259 Jarvis St. Toronto,
ON M5B 2C2
259 Jarvis St. Toronto,
ON M5B 2C2
ON M5B 2C2
info@mlseLaunchPad.org
416-637-7588
416-637-7588
About MLSE Foundation & MLSE LaunchPad
At MLSE Foundation, we believe that sport has the power to change the world. Backed by the strength of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC and Toronto Argonauts, we invest in programs, organizations, and communities to help youth reach their full potential, on and off the playing field. Since becoming a registered charitable foundation in December 2009, we have invested over $74 million into communities across Ontario, advancing equitable access to sport and opportunity for all youth.
Our most significant investment to date, MLSE LaunchPad, is a unique youth-focused facility and social impact initiative located in Toronto's Moss Park. It combines the power of sport, education, and community to help young people reach their full potential. At its core, MLSE LaunchPad is a Sport For Development hub - a safe and inclusive space where youth aged 6 to 29 can access free programming that uses sport as a tool for positive change in four key areas: Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Ready for School, and Ready for Work.
The facility offers:
· Sport and recreation programs designed to build life skills
· Education and employment readiness workshops
· Mental wellness support and mentorship
· Healthy meals and nutrition programming
· A research-based and data-driven approach to measuring outcomes
Our most significant investment to date, MLSE LaunchPad, is a unique youth-focused facility and social impact initiative located in Toronto's Moss Park. It combines the power of sport, education, and community to help young people reach their full potential. At its core, MLSE LaunchPad is a Sport For Development hub - a safe and inclusive space where youth aged 6 to 29 can access free programming that uses sport as a tool for positive change in four key areas: Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Ready for School, and Ready for Work.
The facility offers:
· Sport and recreation programs designed to build life skills
· Education and employment readiness workshops
· Mental wellness support and mentorship
· Healthy meals and nutrition programming
· A research-based and data-driven approach to measuring outcomes
Learn more about MLSE Foundation's charitable investments, or the impact of MLSE LaunchPad's innovative model.
Weston Project Developments
February 2026
MLSE Foundation is committed to stewarding a project that serves the long-term benefit of the community. We're excited about the opportunity to care for and evolve this space in ways that reflect local needs and priorities – especially those of young people.
In partnership with the province and the city, MLSE will support both the presevation of the ice rink as a focal part of the arena, as well as create space adjacent to the arena with a LaunchPad facility.
Designs have not been finalized at this stage as we are exploring all options through a continued, extensive consultation and planning process with the City of Toronto, community partners, local residents, and youth. These consultations began in early summer and will continue throughout the design and construction phases of 2026.
Further design consultations and continued community engagement will begin in the coming month.
MLSE Foundation is committed to stewarding a project that serves the long-term benefit of the community. We're excited about the opportunity to care for and evolve this space in ways that reflect local needs and priorities – especially those of young people.
In partnership with the province and the city, MLSE will support both the presevation of the ice rink as a focal part of the arena, as well as create space adjacent to the arena with a LaunchPad facility.
Designs have not been finalized at this stage as we are exploring all options through a continued, extensive consultation and planning process with the City of Toronto, community partners, local residents, and youth. These consultations began in early summer and will continue throughout the design and construction phases of 2026.
Further design consultations and continued community engagement will begin in the coming month.
November 2025
MLSE LaunchPads proposal and accompanying staff report was unanimously approved by the Committee. Following the recommendation of the Executive Committee, the MLSE LaunchPad's lease terms was approved by City Council on November 12, 2025.
MLSE LaunchPads proposal and accompanying staff report was unanimously approved by the Committee. Following the recommendation of the Executive Committee, the MLSE LaunchPad's lease terms was approved by City Council on November 12, 2025.
October 2025
As a result of signifigant community support, demostrated through the community engagement process, as well as the City's feasibility review, MLSE LaunchPad submitted a proposal to the City of Toronto's Executive Committee requesting approval to assume the lease of the Weston Lion's Arena.
As a result of signifigant community support, demostrated through the community engagement process, as well as the City's feasibility review, MLSE LaunchPad submitted a proposal to the City of Toronto's Executive Committee requesting approval to assume the lease of the Weston Lion's Arena.
