U of T Targets High-Density Housing to Address Bed Shortage

The University of Toronto is moving toward high-density residential development to combat a critical shortage of student housing. As part of its "Build More Housing Initiative," the university announced plans to add up to 5,500 new residences across its three campuses via partnerships with private developers, as BlogTO first reported.

Central to this effort is a planned 49-storey residence tower at 167-171 College St., situated at the southwest corner of McCaul. The project will require the demolition of two existing buildings, including one housing The Copper Boot sports bar. Additionally, U of T will partner with developer Tricon Living to build an approximately 13-storey building at 40-56 Harbord Street. Both properties will be owned and operated by the university, and together they are expected to provide more than 1,200 beds for the St. George campus.

According to BlogTO, the university currently has fewer than 11,000 residences for a student population exceeding 100,000, meaning only slightly more than 10 per cent of students live in university-affiliated housing. Janice Johnson, U of T's executive director of student housing and residence experience, indicated that academic performance typically improves for students living in residence.

Scott Mabury, U of T's presidential adviser on real estate, stated that traditional student housing costs the university roughly $300,000 per bed. He explained that the new partnership model requires no incremental capital outlay for the university and will allow U of T to generate income for further capital improvements, teaching, research, and student supports.

The push for more housing aligns with provincial efforts via Bill 185, which promotes student housing construction through institutional and developer partnerships. The new College Street and Harbord Street projects are targeting LEED Gold certification through the use of geothermal heating, green roofs, and high-performance facades.