Cadillac Fairview's Platinum Achievement Redefines the Healthy Workplace

By Matthew Richardson

TORONTO, ON – February 03, 2026 – In a move that establishes a new high-water mark for North American commercial real estate, Cadillac Fairview (CF) announced today that its entire Toronto-Dominion (TD) Centre complex and the 16 York tower have achieved WELL Core Certified™ Platinum status. The milestone makes the six-tower TD Centre the largest commercial complex in North America to hold this top-tier certification and positions CF as the owner of Canada's largest portfolio of Platinum-certified properties, setting a formidable new standard for occupant health and well-being in the built environment.

This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time in Canada that existing buildings have been awarded the highest level of certification from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). The recertification, which elevates the properties from previous Gold and Silver ratings, is the culmination of a decade-long strategic commitment to human-centric building design and operations, signaling a profound shift in how landlords approach the future of office space.

The Rigor of the Platinum Standard

Achieving WELL Core Certified™ Platinum is no simple feat. It represents the pinnacle of a rigorous, evidence-based performance standard that scrutinizes how a building impacts human health. Unlike certifications that may focus primarily on environmental sustainability, the WELL Building Standard is centered on the people inside the walls. To earn the Platinum designation, a property must earn at least 80 out of a possible 100 points across ten comprehensive categories: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, and Community.

For existing structures like the iconic TD Centre towers, reaching this level of performance is significantly more challenging than for new builds. It requires deep operational changes and often substantial retrofits to meet stringent thresholds for factors like air filtration, water quality, acoustic performance, and lighting design. The certification is not a one-time award; it requires a thorough third-party verification process and recertification every three years, ensuring that these high standards are maintained continuously.

"Achieving WELL Core Certified™ Platinum certification across the entire TD Centre complex and at 16 York is a monumental source of pride and is a testament to our people-first commitment," said Sal Iacono, President and CEO of Cadillac Fairview. "By meeting this rigorous third-party verified certification, we are ensuring that these properties continue to provide an environment that supports the health and productivity of our occupants, contributing to long-term value for our clients and stakeholders."

Beyond Green: A Focus on Human-Centric Design

The industry has long embraced 'green' building standards like LEED, which focus on energy efficiency and environmental impact. However, CF's achievement underscores a broader evolution towards a more holistic model—one where the health, comfort, and psychological well-being of the individual are paramount. This human-centric approach is woven into the fabric of the newly certified properties.

To meet the stringent WELL criteria, CF has implemented a wide array of features designed to foster a healthier work life. This includes maintaining superior indoor air and water quality through high-performance filtration and the use of non-hazardous cleaning products. A property-wide smoking ban further protects air quality for all occupants.

Beyond these foundational elements, the properties integrate features that actively promote well-being. At the TD Centre, on-site urban gardens and rooftop beehives provide a connection to nature in the heart of the financial district. For those choosing an active commute, the state-of-the-art end-of-trip bike facility, known as the Interchange, offers extensive support. The commitment extends to mental and psychological health through biophilic design principles. The TD Centre's management offices feature living walls, while 16 York incorporates nature-inspired elements specifically designed to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. This is complemented by tenant-led programming, including monthly fitness classes and quarterly mental health and nutrition education sessions, fostering a strong sense of community.

A Strategic Investment in a Competitive Market

In an era where companies are intensely focused on attracting and retaining top talent, the quality of the physical workspace has become a critical differentiator. Cadillac Fairview's investment in WELL Platinum is a calculated strategic move that provides a significant competitive advantage. By offering a demonstrably healthier environment, CF is catering directly to corporate tenants who are increasingly prioritizing employee well-being as part of their own ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments.

This premium certification is expected to have a tangible impact on leasing, occupancy, and long-term asset value. For an institutional investor like the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, which wholly owns Cadillac Fairview, such achievements solidify the portfolio's resilience and appeal. It demonstrates a proactive approach to the 'Social' component of ESG, a factor of growing importance for investors seeking sustainable, long-term returns.

This leadership has been a decade in the making. CF began its WELL journey in 2015, setting an early precedent in 2017 when 222 Bay Street became the first existing building in North America to achieve WELL v1 Certification. The recent elevation of 16 York from Silver to Platinum further illustrates a continuous drive for improvement.

This long-term dedication was recognized by the certifying body itself. "As an early adopter of WELL, Cadillac Fairview has demonstrated a long-term commitment to advancing healthy buildings," commented Olesy Alekseev, Vice President and Canada Country Lead at IWBI. "Achieving seven WELL Core Certifications at the Platinum level establishes CF as the largest WELL Certified portfolio at the highest level in Canada and reflects its leadership in enabling tenants to create people-first workplaces where individuals can thrive."

By securing this certification for its landmark properties, Cadillac Fairview is not just upgrading its buildings; it is actively shaping the expectations for the future of work, proving that a premier office experience is one that fundamentally supports the health of its people.