September 2025
As part of the feasibility review process, the City conducted a thorough assessment of the arena’s condition. That assessment showed that the building now requires more than $15 million in major repairs and upgrades remain safe and functional.
As part of the feasibility review process, the City conducted a thorough assessment of the arena’s condition. That assessment showed that the building now requires more than $15 million in major repairs and upgrades remain safe and functional.
June 2025
Over the past two years, MLSE Foundation explored opportunities to expand our transformational LaunchPad model to additional locations in Toronto. Our search identified the York-South Weston neighbourhood. Based on the demonstrated need, extensive research, community engagement and collaboration with the City of Toronto, Weston Lions Arena was shortlisted as the ideal location.
Over the past two years, MLSE Foundation explored opportunities to expand our transformational LaunchPad model to additional locations in Toronto. Our search identified the York-South Weston neighbourhood. Based on the demonstrated need, extensive research, community engagement and collaboration with the City of Toronto, Weston Lions Arena was shortlisted as the ideal location.
Get Involved: Consultation & Engagement
We invite residents, local organizations and stakeholders to participate in upcoming consultation opportunities to inform the design and programming of a new MLSE LaunchPad at Weston Lion's Arena.
TOUR LAUNCHPAD: Sign Up to join an upcoming tour at the current downtown LaunchPad location.
Join: MLSE LaunchPad Tour – Fill out form
Join: MLSE LaunchPad Tour – Fill out form
FAQ
1
Will the Arena Be Torn Down?
No. Any current plans involve renovations to the existing historical structure.
The Toronto Preservation Board have recommended that elements of the building be listed as 'historically signifigant'. This recommendation will be adoped in March 2026. Any building designs will respect this designation, and comply with all established standards.
The Toronto Preservation Board have recommended that elements of the building be listed as 'historically signifigant'. This recommendation will be adoped in March 2026. Any building designs will respect this designation, and comply with all established standards.
2
When would A new MLSE LaunchPad open?
MLSE LaunchPad would assume the lease April 1, 2026 at which time construction could begin to retrofit the space. Current timelines estimate facility completion in 2027.
3
Will the community and General Public have access to the space when the arena turns into a MLSE LaunchPad facility?
Yes. MLSE LaunchPad offers free, inclusive programming for youth aged 6–29. Programming will be shaped in partnership with community members and service providers to reflect local needs and priorities.
Specific programming decisions have not been made at this time. MLSE LaunchPad remains committed to community-centered work, and program offerings will be envisioned in partnership with community and organization stakeholders.
Specific programming decisions have not been made at this time. MLSE LaunchPad remains committed to community-centered work, and program offerings will be envisioned in partnership with community and organization stakeholders.
4
Was the community Consulted?
An important part of project feasibility phase was working in partnership with the City of Toronto, Parks Forestry and Recreation department, and the Councillor’s office to conduct a robust community needs assessment, including meaningful opportunities for public consultation and in-depth demographic research on current Weston Residents.
A public survey, multiple community engagement sessions and a neighbourhood event took place in September- October 2025 engaging >5,000 people. You can read the full report presented to City Council below. Consultations will continue through the design phase to inform design and programming considerations.
A public survey, multiple community engagement sessions and a neighbourhood event took place in September- October 2025 engaging >5,000 people. You can read the full report presented to City Council below. Consultations will continue through the design phase to inform design and programming considerations.
5
Will this facility be for elite athlete development?
No. MLSE LaunchPad provides free access to grassroots sport programming because we believe sport is a powerful catalyst for change. By combining sport with intentional youth development programming - and grounding everything we do in data and evidence - we deliver meaningful outcomes for the young people we serve. Our approach, known as Sport for Development, is backed by extensive research showing that when sport and physical activity are used purposefully, they can strengthen communities and help individuals reach their full potential.
6
Why Weston?
Through extensive research, community outreach and City of Toronto collaboration, we identified Weston Lions Arena as the location that would generate the most significant and transformational community impact.
7
What happens to groups who rented the ice or utilized the arena?
The Weston Lions will continue to operate the arena for the 2025–2026 season. All eligable user groups, including the Weston Minor Hockey League, will have the opportunity to complete one final season. The City of Toronto and Councillor Nunziata’s office are working together to provide information on suitable alternative venues for all permitted groups beyond March 2026.
