Green Density in Trinity-Bellwoods: A Blueprint for Toronto's Housing Crisis
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
While 74 units is a drop in the bucket for our housing crisis, these sustainable builds in Trinity-Bellwoods need to be the blueprint for how Toronto scales green, rent-controlled density.
Q: What is the significance of the new development breaking ground at 1113–1125 Dundas St. W.?
A: As first reported by the City of Toronto, the project transforms a former municipal parking lot into 74 rent-controlled homes. At least 17 of these units are designated as affordable. The development is particularly notable for its focus on inclusivity, with more than 40 per cent of the units being two- or three-bedroom homes to support families in the Ossington community.
Q: How is the City of Toronto changing its approach to development with this project?
A: The City is utilizing a "public developer model," as reported by the City of Toronto. Through this approach, the City takes a more direct role in determining how public land is used, which allows it to set specific housing targets and expedite the approval and review processes. CreateTO is leading the project, which is part of a broader effort to create mixed-income communities on City-owned land.
Q: What makes this specific build "sustainable" from an environmental standpoint?
A: The City of Toronto news release states that the project will utilize low-carbon mass timber construction and geothermal energy to reduce its environmental footprint. These innovative design choices are intended to support a transit-connected, lower-carbon lifestyle and align with the city's broader climate action goals.
Q: Who are the partners involved in the construction and management of the site?
A: The building is being designed and constructed by an all-Canadian team consisting of Pomerleau Construction, Montgomery Sisam Architects, and Moriyama Teshima Architects. While CreateTO is leading the project, the City of Toronto noted that an experienced non-profit housing provider will be selected to manage the building.
Q: How is this project being funded and what is the larger goal?
A: The development is a result of an intergovernmental partnership between the City of Toronto and the Government of Canada. Funding is being provided through the Government of Canada’s Build Canada Homes initiative, alongside capital funding, incentives, and the use of City-owned land.
This project contributes to the City's HousingTO Plan, which aims to deliver 65,000 rent-controlled homes by 2030. That target includes 41,000 affordable rental units, 17,500 rent-controlled homes, and 6,500 rent-geared-to-income units.
Q: What do city and federal leaders say about the impact of this project?
A: Mayor Olivia Chow stated that the partnership with Build Canada Homes allows the city to build housing so workers can afford to live in Toronto. Ana Bailão, President and CEO of Build Canada Homes, described the project as an example of turning an underutilized site into a sustainable community. Additionally, Danielle Martin, Member of Parliament for University-Rosedale, highlighted the project as a way to build affordable homes faster, noting it is the first project to move into construction under the Build Canada Homes initiative in her riding.