Alta
- Location
- Toronto, Canada
- Expertise
- Architecture
- Digital Design
Alta redefines purpose-built rental living with people-first design, sustainable systems and inclusive spaces that shape a vibrant new Scarborough community.
As the first phase of the Scarborough Town Centre Master Plan, Alta marks the beginning of a new era in urban living for Scarborough. Designed by BDP Quadrangle for Oxford Properties Group, Alta will deliver three purpose-built rental towers of 32, 41 and 50 storeys, united by a shared seven-storey podium that integrates 1,285 new homes, including over 20% affordable housing. Backed by a $650 million federal loan, this development represents the largest new purpose-built rental housing project in Canada in a generation and a major step toward transforming a suburban superblock into a connected, inclusive urban district.
At its core, Alta embodies a philosophy of designing from the inside out - a people-first approach that prioritizes the lived experience of residents over density alone. Each decision, from unit layouts to the arrangement of shared amenities, is shaped by how individuals and families live, grow and connect over time.
The design places a strong emphasis on family-friendly housing, offering larger suites with direct access to indoor and outdoor amenity spaces. At-grade townhouses activate the street, while approximately 16,000 square feet of retail animates the ground plane and supports everyday life. A public park, plazas and privately owned publicly accessible spaces (POPS) create a network of open areas that extend the community experience beyond the building envelope. Together, these elements foster a sense of belonging, encouraging interaction across generations and promoting wellbeing through light, air and access to nature.
“Alta was conceived not just as a building, but as a framework for community life. Every design move, from family-oriented homes to active streetscapes, is about creating an environment where people feel connected, supported and proud to call home.”
Alta’s design advances environmental performance alongside social inclusion. The project incorporates a geothermal heating and cooling system projected to reduce energy consumption by 55% and lower greenhouse gas emissions by 74% compared to conventional systems. Above-grade parking wrapped with active residential uses minimizes embodied carbon while optimizing land use and supporting a vibrant streetscape.
A public art strategy will celebrate Scarborough’s cultural diversity, further embedding local identity into the public realm. By integrating green infrastructure, active mobility and transit-oriented design, Alta helps shape a resilient future for the district.
Alta is more than a first phase, it’s the foundation of a long-term vision. As master planners for the Scarborough Town Centre Master Plan, BDP Quadrangle has envisioned a shift from a car-oriented retail precinct to a connected, mixed-use community anchored by housing, retail and public space. With Alta breaking ground in 2025, the project signals a tangible beginning to that transformation, establishing the Scarborough Town Centre as a new hub of urban living, accessibility and community life.
