The Toronto Tempo are a step closer to getting a permanent training home after city council backed plans for a performance centre near Exhibition Place.

The WNBA team would privately finance the facility and adjoining park improvements on city-owned land at 701 Fleet St. under a proposed 40-year lease costing $1 annually. The city would provide no capital funding.

Council endorsed the development July 30, but the required zoning changes will not take effect until the city and the Tempo finalize the lease and community-access agreement.

The 7,370-square-metre centre, near Lake Shore Boulevard West and Fort York Boulevard, was designed by HOK for Kilmer Group and the city. It would contain two regulation basketball courts, changerooms, training and recovery areas, offices and multipurpose space.

The facility would serve as the Tempo’s permanent training headquarters while remaining available for municipal recreation programs when not being used by the team.

The city would receive at least 2,260 hours of access annually for registered and drop-in programs, facility permits and seasonal programming such as CampTO. Programming is expected to focus on women, girls and youth.

Beginning in the fifth year, the Tempo would also contribute $100,000 annually toward city programming and operating needs, totalling $2 million over the agreement.

The arrangement resembles the city’s deal for the Raptors’ OVO Athletic Centre, although Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment pays $205,000 in annual rent, adjusted for inflation.

The broader project includes approximately 3,425 square metres of parkland, a regulation outdoor basketball court, two half courts, public washrooms, seating and landscaping. The city is exploring a nearby location for a soccer mini-pitch.

The Tempo would develop and maintain the performance centre. The project would replace part of a surface parking area near Coca-Cola Coliseum, where the team plays most of its home games.

Site preparation and construction are expected to begin in September. Detailed park design is scheduled to continue into early 2027, with the park expected to open in fall 2028.