The “World-Class” Vision
Premier Doug Ford has proposed a replacement for the MTCC that would more than quadruple the size of the existing facility. While the current center offers approximately 442,000 square feet of exhibit space, Ford’s proposed project aims for a staggering 2 million square feet.
The Premier emphasized that the new design would “awe” the public and move Toronto from its current ranking—which he cited as 24th out of 25 top North American convention destinations—to the number one spot.
“I can’t wait to announce the location… and when I say world-class, it will be unlike any other location in the entire world. Wait until you see the design.” — Premier Doug Ford
Economic Necessity vs. Cost
The push for a new facility is backed by data from a 2023 Auditor General of Ontario report. The findings revealed that:
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The MTCC has lost 20 international conventions over the last two decades because it could no longer accommodate their size.
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These lost events represented an estimated $490 million in economic impact.
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The current “up-and-down” layout and split buildings (North and South) have been cited by event planners as a major logistical hurdle.
While Ford estimated the price tag would be a “few billion dollars,” specific budgeting and a firm timeline remain under wraps, with more details expected later in 2026.
Strategic Link: From Mining to Meetings
The timing of the announcement was notable, as Ford spoke while discussing the Ring of Fire—a mineral-rich region in Northern Ontario. By linking transportation infrastructure (accelerated road construction in the north) with tourism infrastructure (the new convention center), the government is pitching an “end-to-end” economic growth plan.
Key Project Details at a Glance
| Feature | Current MTCC | Proposed New Centre |
| Exhibit Space | ~442,000 sq. ft. | ~2,000,000 sq. ft. |
| Current Ranking | 24th of 25 (Major Cities) | Target: #1 |
| Estimated Cost | N/A | “A few billion dollars” |
| Status | Fully Operational | Planning/Design Phase |
What Happens to the Current MTCC?
The Premier assured stakeholders that the current MTCC, located next to the CN Tower, will remain fully operational during the construction of the new facility. This is critical for the city’s 2026 schedule, which includes major events like PDAC, Fan Expo Canada, and the Canadian International AutoShow.
While community leaders and business representatives generally support the economic boost, critics have raised concerns over the lack of transparency regarding the new location and the potential for ballooning costs, similar to the controversial relocation of the Ontario Science Centre.
Next Steps
The provincial government is expected to reveal the specific location and architectural renderings for the “spectacular” new venue within the coming months.
