Last Updated on November 29, 2024 by CREW Editorial
Toronto is set to gain 280 new affordable housing units through the renovation of 65 Dundas Street East, a project aimed at providing stable, affordable homes for vulnerable residents in the heart of the city. The former Bond Hotel, now owned by the City of Toronto, is being transformed into a multi-unit housing facility as part of a broader effort to address housing insecurity and support at-risk populations.
On November 12th, the federal government’s and the City of Toronto’s backing for the project was announced.
The project will include a variety of support services tailored to residents, particularly Indigenous people, new Canadians, those experiencing homelessness, women, and people with unique physical and mental health needs. Operated by Dixon Hall, a local community service organization, the building will reserve 15% of its units for accessibility, with features like roll-in showers, barrier-free pathways, and support bars. This redevelopment aims to address Toronto’s housing shortage and accessibility for those who need it most.
Funding and Development Phases
Financial backing for this substantial project has come from the federal and municipal governments. Through the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI), the federal government has committed over $123 million to support the renovation, with an additional $9.5 million from the City of Toronto. This investment reflects a major push to create affordable housing quickly and effectively in urban centres across Canada. The first phase of the Dundas Street project was completed in the spring of 2024, and 92 residents have already moved in. The second phase is currently underway, with completion expected by 2025.
Other Affordable Housing Efforts in the Area
Toronto’s affordable housing initiatives include additional projects that aim to serve diverse populations in high-demand areas, with a couple underway in the nearby area.
One notable project is located at 11 Brock Avenue, about 6 km west of 65 Dundas Street East in the West Queen West area, which is similarly designed to provide affordable, rent-geared-to-income units for residents in an increasingly gentrified neighbourhood. Another project, situated at 35 Bellevue Avenue in the Kensington-Chinatown area, approximately 3 km west of Dundas, is also underway, aiming to serve similar needs in a dense, central part of the city.
For ongoing updates on affordable housing projects in Toronto, visit the National Housing Strategy website and CreateTO, which provide details on city-led developments and funding initiatives in Toronto.