toronto.
The case study explores the site's transformation from a contaminated post-industrial brownfield into a publicly accessible, mixed-use destination that blends heritage preservation with modern commercial and cultural uses. Drawing from archival records, site analysis, and planning documents, the project highlights key planning, regulatory, environmental, and financing strategies while identifying lessons learned from this landmark revitalization effort.
PROJECT BRIEF
The revitalization of the John Street Roundhouse represents a landmark example of adaptive reuse and environmental remediation in the heart of Toronto’s downtown. Originally constructed between 1929–1931 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the roundhouse was decommissioned in the 1980s and left contaminated by decades of locomotive maintenance.
This case study documents the site’s transformation from a contaminated brownfield into a dynamic, mixed-use heritage destination. The project involved extensive remediation efforts to address lead paint, asbestos, and heavy oil contamination, followed by phased redevelopment that integrated public, cultural, and commercial programs—including Steam Whistle Brewery, Cineplex Rec Room, and the Toronto Railway Museum.
Full Article Link: Canadian Brownfield Case: John St. Roundhouse; Orcel Manalang
Orcel Manalang (2025) John Street Roundhouse. Canadian Brownfields Network Annual Conference, From Legacy to Opportunity: The Evolution and Integration of Brownfield Reuse, Poster Session, Toronto, June 17, 2025.
SITE CONTEXT
Located at 255 Bremner Blvd, directly across from the CN Tower and Rogers Centre, the Roundhouse sits within Toronto’s high-profile downtown entertainment corridor. Once a locomotive maintenance facility for Canadian Pacific Railway, the site is steeped in industrial legacy, now layered with commercial and recreational activity.
The site’s 9,300 sqm footprint includes preserved brick bays, a 120-foot railway turntable, and associated heritage buildings like Cabin D and Don Station. Social and environmental analysis revealed the need to balance heritage preservation, public access, and economic viability—ultimately forming the foundation of the revitalization strategy.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
The John Street Roundhouse in Toronto represents a landmark case of brownfield remediation and heritage-led revitalization. Originally constructed between 1929 and 1931 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the facility once served as a 32-stall locomotive maintenance hub adjacent to Union Station. After falling into disuse in the 1980s and facing significant environmental contamination, the site was designated a National Historic Site in 1990.
This case study explores the site's transformation from a contaminated post-industrial brownfield into a publicly accessible, mixed-use cultural and commercial destination. Anchored by heritage preservation and adaptive reuse, the project demonstrates how legacy infrastructure can be reactivated through strategic remediation, community-driven planning, and public-private collaboration.
DESIGN AND REMEDIATION SOLUTIONS
The Roundhouse’s revitalization occurred in three key phases, involving both environmental cleanup and adaptive architectural restoration:
Environmental Abatement: Remediation targeted hazardous materials including lead-based paint, asbestos, and heavy oils—common in early 20th-century railway infrastructure. Methods such as surfactant treatment, poulticing, and Level 1 abatement procedures were employed, following the Ontario Ministry of Environment’s 1996/1997 Guidelines for Contaminated Sites.
Disassembly and Reassembly: Bays 1–11 were carefully dismantled to accommodate the underground expansion of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. These bays were later reassembled above the structure, preserving the roundhouse’s original form while accommodating new urban infrastructure.
Adaptive Reuse: The building was repurposed for commercial and cultural uses, including the Steam Whistle Brewery, Toronto Railway Museum, and Cineplex Rec Room. Historic materials—Douglas fir beams, engine doors, and brickwork—were preserved or restored using traditional methods, while modern upgrades (e.g., curtain walls, deep-water cooling) improved energy performance.
Public Realm Enhancements: The surrounding Roundhouse Park was developed as a heritage landscape, complete with restored railway artifacts, historic outbuildings (e.g., Cabin D), and interpretive pathways radiating from the turntable.
IMPACT
The revitalization of the John Street Roundhouse has generated meaningful economic, cultural, and environmental benefits. Economically, the adaptive reuse of this National Historic Site has supported a sustainable funding model through long-term leases with commercial tenants such as Steam Whistle Brewery and Cineplex’s Rec Room, transforming the site into a thriving destination within Toronto’s downtown core. Culturally, the site has become a living museum that preserves and celebrates Toronto’s railway heritage, supported by the Toronto Railway Museum and public installations throughout Roundhouse Park. Environmentally, the project achieved significant remediation outcomes, removing hazardous materials and reducing long-term risks through sustainable energy systems and the reuse of original building materials. Together, these outcomes demonstrate how brownfield sites can be successfully reactivated to deliver long-term value across multiple dimensions.
EVALUATION
"This is very well done throughout, Orcel. I am glad that you took it on. Well written, great detail, excellent photos. See comments within the text. The one thing is to see if we can locate historic contaminated land management information, given that this site predates the RSC. Make sure all references are in place. No need to cut things down."
- Professor Christopher De Sousa, TMU
"Well done. I really like the layout. I like the content, but instead of awards, I wonder if more about the heritage preservation might have been more interesting. Hard to tell the entire story while making for an interesting poster. Well done."
- Professor Christopher De Sousa, TMU
REFLECTION
Exploring the John Street Roundhouse revitalization project has been an insightful journey that resonates deeply with my dual passions for architecture and urban planning. My background in architecture, with a strong focus on cultural heritage, has instilled in me a profound respect for the stories embedded in historic structures. Now, as I continue my path in urban planning, I find myself increasingly drawn to the challenge of preserving these narratives while shaping cities that respond to the needs of the present and future.
In a world that often prioritizes rapid development and modernity, it is easy to overlook the enduring value of our built heritage. Projects like the Roundhouse remind us that these places are not static relics, but living parts of our urban fabric, capable of evolving alongside the communities they serve. Witnessing the potential to extend the lifespan of such a structure through thoughtful design, collaboration, and adaptive reuse offers a hopeful vision—one where we can safeguard our cultural landmarks without compromising innovation.
This case study reinforced my belief that both architecture and planning are not only about building new environments but also about creating meaningful dialogues between past and present. The Roundhouse stands as a testament to what is possible when preservation and progress converge, and it inspires me to advocate for cities where heritage and modernity coexist in harmony. As I move forward in my career, I carry the lessons of this project with me—hopeful that our future cities will honor their past while embracing their full potential.
CREDITS
Author & Visuals: Orcel Manalang
Course: PLE865: Brownfield Redevelopment
Instructor / Reviewed by: Professor Christopher De Sousa
Institution: Toronto Metropolitan University
Intended Publication: ReActivate Lab | Canadian Brownfields Network 2025 Annual Conference
Photographs & Poster Design: Orcel Manalang
