Canadian film studio set to expand along Toronto waterfront

TORONTO — Pinewood Toronto Studios, the largest film and television studio of its kind in Canada, is expanding its presence on Toronto’s eastern waterfront.

The studio has leased new property from the Toronto Port Lands Company to accommodate a new facility spanning 135,000 square feet. The new facility will feature four new workshop spaces, production offices, parking and supporting retail space.

“We’re not going to get the business if we don’t have a place to do it, so we’ve got to expand the spaces available,” said Toronto Mayor John Tory.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We're not going to get the business if we don't have a place to do it, so we've got to expand the spaces available," said Toronto Mayor John Tory.

The additional space will allow the studio to host multiple productions simultaneously, in the hopes of attracting more producers to the city.

READ MORE: Toronto mayor headed to Hollywood to drum up support for city’s film, TV industry

Currently, the studio sits on 300,000 square feet of real estate at 225 Commissioners St. Today’s announcement is just the first step in bigger plans for Pinewood Toronto Studios to double in size to 600,000 square feet.

“I’m proud we’re leading the way in adding more purpose-built facilities to our city’s thriving film and television industry,” said Paul Bronfman, chairman of Pinewood Toronto Studios.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I'm proud we're leading the way in adding more purpose-built facilities to our city's thriving film and television industry," said Paul Bronfman, chairman of Pinewood Toronto Studios.

Toronto Port Lands Company has approved the concept plans and will be working with Pinewood Toronto Studios to prepare the land for development. Construction, however, will not begin until the studio receives all necessary permits from the city.

The facility is expected to be ready for film clients by 2018.