Dramatic Redevelopment of Automotive Building Incorporates Environmental Design

TORONTO, On

December 11, 2007 Toronto City Council approved the Conference Centre redevelopment at Exhibition Place. The 160,000 square foot Automotive Building will undergo a $46.88 million renovation to create a new Conference Centre and is committed to achieving LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver rating design standard. Construction is scheduled to commence in March 2008 with an anticipated opening in April 2009.

"As Chair of the Board of Governors of Exhibition Place, I am excited about this redevelopment as yet another element in the ongoing rejuvenation of Exhibition Place. This results in Canada's largest and most modern convention and exhibition centre in the Direct Energy Centre and the City of Toronto, with over one million square feet of space under one roof, and supports the City's important tourism industry," said Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone.

The Board of Governors of Exhibition Place previously awarded Toronto-based NORR Limited, Architects & Engineers (NORR) the contract for the design redevelopment of the Conference Centre project. The design of the Conference Centre is respectful of the historical aspects of the original Art Deco building and will feature panoramic lake views and natural light throughout the lobby, pre-function and meeting room spaces. Consultations with meeting and convention planners and industry partners have resulted in a user-friendly, environmentally responsible design. Upon completion in spring 2009, the project will become a showcase as it will be the first LEED Silver Conference Centre in Canada.

Exhibitions, meetings and conventions may utilize the Conference Centre as a stand alone venue or in combination with the adjacent 1 million square foot Direct Energy Centre - Canada's largest exhibition and convention centre. The Conference Centre will be connected to Direct Energy Centre via an underground walkway, offering attendees year round, climate controlled access from the exhibition halls and underground parking facilities.

Exhibition Place is Canada's largest entertainment venue, attracting over 5.2 million visitors a year. The site is an integral component of Toronto and Ontario's economy, particularly with respect to sport, festivals, recreation, culture and tourism. The need for additional meeting rooms and ballrooms was identified in the Development Concept Plan of the Board of Governors of Exhibition Place.

Furthermore, in September 2007 The Board of Governors of Exhibition Place entered into exclusive negotiations with HKHotels following their response to a Request for Proposal for the development, construction and management of an on-site, privately-financed convention hotel. The HKHotels proposal sited the hotel in the lands south of the Direct Energy Centre, and adjacent to the Automotive Building/Conference Centre.

Since 2004, Exhibition Place has undertaken an environmental stewardship initiative, which includes the promotion of sustainable development, environmental initiatives and leading edge green technologies and practices across the 192-acre site. This environmental initiative has resulted in award winning recognition across North America, and has established Exhibition Place as a world leader in energy-efficient technologies.