Ontario construction News staff writer
An official opening was held last week for 22 newly renovated affordable homes that will provide 24/7 on-site supports for tenants at 4626 Kingston Rd. in Scarborough.
Construction of a new five-storey modular building at the same location that will create 64 additional affordable and supportive homes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness is expected to begin in the coming weeks.
Once the modular building is complete, 86 new, safe, affordable homes with supports will be provided at 4626 Kingston Rd. The homes will be dedicated to seniors, youth and people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The new modular building is being completed with federal Rapid Housing Initiative funding and support from the City of Toronto, including Open Door incentives to waive development charges and planning and building permit fees.
“We are committed to working with the other governments and our community partners to get more housing built as quickly as possible. Affordable and safe homes are vital for good health and prosperity of our communities,” said Mayor John Tory. “Developing more supportive housing projects like this one creates stable housing that offers direct access to supports and other resources that allow community members to thrive.”
The city acquired the property at 4626 Kingston Rd. in 2021 and the project received capital funding from the federal government under Phase One of the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI).
The RHI was launched in October 2020 to help address the urgent housing needs of vulnerable Canadians, especially in the context of COVID-19, through the rapid construction of affordable and supportive housing. Toronto has received over $400 million to create almost 1,000 new affordable and supportive homes.
“Access to affordable housing is vital for the prosperity and well-being of our communities in Scarborough. I’m thrilled to see 22 new affordable homes with supports open at 4626 Kingston Road. This project will help to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our communities have a stable home environment with supports they need to get back on their feet fast,” said area Councillor Jennifer McKelvie.