Residential construction industry raises more than $1.4 million for affordable housing projects

Ontario Construction News staff writer

The residential construction industry raised more than $1.4 million for construction of two projects in Toronto, providing affordable housing to peope experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness.

Funds were used to build affordable housing units at 25 Leonard Ave. and renovate supportive housing apartments at 877 Yonge St. Both buildings are managed by the St. Clare’s Multifaith Housing Society.

The Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) and St. Clare’s recognized the contributions of builders recently with a plaque presentation and tour of the Yonge Street site.

“Ontario’s residential construction industry was pleased to play a part in the expansion of both projects. We are delighted that they are now in operation and helping people get into appropriate housing,” RESCON president Richard Lyall said at the presentation. “These projects are great examples of what can be achieved when the private and public sectors and a non-profit organization team up for a good cause.

“By contributing to these projects, we are helping people who are experiencing homelessness get into affordable housing and providing apartments for those who are at risk of homelessness.”

Twenty-two housing units have been built at 25 Leonard Ave. on a small strip of land that was formerly a parking lot just east of Bathurst Street and across from Toronto Western Hospital, next to an existing 77-unit affordable housing building. The three-storey, brick building has studio apartments with a washroom, kitchen and combined sleeping/living space and enables people who have experienced long-term homelessness to get into a permanent residence.

Twenty-five supportive housing apartments have been built in a former seniors’ residence at 877 Yonge St. The building provides studio and one-bedroom apartments with supports for women, Indigenous residents, seniors, people with disabilities and people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Community builder and philanthropist Phil Rubinoff spearheaded and chaired the fundraising committee, which approached and secured donations from residential builders/developers, construction associations, and labour unions.

The groups came together to represent the broader residential construction sector and show support for the creation of affordable housing. The building at 25 Leonard Ave. was completed in 2020 and occupancy has begun at the 877 Yonge St. structure.

“The need for affordable housing has never been more severe,” said St. Clare’s executive director Andrea Adams. “The completion of these projects is a meaningful step in the right direction, but not the end of our efforts.

“These projects are critical as they change the lives of people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, providing them with appropriate accommodation and dignity.”

The following companies donated to the projects:

25 Leonard
25 Leonard Ave. (Image from City of Toronto)

25 Leonard

  • Aspen Ridge Holdings Inc.
  • Carpenters Local 27
  • Carpenters OPDC
  • Empire Communities
  • Greenpark Group
  • Heavy Construction Association of Toronto
  • Hullmark
  • Laurier Group
  • Liberty Development Corp.
  • Lifetime
  • Lindvest Properties Limited
  • LiUNA Local 183
  • LiUNA OPDC
  • Mattamy Homes Limited
  • Melrose Park/The Brown Group of Companies
  • Menkes Development Ltd
  • Ontario Formwork Association
  • Silvercore Properties
  • Sorbara Group of Companies
  • The Great Gulf Homes Charitable Foundation
  • Tridel Corporation
  • Yorkwood Homes

877 Yonge

  • Aspen Ridge Holdings Inc.
  • Carpenters Local 27
  • Empire Communities
  • Greenpark Group
  • Lakeview Homes
  • Laurier Group
  • LiUNA Local 183
  • Menkes Development Ltd
  • Ontario Formwork Association
  • Pomerleau
  • RESCON
  • Rinomato Group
  • Sherrard Kuzz Employment and Labour Law
  • Silvercore Properties
  • Sorbara Group of Companies
  • The Great Gulf Homes Charitable Foundation
  • Tribute Communities
  • Yorkwood Homes

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