Ontario Construction News staff writer
A major new housing project aimed at addressing Toronto’s housing shortage has kicked off at 50 Wilson Heights Blvd. in Toronto, next to Wilson Station. Developed by Greenwin Corp. and KingSett Capital, in collaboration with Tridel, CreateTO, and the City of Toronto, the mixed-use project will add 1,484 new homes to the city’s market, including 520 affordable rental units.
The development is part of the Housing Now initiative, aimed at transforming city-owned lands into affordable housing. The 50 Wilson Heights site, once a commuter parking lot, will now feature a mix of rental units ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments, designed to accommodate a range of income levels.
In addition to the residential component, the project will include a childcare center, public park, community space, retail areas, and a new public road. The developers are also aiming for sustainability, with plans to meet the Toronto Green Standard and use geothermal energy for the heating and cooling of the buildings.
“This is a significant step forward for Toronto’s housing future,” said Kevin Green, President and CEO of Greenwin. “We’re excited to partner with the City of Toronto, CreateTO, KingSett Capital, and Tridel to create a mixed-income community that’s not just about homes but about building a connected, sustainable neighborhood.”
The 50 Wilson Heights development is part of Toronto’s broader HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan, which seeks to add 65,000 new rent-controlled homes by 2030, including 41,000 affordable rental units. To date, the City has committed over $1.3 billion to the Housing Now initiative, marking it as one of the city’s largest investments in affordable housing.
Jeff Thomas, Group Head of Development at KingSett Capital, highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing Toronto’s housing challenges. “This project is a great example of how the private and public sectors can work together to provide affordable housing at scale,” he said.
Mayor Olivia Chow talked about the importance of combining housing with transit access and community amenities. “The 50 Wilson Heights project is an example of how we can create neighborhoods where families can live, work, and thrive. Affordable housing, transit, childcare, and green space—this project brings it all together.”
Vic Gupta, CEO of CreateTO, also praised the project, noting that transforming a parking lot into a vibrant, mixed-use community is a prime example of how public-private partnerships can address the city’s housing needs. “This milestone shows what we can achieve when we work together to create sustainable, livable neighborhoods,” he said.
The 50 Wilson Heights development is expected to be completed in phases, with new residents moving in over the next few years.