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Toronto's First Affordable Housing Project Under Public Developer Model Takes Shape

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Toronto's Mayor Olivia Chow and other dignitaries marked a significant milestone in the city's affordable housing endeavors with the craning and assembly of the city's first affordable housing project delivered through the Public Developer model at 11 Brock Ave. This innovative project is expected to create 42 new rent-geared-to-income and supportive homes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The development is a collaboration between the City of Toronto and Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre (PARC) and will provide tenants with access to wrap-around support services to improve their housing stability, health, and well-being.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 11 Brock Ave. project marks the first affordable housing project built through the Public Developer model in Toronto.
  • The development will create 42 new rent-geared-to-income and supportive homes for low- and moderate-income residents.
  • The project utilizes innovative prefabricated and mass timber construction to speed up the construction process and improve sustainability.
  • The development has received over $21.6 million in funding from the federal government through the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI).
  • The City of Toronto will also contribute funding and financial incentives, including waived fees and property taxes.
  • The project is aimed at meeting the City's housing targets, which include creating 18,000 new supportive homes by 2030.
  • Supportive housing costs on average $2,500 per month, compared to $7,500 for emergency shelter and $14,000 for hospital stays.
  • The City is requesting provincial investment of $16 million annually for new supportive housing projects expected to complete construction through 2025-2026.
  • PARC will lease the building once completed and provide housing and support services to tenants.

Statistics:

  • 42 new rent-geared-to-income and supportive homes will be created at 11 Brock Ave.
  • Over $24 million in funding has been secured for the project from the federal government (RHI) and the City of Toronto.
  • 18,000 new supportive homes are expected to be created by 2030.
  • Supportive housing costs $2,500 per month, while emergency shelter and hospital stays cost $7,500 and $14,000, respectively.
  • The City has acquired the property at 11 Brock Ave. for $3.25 million in 2019.
  • PARC has been a part of the Parkdale community for over 40 years, providing support services to residents and operating supportive homes.

Sources:

  • "News Release" by the City of Toronto, October 10, 2025
  • Council approval of the Public Developer model in 2024 (no date provided)
  • "Rapid Housing Initiative" by the Government of Canada (no date provided)
  • "Toronto Green Standard" by the City of Toronto (no date provided)
  • "Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre" (no date provided)
  • "Al Bawaba" (2022)

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