gas station toronto

One of downtown Toronto's last surviving gas stations replaced by condo studio

Over the past few years, gas stations through Toronto's downtown core have been dropping like flies, as the coveted spaces near major intersections continuously get scooped up by condo developers.

One of downtown Toronto's last remaining gas stations, an Esso and Circle K at 241 Church St., shuttered its doors in July 2022 to make way for a 53-storey development designed by Turner Fleischer Architects. 

Located on the northeast corner of Church and Dundas, the land was purchased by Graywood Developments for $73 million in October 2020. Although the gas station's former structure remains, its signage has been stripped and replaced with a condominium presentation studio, which some are calling an "incredibly Toronto" thing to happen. 

The loss of the gas station, which was situated just a quick drive east of Yonge-Dundas Square, forced motorists in the area to search for other locations to fuel up, although options were and continue to be limited. 

Just recently, another of downtown's last gas stations, another Esso and Circle K at 952 King St. W., was shuttered to make way for a mixed-use 16-storey tower with ground-floor retail and 213 purpose-built rental units. 

At the time of publication, fewer than 10 gas stations are remaining from Dufferin Street east to the DVP, and Bloor Street south to the waterfront. 

Lead photo by

Google Street View


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Doug Ford just got even tougher on Ontario bike lanes with new measures

Toronto's $27 billion Ontario Line just crossed its biggest construction milestone so far

Rare Canadian gold coin sells for over $1.5 million

Toronto ranked among the top 100 best cities in the world for 2025

A full list of all the items included in Canada's holiday GST cut

Liquid soap sold at stores across Canada recalled due to contamination

Canadians to get GST cut on groceries and new $250 rebate ahead of holidays

Snow is finally coming to southern Ontario and here's when it will hit