Ontario Construction News staff writer
A building with 106 new affordable and supportive rental homes is coming to Toronto for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including people with developmental and physical disabilities.
City officials say construction on 165 Elm Ridge Dr. is anticipated to start this December and the building will be complete in about two years.
The home in the Eglinton-Lawrence area will offer one to four bedroom apartments and will be operated by the not-for-profit Reena Foundation, which provides housing and support services for people with developmental disabilities.
Residents will pay only 30 per cent of their income or the shelter allowance of their income support benefit on rent, and building amenities will include indoor and outdoor amenity spaces.
The building is part of the federal Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI), which helps create affordable and supportive housing for those in need of a home. Through the city’s Open Door Affordable Housing program, the city has also committed $8.1 million in financial incentives such as waivers of development charges and planning and building fees, and annual property tax exemptions for at least 40 years.
The federal government has committed $43.9 million to the project through RHI, while Reena and its partners are contributing $15 million each in equity.
Reena says the new residence, called The Frankfort Family Reena Residence, is the largest residential project in the organization’s 50-year history and will provide 24/7 onsite support services and a range of wraparound support services tailored to the unique needs of residents, including those with developmental disabilities, mental health challenges and seniors experiencing cognitive decline.