Ontario Construction News staff writer
TORONTO – A federal Crown corporation is seeking a design-builder for a new housing development in north Toronto that will deliver up to 540 units of mixed-income housing, including dedicated seniors’ accommodations.
Parc Downsview Park Inc., a subsidiary of Canada Lands Company, issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) on Oct. 17 for the project at the Arbo-Downsview site. The development is part of the Government of Canada’s Build Canada Homes program, which aims to fast-track housing construction to address the national housing crisis.
The project will be located on a 1.15-hectare parcel at 1350 Sheppard Ave. W., designated ‘BCH Parcel 3A’. Plans call for mid-rise and high-rise mixed-use buildings with an estimated gross floor area of 468,000 square feet. The development will include market and affordable housing, with a requirement for 100 units of seniors’ housing. The maximum building height is set at 95 meters.
The procurement will be conducted in two stages, beginning with this RFQ to identify and shortlist qualified respondents. The corporation intends to prequalify three parties to participate in the subsequent Request for Proposals (RFP) stage.
According to the procurement schedule, the RFP is expected to be released in winter/spring 2026, with the final design-build contract awarded in summer 2026. Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2026.
The project objectives emphasize speed of delivery, cost-effectiveness, and design excellence. The RFQ states a priority will be placed on leveraging modern methods of construction (MMC), innovative design solutions, and the use of Canadian materials. The selected design-builder will be responsible for obtaining site plan approval and building permits.
An optional virtual information session is scheduled for Oct. 24, followed by an optional site visit on Nov. 3. The deadline for questions is Nov. 10.
The submission deadline for the RFQ is Nov. 26, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
See further details here: https://canadabuys.canada.ca/en/tender-opportunities/tender-notice/cb-503-46086950
