Once a bustling retail hub, Galleria Shopping Centre in Wallace Emerson has long been a cornerstone of the neighborhood, offering a mix of shopping, dining, and community experiences. As one of the best shopping centres in Wallace Emerson, it has seen decades of transformation—from its early days as a vibrant mall to its current evolution into a modern, mixed-use urban space. Now, an ambitious redevelopment is underway, promising to reshape it into one of Toronto’s best shopping centres, blending retail, residential, and public amenities. Whether you’re a long-time visitor reminiscing about its past or a curious local eager to see what’s next, this guide will take you through everything you need to know about one of the best malls in Wallace Emerson. Discover its history, current state, and how it’s set to become a model for the best malls and shopping centres in Toronto.
History and Background
Galleria Shopping Centre in Wallace Emerson was established in 1972, serving as a vital commercial hub for the community. Originally designed as a single-story enclosed shopping mall, it was one of the few enclosed retail spaces in the former City of Toronto. Spanning 21,124 m² (227,380 sq ft), the mall was home to approximately 50 tenants at its peak.
Over the decades, the mall housed several notable businesses. Zellers, a well-known Canadian discount department store, operated in the space for nearly two decades before closing in 2012. Before Zellers, the same space was occupied by Towers, another discount retailer, which shut down in 1991. Other key tenants included Price Chopper (which rebranded as FreshCo in 2010), McDonald’s (demolished in 2022), Dollarama (closed in 2020), TD Bank, Rexall, and Planet Fitness—which opened its first Canadian location at the mall in 2014.
The site itself holds significant historical importance. Before becoming a shopping centre, it was home to Dominion Radiator Company in the early 1900s. During World War I (1917-1919), it housed Curtiss Aircraft/Canadian Aeroplanes, contributing to aircraft manufacturing efforts. Later, it became a site for Columbia Graphophone, then transitioned into the Dodge Brothers automotive plant in 1925, and eventually, the Chrysler plant in 1928. This rich industrial history adds depth to the site’s transformation from a manufacturing hub to a retail and residential destination.
As one of the best shopping centres in Wallace Emerson, Galleria Shopping Centre played an essential role in the neighborhood’s commercial and social landscape. Today, its ongoing redevelopment aims to position it among the best malls and shopping centres in Toronto, blending its historical legacy with modern urban living.
Location and Accessibility
Galleria Shopping Centre in Wallace Emerson is located at 1245 Dupont Street, Toronto, Ontario, at the southwest corner of Dufferin Street and Dupont Street. This prime location places it in the heart of Wallace Emerson, with easy access to nearby neighborhoods such as The Annex and The Junction. As one of the best shopping centres in Wallace Emerson, it has long served as a key retail and community hub in the area.
The shopping centre is well-connected by public transit, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors. The Dufferin TTC bus (29/329) runs along Dufferin Street, providing direct connections to Dufferin Station (Line 2 – Bloor-Danforth Subway). The Dupont TTC bus (26) runs east-west along Dupont Street, offering additional transit options. For commuters using GO Transit or the UP Express, the Bloor GO/UP Station is a short distance away.
For those driving, parking is available on-site, with spaces allocated for both short-term and long-term visitors. As redevelopment progresses, new infrastructure improvements aim to enhance pedestrian and cyclist access, reinforcing the vision of Galleria Shopping Centre as one of Toronto’s best shopping centres.
Current State of Galleria Shopping Centre
As Galleria Shopping Centre in Wallace Emerson undergoes redevelopment, only a portion of the original mall remains standing. While many stores have closed over the years, a few key businesses continue to operate, serving the local community.
The remaining tenants include:
- FreshCo – Previously known as Price Chopper, this supermarket continues to provide affordable grocery options to the neighborhood.
- Planet Fitness – Opened in 2014, this was the first Planet Fitness location in Canada, offering a budget-friendly gym experience.
- PetValu – A specialty pet supply store catering to pet owners in Wallace Emerson and surrounding areas. “If you’re visiting Galleria Shopping Centre and looking for places to shop for your furry friend, check out our list of the top pet stores in Toronto to find the best supplies and treats.
- Rexall – A well-known pharmacy chain offering health and wellness products.
- TD Bank – A full-service bank providing financial services to residents and businesses.
- F45 Training – A high-intensity interval training (HIIT) gym known for group workouts. Check out these top group training gyms and bootcamps in Toronto to stay active and motivated.
Despite ongoing demolition and redevelopment, Galleria Shopping Centre remains an important part of the Wallace Emerson community. It continues to provide essential services while transitioning into a modern, mixed-use space. Once completed, the redevelopment aims to solidify its place among the best shopping centres in Wallace Emerson and contribute to the evolving urban landscape.
Galleria Mall Redevelopment
The Galleria Shopping Centre in Wallace Emerson is undergoing a large-scale redevelopment to transform it into a modern, mixed-use community. This project, led by Freed Developments and ELAD Canada, began in 2015 and is expected to be completed by 2030. The goal is to replace the aging mall with a pedestrian-friendly, urban hub that integrates residential, retail, and public spaces, making it one of the best shopping centres in Wallace Emerson for the future.
