One of downtown Toronto’s last gas stations could be torn down for condos

One of downtown Toronto’s last gas stations could be torn down for condos. The Petro-Canada station at the northeast corner of Richmond and Jarvis, which has been in operation since the 1960s, may soon be replaced by a 50-storey condominium tower. This comes as a result of a redevelopment proposal by Suncor Energy, the Alberta-based parent company of Petro-Canada. The dwindling number of gas stations in downtown Toronto raises questions about the city’s changing landscape and the impact of increasing urban development.

The Proposed Development

Suncor Energy’s redevelopment proposal for the 115 Jarvis site involves tearing down the existing gas station and convenience store to make way for a new 50-storey condominium tower. The proposed tower, designed by architects at Arcadis, features a pair of fused volumes differentiated through contrasting finishes, standing almost 165 metres tall.

Residential Units Amid a Falling Condo Market

Despite the current downturn in the condo market, Suncor’s plans for the site include 596 condominium units. Such high residential densities are encouraged by planning policies that support high-rise development near transit stations. This location is within walking distance of the existing Queen subway station and is just steps away from the future Moss Park Station on the Ontario Line. 115 jarvis street toronto

Parking and Transportation

Despite the proximity to public transit, the project plans include a four-level underground parking garage accommodating 142 cars, a move that may add to the congestion in downtown streets. However, the majority of the tower’s residents are expected to utilize public transit, with nearly 600 bicycle parking spaces also provided within the base of the tower. 115 jarvis street toronto

The Decline of Gas Stations in Downtown Toronto

The potential loss of this Petro-Canada station follows the recent closures of other gas stations in the city centre. Former Esso and Circle K locations at 176 Front St. E. and 241 Church St. were torn down in 2022, and another location at 952 King St. W. was demolished in 2024. These closures highlight a trend of gas stations disappearing from downtown Toronto, as land is increasingly being repurposed for residential and commercial development. 115 jarvis street toronto

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

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