[Northern Light]

We need some spot where we can track the collective move of multiple projects.

These all belong to the Buildings category so I'm slotting this here.

As per UT norms, I expect every project which does not yet have its own thread will get one in due course if it moves forward, but so many reports are updates on multiple projects and funding envelopes, some
for buildings which don't yet have AIC applications, we need this parking spot for the info.

Attn: @HousingNowTO

*****

With that, I'm going to bring forward the assorted City Housing Reports going to the next meeting Executive Ctte, and some of their attachments.

Master link, to the summary, report and all attachments:

Agenda Item History 2023.EX9.3

Agenda Item History 2023.EX9.3

secure.toronto.ca

Report Link:

https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2023/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-240104.pdf

Report Title:

From the above: (links to attachments will appear in subsequent posts)

 

[Northern Light]

More info from the main report:

* note that for all I am including, I am editing quite a bit, to see everything follow the links to the report itself *

* Comment * Toronto's current shelter population is ~10,000 ; there are no less than 2,000 people who are without an indoor bed, encamped on sidewalks, in parks or sleeping on transit. 6,500 is not a sufficient number here.

While some of those who are homeless are families, by and large, its appropriate to assume 1 person one unit, and I certainly would not go below 1 person to 0.8 units. That suggests a need of not less than 9,600 RGI units.

That, however does not account for all the people sleeping on someone's couch, or in their spare room, rent-free or at a hefty discount to market; it does not allow for the kids who have not left home in their mid-20s, or the couple who want to split but can't get anywhere they can afford separately.

As ambitious as these goals are, and they are ambitious relative to recent achievements, they remain entirely insufficient to the need.

*****

* There is lots of info on how the City proposes to expedite things...........I will leave you all to read the report for that, too much to copy/paste

The report does briefly touch on the issue of provincial supports for low-income folks.......and its worth pasting that here:

****

Attachment 2, List of Housing Ready sites:

https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2023/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-240106.pdf

From the above:

 

[Northern Light]

Attachment 3:

https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2023/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-240107.pdf

From the above:

- I am skipping 'completed items'

 

[Northern Light]

This mammoth Generational Housing item was before Executive today.

It was adopted with amendments:

 

[Northern Light]

Some updates on the Concept to Keys sites in a report to next week's Planning and Housing Ctte. These may be seen as updates in some of our individual threads, I will invited interested members to cross post relevant info.

https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ph/bgrd/backgroundfile-242218.pdf

From the above:

@HousingNowTO is duly flagged.

 

[Northern Light]

Slowly, methodically, LOL, the TCHC program for actually building net new affordable housing is squeaking back to life......

We learn this in a report to the TCHC's BIFAC committee - February 9th mtg.

https://www.torontohousing.ca/sites/default/files/2024-01/item_7_-_2024-07_-_urgently_building_more_affordable_homes_-_tchc_next_steps_w_atth_r.pdf

The main near term thing (the only one spelled out) is a proposal to accelerate building out of the next 2 phases of Lawrence Heights.

But its clear TCHC has been tasked with finding new sites to build on and ramp up 'revitalization' efforts. But no list of preliminary sites is attached.

@HousingNowTO

 

[A Torontonian Now]

Slowly, methodically, LOL, the TCHC program for actually building net new affordable housing is squeaking back to life......

We learn this in a report to the TCHC's BIFAC committee - February 9th mtg.

https://www.torontohousing.ca/sites/default/files/2024-01/item_7_-_2024-07_-_urgently_building_more_affordable_homes_-_tchc_next_steps_w_atth_r.pdf

The main near term thing (the only one spelled out) is a proposal to accelerate building out of the next 2 phases of Lawrence Heights.

But its clear TCHC has been tasked with finding new sites to build on and ramp up 'revitalization' efforts. But no list of preliminary sites is attached.

@HousingNowTO

When they do come up with a list, Swansea Mews better be on it.

 

[Northern Light]

When they do come up with a list, Swansea Mews better be on it.

It would be helpful if they got on with demolishing what's there in the interim rather than paying security firms to keep watch lest a condemned building catch fire.

***

Jane/Firgrove has its demolition done, but is sitting there doing not much.

***

I honestly don't get how TCHC can't be further along in due diligence at many sites, even if they lack funding to go ahead; it would have made sense to have several projects that could be ramped up quickly....

