Step inside Toronto’s new event venue on the East waterfront

Name: The Quay

Contact: Toronto Region Board of Trade, 100 Queens Quay E., Toronto, (416) 862-4500, bot.com; Oliver & Bonacini, (416) 364-1211, events@oliverbonacini.com

Neighbourhood: East Bayfront

Catering: Oliver & Bonacini

Total Capacity: 725

Accessibility: Fully accessible

The Toronto Region Board of Trade (TRBOT) has unveiled a stylish new event venue that promises to redefine the way we celebrate, gather, and connect in the heart of the city. Nestled within the evolving landscape of Toronto’s East waterfront, this 38,000-square-foot space embodies a distinct level of elegance and versatility, making it an ultimate destination for a myriad of events. From high-profile corporate gatherings to wedding celebrations and intimate social soirées, The Quay is poised to become one of the most coveted event spaces in the city.

Located just south of where the Board’s inaugural building (one of the city’s first skyscrapers)  was erected in 1892, the new space symbolizes a commitment to preserving the Board’s rich heritage while embracing the modernity and growth of Toronto’s vibrant business landscape. With a blend of contemporary design and a nod to its storied past, The Quay stands as a testament to the Board’s influence in fostering commerce, culture, and innovation in the heart of Canada’s most dynamic city.

The Space

A quick elevator ride at 100 Queens Quay East will bring guests to the third-floor event hub, where they’ll be greeted by a floor-to-ceiling digital welcome wall and a series of wayfinding screens, both of which are fully customizable for displaying anything from video reels to brand logos or program schedules.

With flexibility at its core, an understated and modern interior design ensures that The Quay can be easily dressed up or down to suit a dynamic array of events, from media broadcasts to cocktail receptions and everything in between. Beyond the entryway, a spacious reception area is a natural meeting point for visitors.

Large windows, 18-foot concrete ceilings and natural wood accents carry through the lounge to the adjacent gala space, which accommodates a seated capacity of more than 400 people. Ideal for large corporate programming and, of course, wedding season, the gala is equipped with a mobile stage, a 294” ultra-stretch screen, plus centrally controlled audio, lighting, and video conferencing for a streamlined experience.

For smaller events, the gala space can be partitioned into three separate halls aptly named the Brampton, Hamilton, and Mississauga rooms accessed privately through transitional glass doorways.

Beyond the energetic atmosphere of the gala space, four modular workshop rooms offer areas for focused meetings in an open and sunlit environment that supports networking, team meetings and collaboration.

Bathed in natural sunlight, The Quay’s media lounge is versatile enough to accommodate intimate gatherings, host branded experiences and press conferences, or function as a green room for VIP guests.

Neighbouring the media lounge, a suite of executive boardrooms share uninterrupted views of the downtown skyline. Indigenous Toronto artist Mo Thunder’s work titled Strong, Resilient, Indigenous, Educated is one of many works by local artists adorning the walls.

Recognizing that business needs with respect to space have changed since the pandemic, the boardrooms are equipped with conference cameras and central management of audio and lighting. Moreover, The Quay’s digital studio offers a cutting-edge space designed to enhance the experience of TRBOT members operating in a hybrid or virtual environment and can be used for webcasts, video recordings, virtual meetings, and podcast recording.

Open lounge and conservation areas offer grounds for impromptu meetings and casual work. Anchoring the space is the Board’s History Wall, which depicts the city’s economic evolution from the 1800s to today.

Similarly, the Trade Café offers Board members and guests a space to connect and build new relationships. A natural conversation starter, the café’s interactive global skyline installation uses corrugated steel to feature iconic landmarks from around the world, with Toronto at the centre.

A hallmark feature of The Quay is its accessibility as a year-round events venue. During the warmer months, an impressive 22,000-square-foot terrace boasts a lush urban garden and spacious seating for up to 400 guests, or 120 under the retractable canvas roof.

The terrace is equipped with outdoor speakers, an all-weather mobile screen and outdoor heaters for when temperatures drop.

The Menu

Building on a partnership that dates back to 2009, the TRBOT named local hospitality group Oliver & Bonacini as The Quay’s exclusive service provider. O&B’s chef-driven kitchen and high-quality staff services are available to the full range of business and social clients hosting events at the Waterfront venue.

From continental breakfast menus and plated meals to specialty cocktails and bar packages, O&B’s renowned service promises exceptional taste, style and attention to detail.

In true O&B fashion, and in line with The Quay’s celebrated LEED Platinum certification, O&B’s service emphasizes sustainability. Working with a range of local partners, the hospitality group curates its menu to support seasonal produce, local craft beer and even a custom O&B wine list from Sustainable Winemaking Ontario-certified vineyard Cave Spring. Additionally, the hospitality group is keen to accommodate any dietary request, from Kosher or gluten-free preferences to all kinds of food allergies.

To learn more about The Quay at the Toronto Region Board of Trade and book your upcoming event, visit oliverbonacini.com.