Woodbine Centre seeks new future after decades of decline
The struggling Etobicoke mall, once a destination with its Fantasy Fair indoor amusement park, is now in receivership as new owners explore redevelopment plans.
Woodbine Centre, the once-beloved Etobicoke mall that opened in 1985, is now a shadow of itself—home to empty storefronts, weathered signage unchanged for decades, and parking lots used to store tractor trailers. But despite its deterioration, the mall remains nostalgic for many who grew up in the area, especially those who remember its Fantasy Fair indoor amusement park filled with dinosaurs, carnival rides, and a mechanized train.
The mall's struggles accelerated with the departure of anchor tenants like Sears and Zellars. When Target rejected the Zellers location during its brief Canadian run, it signaled the mall wasn't performing—a clear warning sign to retailers. The owner, Woodbine Mall Holdings Inc., struggled through the pandemic, entered bankruptcy, and was placed into receivership in 2023 by lender Romspen Investment Corporation. On April 30, Romspen took full ownership of the 51-acre property.
"When Target didn't want this Zellers, you knew it was not a performing mall," said urban geographer Sean Marshall, who has fond childhood memories of the Fantasy Fair. "It was a place to come for a treat for a day."
Romspen's president Brent Forrest said the company is in early stages of finding ways to repurpose the land to better serve the community. "This will be a several-year process," Forrest said, emphasizing the need for proper engagement with community and city. The new owners have kept Fantasy Fair operating, and Forrest indicated the attraction may stick around in future plans.
Woodbine isn't alone in its struggles. Mid-tier malls across the country are being squeezed, as luxury retailers and discount stores like Walmart and Dollarama thrive while the middle market withers. Other malls nearby have fared better through constant upgrades and easy transit access, but Woodbine's frozen-in-time state hasn't helped its case. The mall is now making more money renting out its parking lot for vehicle storage than from tenants inside—a far cry from its heyday as a vibrant community destination.