169 Fort York Boulevard

It seems as though the architects and developers behind the condos at 169 Fort York Boulevard took real inspiration from the history of the immediate area. Not only does the name, Garrison at Fort York, evoke the Fort York National Historic Site next door (a garrison is a group of troops stationed at or living within a specific site), the commanding design even resembles a modern day citadel.

Although 169 Fort York only reaches to 12 storeys tall, the building commandeers the block. The Onni Group’s 2013 project relied on architectural designs by Wallman and Associates, and is home to 242 Toronto condos. Glass and brick make up most of the façade, with some unique geometric details catching the eyes of pedestrians sauntering by.

Shorter than the typical glass tower, Garrison at Fort York is no less contemporary, especially where amenities are concerned. The building boasts a swimming pool, a rooftop terrace with barbecues, and dining room and bar ready and waiting for residents who want to host formal, sit-down events.

Those living at 169 Fort York also have access to a gym with yoga studio and saunas, business centre, games room, and theatre room, as well as visitor parking and a concierge.

As though prepared for a hierarchy of military personnel, 169 Fort York is equipped with suites that range from the comfortable to the colossal. Units begin at around 400 square feet and reach to approximately 5,000 at their largest.

The homes range from studio to two bedroom plus den condos, including everything in between, and some even cover two storeys. Suite names also pay homage to the Fort York National Historic Site: they include Colonel and Captain, to name a few. Prices are in line with most Fort York condos for sale, and this building is a great choice for anyone who's looking for Toronto condos for rent.

Floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows are the standard at 169 Fort York, making for bright, naturally lit living spaces (and sometimes bedrooms as well). Some units boast balconies with glass balustrades that allow for optimal views of the city below.

II by IV Design Associates was in charge of the interior design for the Garrison at Fort York, resulting in modern and minimalist spaces. Stainless steel appliances and laminate flooring can be found throughout the building, as well as porcelain clad bathroom floors, kitchen countertops fashioned from cultured stone, and Energy Star appliances.

The Fort York neighbourhood is a hybrid area, featuring sizeable residential towers, expansive green spaces, and urban amenities. Many prospective buyers are drawn to the area for its close proximity to Lake Ontario, while living walking distance from Exhibition Place and the Entertainment District isn’t such a bad thing either.

Outdoorsy types living at 169 Fort York can pack a picnic and head over to Garrison Common or Coronation Park, both of which are just steps away. Seafaring residents may want to consider purchasing a membership to the National Yacht Club, which is also right around the corner.

Alternatively, a trip to the Toronto Islands via ferry is a great option in which someone else is driving the boat. All residents need to do is head over to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, which takes 30 minutes to reach by foot or 15 via streetcar.

Entertaining oneself — or one’s guests — is never difficult when living in the Fort York neighbourhood, even on rainy days. The Rogers Centre, the Air Canada Centre, the CN Tower, and Ripley’s Aquarium are all a short walk or streetcar ride away, while special events at the Exhibition Place or sporting events at the Ricoh Coliseum are also worth checking out.

Car or no car, residents living at the Garrison at Fort York have no problem accessing any pocket of the city. The Harbourfront Streetcar carries passengers east and west along the southern edge of the city, offering a connection at Union Station to the east. From here, travelers heading out of Toronto can access VIA Rail, GO Transit, and the UP service to Pearson International Airport.

Speaking of airports, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport takes less than 10 minutes to reach by foot (or a few minutes less than that via streetcar), allowing frequent fliers to avoid hefty taxi fares and long, drawn out commutes.

Residents traveling north can catch a streetcar along Bathurst, which stops just outside the building. From here, passengers can ride up to Bathurst Station on the Bloor-Danforth line in no time.

Drivers can also make use of Bathurst for north-south travel, and those heading east or west can reach the fast-paced Gardiner Expressway in just minutes from 169 Fort York.