Committee of Adjustment Approval for Upcoming Christie Pits Café

Picnic Design has received approval from Committee of Adjustment for Roost Café, a new neighbourhood café planned next to Toronto’s Christie Pits Park. This marks a key milestone in converting the former convenience store into a hospitality space.

“Retail isn’t currently allowed in residential neighbourhoods, but it’s something the city is starting to explore,” said Joanne Lam, OAA, LEED AP, Co-Founder of Picnic Design. “As we’ve seen with Roost, and even when we were getting approvals for Emily Rose Cafe, there’s been a lot of support for these kinds of neighbourhood cafes. They really add to the community. There’s so much life in these spaces, and they become easy, everyday destinations.

Once complete, Roost Café will offer artisanal pizza, ice cream, and a space to gather. The design will feature communal tables, exposed brick, terracotta tiles, and a pizza oven imported from Italy.

“Roost is tiny but mighty,” Lam added. “We hope it becomes a true neighbourhood spot where people feel like they’re in someone’s living room. The fact that it’s right next to Christie Pits is perfect, as the whole thought of people getting ice cream and pizza while they’re hanging out in the park is exciting.”

Picnic Design has led the approval process and will continue collaborating with the Roost team to bring the space to life. The café is expected to open by late summer 2025.