Master Plan Vision
The redevelopment focuses on creating a vibrant, walkable neighborhood that blends commercial, residential, and recreational spaces. The plan includes:
- Eight residential towers ranging from 19 to 35 stories, providing a mix of condos and rental units.
- New retail spaces, designed with smaller storefronts to maintain the neighborhood’s fine-grained, community-focused identity.
- Wallace Emerson Community Centre expansion, ensuring the site remains a key social hub.
- Increased parkland, adding green space and public amenities adjacent to Wallace Emerson Park.
This redevelopment is expected to enhance the neighborhood by offering more housing, improved infrastructure, and a redefined retail experience. Once complete, the new Galleria Shopping Centre will be positioned among Toronto’s best shopping centres, bringing modern urban living to Wallace Emerson while preserving its community-driven spirit.
Unique Features of the Redevelopment
The redevelopment of Galleria Shopping Centre in Wallace Emerson is designed to create a modern, pedestrian-friendly urban space that balances residential, retail, and public amenities. By incorporating innovative design elements, the project aims to transform the area into one of the best shopping centres in Wallace Emerson while enhancing the surrounding community.
Retail Transformation
The new Galleria Shopping Centre will feature smaller, fine-grained storefronts, moving away from the traditional enclosed mall design. This approach mirrors the urban streetscape seen in other successful mixed-use developments, making it more walkable and integrated with the neighborhood.
Public Amenities
The redevelopment prioritizes community spaces, including:
- Expanded parkland connected to Wallace Emerson Park.
- A modernized Wallace Emerson Community Centre with new recreational facilities.
- Fitness and wellness spaces, ensuring active lifestyle options for residents and visitors.
Urban Design Improvements
To support a vibrant, walkable environment, the plan introduces:
- New streets and laneways to improve accessibility.
- Dedicated pedestrian walkways to enhance connectivity across the site.
- Public gathering spaces, reinforcing the center’s role as a neighborhood hub.
Housing Expansion
The redevelopment will increase purpose-built rental and affordable housing, providing a mix of housing options within eight residential towers (19-35 stories). This ensures that the transformation benefits both existing residents and newcomers looking for housing in one of Toronto’s best shopping centres for urban living.
By combining retail, residential, and community-focused elements, the Galleria Shopping Centre in Wallace Emerson is set to become one of the best malls and shopping centres in Toronto, redefining the future of urban development in the city.
Future Prospects and Community Impact
The redevelopment of Galleria Shopping Centre in Wallace Emerson is set to bring significant economic and social benefits to the area. As one of the best shopping centres in Wallace Emerson undergoing transformation, the project will enhance the local economy, create new job opportunities, and improve the overall quality of life for residents.
Economic Growth and Employment Opportunities
With the addition of new retail spaces, office units, and public amenities, the redevelopment is expected to generate employment in sectors such as:
- Retail and hospitality – new stores, restaurants, and service providers.
- Construction and development – job opportunities throughout the project’s timeline.
- Health and wellness – fitness centers, community programs, and recreational facilities.
As one of the best malls in Wallace Emerson transitioning into a modern urban space, the redevelopment will attract both local and national businesses, contributing to long-term economic sustainability.
Long-Term Benefits for Residents
The transformation of Galleria Shopping Centre will provide several advantages to the Wallace Emerson community, including:
- Improved public spaces – expanded parkland and a renovated Wallace Emerson Community Centre.
- Better transportation and accessibility – new streets and pedestrian walkways.
- Modern residential options – a mix of condos and purpose-built rental housing.
By integrating residential and commercial spaces, the project aligns with Toronto’s vision for mixed-use developments, ensuring Galleria Shopping Centre remains one of Toronto’s best shopping centres for both shopping and living.
Impact on Property Values and Local Businesses
The introduction of eight new residential towers and commercial spaces is expected to positively impact property values in Wallace Emerson and surrounding areas. With increased demand for housing and retail, the redevelopment will:
- Boost property values, making it a desirable area for buyers and investors.
- Support local businesses, as an increase in foot traffic will benefit shops, restaurants, and services.
- Strengthen the local economy, ensuring sustainable growth for the neighborhood.
As one of the best malls and shopping centres in Toronto undergoing a full-scale redevelopment, Galleria Shopping Centre is poised to redefine urban living while maintaining its role as a community-focused hub.
FAQs
- What businesses are still open at Galleria Shopping Centre?
FreshCo, Planet Fitness, PetValu, Rexall, TD Bank, and F45 Training are still operational. - What are the main features of the Galleria Mall redevelopment?
The project includes eight residential towers, new retail spaces, expanded parkland, and an upgraded Wallace Emerson Community Centre. - Will there still be shopping options in the new Galleria Shopping Centre?
Yes, the redevelopment will include new retail spaces with smaller storefronts designed for a pedestrian-friendly shopping experience. - Is there public transit access to Galleria Shopping Centre?
Yes, the Dufferin (29) and Dupont (26) TTC bus routes connect the site to subway stations and nearby areas. - What will happen to Wallace Emerson Community Centre?
It will be expanded and modernized as part of the redevelopment.