Existing user groups have been contacted to submit their desire for ice time as part of the overall City of Toronto ice allocation process. City of Toronto staff are currently reviewing all requests and will make allocation decisions in March 2026. Groups who applied will be contacted directly.
You can also find more information on how to permit ice time with the City of Toronto on their website: https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/venues-facilities-bookings/booking-park-recreation-facilities/seasonal-league-permit-booking/
Existing user groups have been contacted to submit their desire for ice time as part of the overall City of Toronto ice allocation process. City of Toronto staff are currently reviewing all requests and will make allocation decisions in March 2026. Groups who applied will be contacted directly.
You can also find more information on how to permit ice time with the City of Toronto on their website: https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/venues-facilities-bookings/booking-park-recreation-facilities/seasonal-league-permit-booking/
8
Has the project been approved by the City?
Yes. The general lease terms were approved by both the Executive Committee and Toronto City Council in November 2025. Further permit approvals will be required as the design is finalized and construction commences, in line with by-laws and building codes.
Community input has been a vital part of this decision-making process and will continue to inform design and programming decisions going forward.
Community input has been a vital part of this decision-making process and will continue to inform design and programming decisions going forward.
9
What happens to the current tenants, the Weston Lions Club?
MLSE LaunchPad and the City have worked in close partnership with the Lion’s Club throughout the discovery process, and the Club is supportive of MLSE Foundation’s desire to be the new leaseholder.
The Weston Lions would continue operating the Weston Lions Arena until March 31st, 2026.
Plans to honour the Lion's legacy within the new space are ongoing, with a commitment from MLSE LaunchPad to ensure their 70- year stewardship of community space, is recognized.
The Weston Lions would continue operating the Weston Lions Arena until March 31st, 2026.
Plans to honour the Lion's legacy within the new space are ongoing, with a commitment from MLSE LaunchPad to ensure their 70- year stewardship of community space, is recognized.
10
Who owns the Weston Lions Arena?
The Weston Lions Arena is owned by the City of Toronto. Weston Lions Club built the facility for the neighbourhood and donated it to the City. They have remained as operators of the Weston Lions Arena, under a nominal lease with the City of Toronto since 1970.
11
What Impact Does the Current LaunchPad have?
With a $4M annual operating budget, we support deep, measurable impact for youth and communities. Since opening in 2017, more than 90,000 youth have been served through MLSE LaunchPad's downtown location.
• We operate 6 days (often 7 with special events) a week to provide free sport and life skills programming to youth facing barriers.
• 73% of members come from households with incomes of less than $37,000 annually.
• 100+ youth are employed annually, gaining leadership experience and pathways to employment with MLSE and other partner organizations.
• 2,000+ sport and life skills programs are offered annually, primarily focused on youth aged 6-18.
• 15,000+ unique youth are engaged at our facility annually.
• 40,000+ free, healthy meals and snacks are served annually.
• 2,000+ students from local schools participate in sports tournaments, in addition to the 1,400+ students who engage through curriculum-based programs annually.
• 1,000+ hours of free mental health counselling are delivered annually.
• We operate 6 days (often 7 with special events) a week to provide free sport and life skills programming to youth facing barriers.
• 73% of members come from households with incomes of less than $37,000 annually.
• 100+ youth are employed annually, gaining leadership experience and pathways to employment with MLSE and other partner organizations.
• 2,000+ sport and life skills programs are offered annually, primarily focused on youth aged 6-18.
• 15,000+ unique youth are engaged at our facility annually.
• 40,000+ free, healthy meals and snacks are served annually.
• 2,000+ students from local schools participate in sports tournaments, in addition to the 1,400+ students who engage through curriculum-based programs annually.
• 1,000+ hours of free mental health counselling are delivered annually.
12
Still have questions or concerns?
Send us a note at Weston@MLSE.com. We would love to hear from you.
Project Timeline
MILESTONE
TIMELINE
Community Location Search
2024-2025
Community Consultation & Feasibility Evaluation of Westion Lion's Arena
June- October 2025
Project Proposal Approved at Toronto City Council
November 2025
Facility Planning & Community-Centered Design
February 2026
Construction Begins
TBD
Facility Opening
TBD