Queen and Augusta park design revealed as site moves toward construction phase
The 820-square-metre green space at the former KFC-Taco Bell location will feature a circular gathering space anchored by a tree and Q-shaped paving referencing the neighbourhood.
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The site of Toronto's long-vacant and since-demolished KFC-Taco Bell building at one of the city's busiest intersections is one step closer to becoming a public park.
The City of Toronto revealed this week the preferred design for an 820-square-metre park coming to 464-470 Queen St. W., at the corner of Queen Street West and Augusta Avenue. The plan emerged after the city completed the third phase of community engagement, where the design was shared with the broader community and an Indigenous Sharing Circle.
The design combines elements from three earlier concepts shown during public consultation, weaving together shape, gathering, storytelling, biodiversity, and observation. The park will feature benches and varied seating areas, a feature tree surrounded by a circular gathering space, ornamental shrubs, large stones, and an art panel. Distinctive paving extends toward the intersection in a Q shape that references both the park's location on Queen Street and Turtle Island, a recommendation from Indigenous consultation.
A pathway through plantings will connect 15 Denison Ave. to the central gathering area. The Augusta Avenue edge will include a double-sided bench allowing people to face either the central gathering space or the surrounding neighbourhood.
The project is now moving into the detailed design phase. A construction team is set to be hired this fall, with demolition at 468 Queen St. W. expected in December. Based on the current timeline, construction will begin next summer and finish by summer 2028, when the green space opens to the public. The park has been planned since at least 2021, when the city revealed plans to demolish both the KFC-Taco Bell and the adjacent SVP Sports sneaker retailer.
At a glance
Where exactly is the new Queen and Augusta park?
The park is coming to 464-470 Queen St. W. in Toronto, at the corner of Queen Street West and Augusta Avenue, on the site of the former KFC-Taco Bell building.
What are the main features of the park design?
The 820-square-metre Toronto park will feature a circular gathering space anchored by a feature tree, benches and varied seating areas, ornamental shrubs, large stones, an art panel, and distinctive Q-shaped paving that references Queen Street and Turtle Island.
