SVI is not selling its property. 620 Spadina Avenue is strategically located in downtown Toronto close to the Bloor Street Culture Corridor, across from the University of Toronto, in the heart of the city, just minutes from Queen’s Park and the financial core. Proximity to the subway and streetcar lines provides easy access and connectivity. The SVI Board of Directors and members recognize the immense value of this location and plan to expand its potential for future generations.

Yes. The current built structure was considered. All aspects from floor layouts, room sizes, ceiling heights, ventilation and other critical infrastructure were evaluated. The existing building does not and cannot meet current building standards under a renovation scenario. For example, the relatively short ceiling height makes it difficult to introduce better ventilation and air conditioning.

A Project Director, reporting directly to the SVI Board of Directors, has been retained to manage all aspects of the project. A Development Advisory Committee (DAC) composed of members of the Board of Directors and expert volunteers has been created to provide advice and recommendation to the Project Director and through the Project Director to the SVI Board. The DAC is made up of a Chair, board members and volunteers knowledgeable in the fields of construction, architecture, business and finance. Professional consultants in their respective disciplines are being brought on as the project requires.

This project requires a capital campaign. And, we will be looking at sponsorships, grants, fundraising events, and other community support. In addition, the plans include income generating revenue streams to sustain us into the future. A component of the financing will also come from institutional lenders. If you are interested in supporting this project in any way, please contact projectdirector@stvolodymyr.org

SVI is one of the last significant Ukrainian community buildings in downtown Toronto. Given the location at 620 Spadina Avenue, in the heart of Toronto, in proximity to the city’s pre-eminent cultural and educational institutions, a new facility will have significant exposure, cross-pollination with similarly focused organizations, and will be a beacon for the community. SVI invites the community to unite together, strengthening our presence and efforts.

The Master and Business Plan studies tested the physical and planning regime realities of our site, against financial feasibility., With the results of those studies in hand, we willtake time to further refine them with more detailed inputs to devise a path forward. The development process will require planning applications to be submitted to the City of Toronto to redesignate and rezone the property to accommodate the new facility and proposed uses. The planning applications constitute a public process, with statutory timelines under the Planning Act. Construction timelines will be determined with a building team.

The vision is for the new facility to be a hub for the Ukrainian Canadian community specifically, and for the residents of the City of Toronto more generally. We are eager to work with organizations and individuals who share our vision and who help fulfill our mission of excellence in culture and education.

As we explore a new future for ourselves, we anticipate that a new facility will have a new name that is more representative of our re-imagined facility.

The architectural design has not yet been prepared. The Master Plan produced a hypothetical model depicting both the interior space and exterior shape of the building. Essentially it shows a schematic of what we hope to achieve, considering multiple aspects, such as surrounding context, planning / zoning regulations, and our space requirements. It will also consider floor layouts, accessibility and adjacencies. This forms the basis and input to the architectural design.

SVI has retained consultants to undertake a Business Plan to determine income generation, carrying costs and ultimately, financial feasibility. The result of that study will be further refined and tested so as to inform how the project moves forward.

Underground parking accommodation is anticipated and is being evaluated. The cost of construction and ability to excavate the site will determine the extent of the parking availability. SVI is also well serviced by transit, and it is anticipated that many will utilize those means to access the facility.

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Let us know how you think you can help.
Contact us at projectdirector@stvolodymyr.org