Tuesday, October 14, 2025
The City of Toronto and the federal government marked the advancement of craning and assembly of the City’s first affordable housing project delivered through the Public Developer model at 11 Brock Ave.
In 2024, Toronto City Council approved the Public Developer model to accelerate the creation of non-market, affordable rental homes for low- and moderate-income residents on City-owned lands. 11 Brock Ave. is being built using innovative prefabricated and mass timber construction, to speed up the construction process and improve sustainability, exceeding the City’s Toronto Green Standard requirements.
“This is a first for Toronto, the City’s first-ever affordable housing project built through the Public Developer model and using mass timber construction. At 11 Brock Ave., we are working to build homes faster, greener, and with the supports people need to thrive. With the support of PARC, this will be a place where people not only have a home but also access the services they need for stability and well-being,” said Mayor Olivia Chow.
Set to be completed in Fall 2026, the development at 11 Brock Ave. will create 42 new rent-geared-to-income and supportive homes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. All tenants will pay no more than 30 per cent of their income, or the shelter allowance of their social assistance, on rent. Tenants will also have access to a range of wrap-around support services to help improve their housing stability, health and well-being.
Each tenant will have their own private apartment, each with a bathroom and kitchen, plus shared laundry, a communal kitchen and a common programming area. The City has partnered with Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre (PARC) who will lease the building once completed and provide housing and support services to tenants. PARC has been a part of the Parkdale community for over 40 years, providing support services to residents and operating supportive homes for Toronto residents exiting homelessness and facing mental health challenges.
“This is an important milestone for the 11 Brock Avenue development. With the crane going up, we are one step closer to providing 42 new supportive homes at a time when Toronto is facing a severe housing crisis. These homes are more than just apartment units, residents will have access to supports that help them live independently, connect with each other, and participate fully in the community so they do not have to face challenges alone,” said Barbara Domenech, executive director, PARC.
The property at 11 Brock Ave. was previously owned by the Province of Ontario and was acquired by the City in 2019 for $3.25 million for supportive and affordable housing. In 2023, the project received over $21.6 million in funding from the federal government through the third round of the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI). The City will also contribute funding and financial incentives to the project including waived fees and property taxes.
“Our Government works closely with municipalities to fight homelessness. This vital project, funded by the Government of Canada, will rapidly create 42 units of urgently needed housing for Toronto’s most vulnerable residents — and for those who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Together with the City of Toronto, we’re building a stronger community and a stronger Canada for all,” said Karim Bardeesy, MP for Taiaiako’n-Parkdale-High Park.
Featured image: Artist’s rendering of the new affordable housing being constructed at 11 Brock Ave. (City of Toronto)
