The City of Toronto and Infrastructure Ontario (IO) have issued a Request for Qualification (RFQ) for the George Street Revitalization (GSR) project, which will reinvent the northernmost block of George Street, between Dundas Street East and Gerrard Street East.
The GSR project will also transform the Seaton House men’s shelter facility, which provides specialized care for vulnerable populations.
“The George Street Revitalization project when complete will house important services supporting some of our city’s most at-risk communities with new shelter beds, long-term care facilities and community services in a world-class facility in the city’s downtown east,” said Toronto Mayor John Tory. “I look forward to seeing this project come to fruition once the RFQ is issued and building commences.”
The project, led by the city, is being delivered through IO’s design, build and finance (DBF) Public-Private Partnership (P3) model, which transfers appropriate risks associated with design, construction and financing of the project to the private sector.
The large project will result in approximately 622,000 square feet of new construction and restored heritage buildings. Some proposed features of the new development are:
- an emergency shelter program with 100 beds for men experiencing homelessness
- an innovative 130-bed, all-gender transitional living program for people experiencing homelessness who require more intensive health care and substance abuse support
- a long-term care home with 378 beds to better meet the needs of formerly homeless, vulnerable and elderly individuals
- 21 units of affordable housing with supports, and
- a community service hub for program clients as well as members of the surrounding community.
The project also includes sidewalk and streetscape improvements, as part of a broader public realm plan for George Street. These improvements will link Moss Park to Allan Gardens and reinforce the identity of the Garden District where the revitalization site is located.
The City of Toronto has contracted IO as the commercial procurement lead and project oversight partner and advisor during construction.
The first step in the procurement process is to issue an RFQ to identify project teams that have the required design and construction capability and experience, and the financial capacity to undertake a project of this size and complexity. The RFQ is available online.
IO and the City will establish the shortlist of project teams based on the submissions received. Shortlisted teams will then be invited to respond to a Request for Proposals, which is expected to be issued in spring 2021.
In preparation for the project, a Seaton House transition plan has been developed to co-ordinate the movement of people, programs and services.
The RFQ closing date is January 20, 2021.
