Big box store construction cost per sq ft in Toronto
Big box retail stores in the Greater Toronto Area, hard cost only.
Short answer (November 2026): Big box store construction in the GTA costs $155–$240 per sq ft in hard costs, before soft costs, contingency and HST (Altus Group 2026 Canadian Cost Guide). For example, a big box store of 100,000 sq ft comes to $15.5M – $24.0M in hard cost.
A big box store of 100,000 sq ft
| Hard cost (100,000 × $155–$240) | $15.5M – $24.0M |
| Soft costs at 20% | $3.1M – $4.8M |
| Contingency at 10% | $1.9M – $2.9M |
| Indicative total | $20.5M – $31.7M |
Included: the building above grade, including foundations.
Not included: GST/HST, site development, parking, land and financing. Soft costs and contingency above are illustrative assumptions; change them in the calculator.
Source: Altus Group, 2026 Canadian Cost Guide (GTA hard costs, CAD per sq ft), used with permission. Ranges are indicative; your site, scope and procurement route will move the number. See all 17 building types →