Toronto Breaks Ground on Affordable Housing at 35 Bellevue Avenue

Toronto, ON – Construction has officially begun on a new affordable and supportive housing project at 35 Bellevue Avenue in Kensington Market. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and Councillor Dianne Saxe (University-Rosedale) were present at the groundbreaking ceremony, marking the second City-led housing development under the Public Developer Delivery model to start this year.

The project, a collaborative effort between the Kensington Market Community Land Trust (KMCLT) and St. Clare’s Multifaith Housing Society, will provide 78 new homes, including studio and one-bedroom apartments. Each unit will be equipped with private kitchenettes and bathrooms, while shared amenities will also be available for tenants.

Designed for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, the homes will be offered as rent-geared-to-income units, ensuring no tenant pays more than 30% of their income or the shelter allowance of their social assistance. Residents will also have access to wrap-around support services to enhance housing stability, health, and well-being.

Sustainable Design

The building will utilize mass timber construction, aligning with Toronto’s TransformTO Net Zero Strategy and Toronto Green Standard. These measures aim to ensure sustainability and energy efficiency. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Transforming City-Owned Land

Previously a Green P parking lot operated by the Toronto Parking Authority, the site at 35 Bellevue Avenue was identified as surplus City-owned land suitable for affordable housing development. The City has committed $3.6 million in capital funding and financial incentives for the project and is seeking additional support from other levels of government. Annual operational costs, estimated at $2.34 million, will require provincial funding beginning in 2025.

Public Developer Delivery Model

Toronto’s Public Developer Delivery model, introduced earlier this year, aims to fast-track the construction of non-market affordable housing on City-owned land. The initiative accelerates housing starts by setting targets, expediting approvals, and participating in the construction process.

The development at 35 Bellevue follows the groundbreaking of a similar project at 11 Brock Avenue. Other sites slated for development under the model include 405 Sherbourne Street, 1113-1117 Dundas Street West, and 150 Queens Wharf Road.

HousingTO Action Plan

The 35 Bellevue Avenue project contributes to the City’s HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan, which aims to deliver 65,000 new rent-controlled homes, including 41,000 affordable rental units, 6,500 rent-geared-to-income homes, and 17,500 rent-controlled units. The City continues to advocate for substantial funding from the provincial and federal governments to meet its ambitious housing targets.

For more details on the project at 35 Bellevue Avenue, visit the City of Toronto’s website.

SOURCE City of Toronto