Amazon MGM Studios celebrated its first anniversary at Pinewood Toronto Studios amid major announcements that position Toronto’s Port Lands district for unprecedented growth as a mixed-use entertainment and residential destination.
The milestone celebration, held February 4 at the studio’s 225 Commissioners Street location, highlighted the catalytic effect of Amazon MGM Studios’ 160,000-square-foot production complex on the district’s development. The facility, featuring five state-of-the-art sound stages alongside workshops and office accommodation, represents the studio’s first multi-year commitment to Canadian production space.
“None of our amazing projects in the GTA would be possible without the local businesses and community members who are the force behind these productions,” said Magda Grace, Head of Prime Video Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. “With the exciting projects we have planned in the years ahead, we look forward to continuing to work with all of you to tell stories our customers love, while helping to further build Toronto’s production community.”
The anniversary coincides with a transformative $975 million tri-government investment announced last week to accelerate waterfront development. The funding agreement, split equally between federal, provincial, and municipal governments, will support the creation of over 14,000 new homes and generate an estimated 100,000 skilled trades jobs in the district.
“Today is a great day for Torontonians,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “The Waterfront Toronto partnership will revitalize our city and build more than 14,000 homes. This partnership will build a new neighbourhood and a vibrant waterfront for generations to come.”
Site servicing work for the residential development will begin in 2026, with first occupancy targeted for 2031. The investment builds on the success of the $1.4 billion Port Lands Flood Protection Project, marking a significant milestone in the area’s transformation from industrial zone to urban community.
Further cementing the district’s cultural significance, Pinewood Toronto Studios announced the dedication of a soundstage to celebrated Canadian filmmaker Norman Jewison, who passed away last year at 97. “Pinewood Toronto is proud to celebrate the legacy of Canadian filmmaker Norman Jewison,” said Sarah Farrell, general manager of Pinewood Toronto Studios. “His groundbreaking work was renowned throughout the world and it is an honor to have The Norman Jewison Stage on our lot.”
The convergence of studio investment and government funding has already catalyzed retail growth in the district. Cherry Street Bar-B-Que, operating from a restored 1920s bank building at 275 Cherry Street, has established itself as a destination dining spot, while BATL (Backyard Axe Throwing League) has expanded from its early Toronto roots to 18 locations across North America, serving nearly 5 million visitors.
“Toronto’s film, television and digital media production industry is among the best in the world and this long-term commitment and multimillion-dollar investment by Amazon MGM Studios represents a huge vote of confidence in our local workforce and the strength of our screen industry,” said Councillor Paula Fletcher, Chair of Toronto’s Film, Television and Digital Media Advisory Board. “It also reinforces the Port Lands as a longstanding major production hub and the city as a Centre of excellence for film and television production.”
The district is projected to attract over a million visitors annually once development is complete. This convergence of entertainment industry investment, government funding, and organic retail growth positions the Port Lands as a model for mixed-use development. As the district evolves from its industrial past, it offers a blueprint for urban renewal where creative industries, destination retail, and residential communities thrive together, creating a sustainable waterfront destination for the next generation of Torontonians.
Dustin Fuhs is the Editor-in-Chief of 6ix Retail. He is the former Editor-in-Chief of Retail Insider, Canada’s most-read retail trade publication. He has over 20 years of experience in the retail, marketing, entertainment and hospitality industries, including with The Walt Disney Company, The Hockey Hall of Fame, Starbucks and Blockbuster.
Dustin was named as a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert in 2024 and 2025.