Ontario Construction News staff writer
The YMCA of Greater Toronto, the City of Toronto, and the Government of Canada officially broke ground today on a new rapid housing development aimed at supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ youth at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The six-storey building, located at the Wagner Green YMCA emergency shelter site in downtown Toronto, will provide 31 affordable rental homes for youth in need.
The new homes will be offered through the Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) program, ensuring that no tenant pays more than 30 per cent of their income, or the shelter allowance of their income support benefit, on rent. Each unit will feature a private studio apartment, complete with a kitchenette and bathroom.
This project is part of the City of Toronto’s broader efforts to tackle homelessness and support marginalized communities. It is funded through the Government of Canada’s Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI), which is administered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) under the National Housing Strategy.
“Everyone deserves a place to call home so we are creating 65,000 rent-controlled homes for Torontonians who need it most,” said Mayor Olivia Chow at today’s groundbreaking ceremony. “This Rapid Housing project, in collaboration with the YMCA, will give 2SLGBTQIA+ youth a stable place to live. Together, we are working towards a more inclusive city.”
The project is part of the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to address the specific challenges faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
“2SLGBTQIA+ youth face a disproportionate risk of homelessness, so it is crucial we provide resources and supports to help them overcome barriers to housing,” said Lisa Hepfner, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth. “The Government of Canada is investing $16.8 million from the Rapid Housing Initiative to support this important development.”
Lesley Davidson, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Toronto, emphasized the need for such projects. “While 2SLGBTQIA+ youth represent about 10% of the Canadian population, nearly one in three homeless youth identify within these communities,” said Davidson. “We are proud to be part of this solution, helping to address this inequity and offering young people a safe, supportive place to call home.”
The new development will be located on the same site as the Wagner Green YMCA, which has long been a refuge for unhoused youth. The shelter provides meals, a safe place to sleep, and vital wrap-around services to help youth transition back into school, employment, and independent living.
For more information about the YMCA’s rapid housing project, visit ymcagta.org/rapidhousing.
