GTA Construction News staff writer
Construction is underway on a new mixed-income rental community in Toronto’s east end that will deliver 400 homes and a permanent home for Le Théâtre français de Toronto.
City officials broke ground last week on the twin developments at 1111 and 1117 Danforth Ave., which will include a mix of affordable, deeply affordable and market rental housing.
The project combines a private development by Woodbourne with a neighbouring non-profit housing redevelopment led by Neighbours Community Homes. The developments have been designed to share infrastructure, reducing construction costs and accelerating delivery.
The purpose-built rental building at 1117 Danforth Ave. will replace 27 existing rental homes while adding 81 new units, including 40 affordable homes and 41 rent-controlled homes.
Le Théâtre français de Toronto will establish its permanent home in the ground floor of the 1111 Danforth Ave. building, creating a new cultural hub along the Danforth.
Mayor Olivia Chow said the project demonstrates the value of partnerships in addressing Toronto’s housing shortage.
“The new mixed-income community at 1111 Danforth Ave. and 1117 Danforth Ave. are an example of what is possible when the City finds the right local partners who are also committed to solving the housing crisis,” Chow said in a statement. “These new developments will also bring new life and vibrancy to a neighbourhood that can support it with shops, services, and transit for a complete community.”
Neighbours Community Homes, a non-profit housing provider with about 50 years of experience, will operate the affordable housing component. Occupancy is expected to begin in 2029.
The City of Toronto is providing more than $13 million in capital funding and more than $14 million in financial incentives through its Rental Housing Supply Program. The project is one of 50 affordable housing developments currently under construction across the city, collectively expected to deliver about 14,000 new homes.
City officials said the project was made possible through close collaboration between municipal staff, the non-profit housing provider and Woodbourne. Development approvals for the non-profit housing project were aligned with the private development to allow the two buildings to proceed simultaneously.
Nick Macrae, president of Woodbourne, said the project highlights the benefits of collaboration across sectors.
“Toronto needs more housing of every kind, and getting it built requires new ways of working together,” Macrae said. “This partnership demonstrates how private-sector, non-profit housing developers, cultural organizations, and government can come together around a shared goal of delivering more housing to unlock real benefits for the local community.”
