Local and Sustainable FoodThe Plant was inspired by a desire to embed urban agriculture into all aspects of urban living. The innovative suite design, with their oversized balconies, maximizes sun exposure so every resident can nurture their own garden. The amenity space is both a communal kitchen and a community planting area. The south facing wall acts a greenhouse so residents can get an early start on their planting, and the outdoor terrace has container gardens, event space and a feature vertical vine. Before construction started, Windmill partnered with the Bowery Project to install a container garden in the parking lot. The produce grown there was donated to a local non-profit.

Culture and CommunityUrban agriculture is more than simply growing your own vegetables. It is also a way to build community and increase awareness about heathy living and healthy food choices. From the outset, we envisioned that The Plant’s communal kitchen and gardens would allow the residents to connect with each other in meaningful ways. Moreover, post-occupancy, we established an Urban Harvest Program with garden gurus and chefs known for their commitment to farm-to-table cooking available to coach residents on how to get the most out of The Plant’s focus on urban agriculture. Finally, the name, The Plant, is also a nod to the community of factories and workshops that once dominated this West Queen West neighbourhood.

Travel and TransportThe Plant is conveniently located at the confluence of the West Toronto Railpath and the Adelaide/Richmond urban bicycle lanes. The Railpath, which originates in the Junction, is being extended southward to Sudbury Street, almost to building’s front door. To the east, the new linear park at CAMH will connect the building to the Adelaide and Richmond bike lanes to provide a dedicated route downtown. To further encourage active transportation, the building’s lobby features a pedestrian entrance from Dovercourt and a bicycle entrance from the lane, complete with a heated, light-filled bicycle parking room and wash/repair area. Both Queen Street to the north and King Street to the south provide regular streetcar service and new Smart Track Station will be located across the street to provide regular train service to the downtown and along the Georgetown line.