 

[Northern Light]

I noted 2 projects in Ward 13 with which I was not previously familiar. In Chris Moise Strategic Plan for the Ward, here:

Ward 13 Strategic Plan

strategicplan.chrismoise.ca

Thanks to @DSC for pointing that out.

These are the following properties:

And

I thought perhaps @HousingNowTO might be tracking these and have some insight, if not, I'm happily sharing info!

He might also have thoughts on this:

 

[rdaner]

Thanks for insights! I really like how Carlton Street has maintained some form of mixed-use and think that a thoughtful renovation/gentle expansion would enhance that. Of note is that this property and building extends quite far back and almost borders a laneway.

I bet that Omar Ghandi could do something interesting and respectful.

 

[HousingNowTO]

I noted 2 projects in Ward 13 with which I was not previously familiar. In Chris Moise Strategic Plan for the Ward, here:

Ward 13 Strategic Plan

strategicplan.chrismoise.ca

Thanks to @DSC for pointing that out.


View attachment 540843

These are the following properties:

View attachment 540844

And

View attachment 540845

I thought perhaps @HousingNowTO might be tracking these and have some insight, if not, I'm happily sharing info!

He might also have thoughts on this:

View attachment 540846

502 Parliament has been a long (and expensive) project, kind of a MURA model -

Toronto to transform historic Cabbagetown building into affordable housing project

The project will deliver approximately 44 revitalized multi-tenant units

streetsoftoronto.com

City Transforming Historical Row Houses in Cabbagetown into Affordable Housing

More affordable housing is coming to Cabbagetown thanks to a partnership between the City of Toronto, Dixon Hall and Toronto Community Housing.

storeys.com

Oct. 14: Discuss Parliament St. rooming house project - Streeter

A virtual community meeting is planned for Oct. 14 from 3 to 5 p.m. to discuss the project at 502-508 Parliament St.

streeter.ca

 

[HousingNowTO]

I noted 2 projects in Ward 13 with which I was not previously familiar. In Chris Moise Strategic Plan for the Ward, here:

Ward 13 Strategic Plan

strategicplan.chrismoise.ca

Thanks to @DSC for pointing that out.


View attachment 540843

These are the following properties:

View attachment 540844

And

View attachment 540845

I thought perhaps @HousingNowTO might be tracking these and have some insight, if not, I'm happily sharing info!

He might also have thoughts on this:

View attachment 540846

218 Carlton is also an expensive project on a per bed basis -

Cabbagetown mansion being renovated into affordable housing

Native Men's Residence broke ground on an affordable housing project to provide Indigenous men experiencing homelessness supportive housing.

toronto.citynews.ca

Victorian Mansion to Become Non-Profit Residence for Indigenous Men

A new non-profit housing residence in Toronto will serve Indigenous men experiencing homelessness, to be located in Toronto's historic Cabbagetown.

storeys.com

 

[Northern Light]

TY for the insights @HousingNowTO

 

[Northern Light]

On the agenda of the next Executive Ctte is a report setting out a plan for intensifying City owned land, particularly to leverage it for new affordable housing.

https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-243088.pdf

@HousingNowTO will wish to make note............

From the above:

So - Report due Q4 this year, with a list of priority sites.

What's intriguing here is how far they are along already:

 

[Northern Light]

I don't know that this one needs it own thread, as its strictly a reno, albeit a rather large one.

The TCHC is moving ahead with a dramatic overhaul of a small building at 840 Eglinton West.

The 4-storey, 40 unit building will be re-clad, and have its old radiator heating system replaced with heat pumps that can also providing cooling.

As it is today (per streetview)

As proposed from the website of Baird Sampson:

Source: https://www.bsnarchitects.com/news/...ronto-community-housing-corporations-families

Description from above:

Contract award to Brooks Restoration for the work:

https://www.torontohousing.ca/sites/default/files/2024-03/item_6b_-_2024-26_-_vendor_award_comprehensive_retrofit_at_840_eglinton_avenue_west.pdf

Tender: 7.6M

@HousingNowTO may find this of interest, I'm in favour of this in principle, but I must say, at this location, I'm not sure why one wouldn't redevelop with taller.

@Paclo is flagged in case he would like to separate the project out w/its own thread or database entry.