From TCHC:
Toronto Community Housing today announced plans for the second phase of Regent Park's revitalization, including the selection of The Daniels Corporation as developer and construction partner for phase two and all future phases. Plans for phase two feature the key elements of a great Toronto neighbourhood: market condominiums and affordable housing, indoor and outdoor community facilities and a broad range of retail services. Architects confirmed for phase two include
Quadrangle Architects Ltd., Wallman Architects, Diamond and Schmitt Architects and Hariri Pontarini Architects.
Joined by Mayor David Miller, Councillor Pam McConnell, MPP George Smitherman and The Daniels Corporation President Mitchell Cohen, Toronto Community Housing made the announcement at the OneCole presentation centre, where the first condominium of the Regent Park revitalization will be launched for sale this spring.
Mayor Miller announced plans for a new community centre located beside Nelson Mandela Park School. The new community centre will provide improved and expanded recreation programs as well as a central hub for employment and enterprise services. Public consultations and building design are expected to start in 2009.
The first two phases, which include a range of high-rise, mid-rise and grade-related buildings, will combine to cover 30 acres of the revitalization, with pedestrian-friendly streets reconnecting Regent Park with surrounding neighbourhoods.
Phase two will include state-of-the-art facilities for residents, community groups, and neighbours, including an aquatic centre and strong retail frontage on Dundas Street East. Final design will also begin on a large central park located between Dundas Street East and Oak Street, bound by Sackville Street to the west and Sumach Street to the east with construction slated for 2010.
Phase two also includes the new Regent Park Children and Youth Hub, a family-oriented facility that will house Parents for Better Beginnings, Regent Park Focus and the Regent Park Daycare. Construction of the hub will begin this May 2009.
Regent Park residents helped shape the phase two plan through a consultation process that began in fall 2008. The community will soon learn more about the new rental buildings and timelines through community meetings and newsletters. When it comes time for tenants to move, they will receive no less than five months notice and they will have the opportunity to choose from different options for a relocation unit.
QUOTES
"The City of Toronto is transforming a key area of our downtown in partnership with Toronto Community Housing and we are pleased with the addition of a new community centre as part of Regent Park's historic revitalization," said Mayor David Miller. "This project is a shining example of how Torontonians can make our city more livable and prosperous when we work together."
"As I've watched new buildings rise from the ground all around us, it is very clear to me that this important community project has the momentum it needs to succeed. With our first tenants returning in a matter of weeks, and OneCole about to go on the market, now is the time to focus on the social infrastructure critical to Regent Park. I am extremely proud that the new community centre, the aquatic centre, and the children's hub will be completed in Phase 2 to meet this need," said Coun. Pam McConnell.
"Reaching this stage of the Regent Park revitalization has been the result of the passion, dedication, and vision of the local community," said George Smitherman, MPP for Toronto Centre. "Through the many innovative partnerships that have brought this project to life, the neighbourhood will serve as a world-leading model for sustainability and community integration."
"We are one step closer to our goal of creating a great Toronto neighbourhood that breathes new life into Regent Park," said David Mitchell, Chair, Toronto Community Housing. "The Daniels Corporation has been a true partner as the developer and construction partner for phase one of the revitalization, and their continued involvement is a testament to their commitment to a renewed Regent Park community, woven back into the fabric of our city. We have a strong foundation to provide quality housing and a vibrant, sustainable community for current and future residents of Regent Park."
"The Daniels Corporation is committed to advancing the revitalization of Regent Park and we are excited to be a part of the process for the long term," said Mitchell Cohen, President, The Daniels Corporation. "Initiatives of this scale and importance are only possible when government works hand in hand with the private sector to achieve a common goal. We look forward to continuing to work with Toronto Community Housing and The City of Toronto to bring this incredible transformation to fruition."
QUICK FACTS
Regent Park Revitalization is a six-phase, 15-year, $1-billion strategy that will transform Canada's largest publicly funded community into a healthier mixed residential community for 12,500 people in 5,115 units. The first Regent Park tenants move into their new homes in May 2009.
Phase one of the revitalization will include approximately 640 market condominiums and 340 mixed social housing units in the area bordered by Parliament, Oak, Sackville and Dundas Streets.
The Daniels Corporation is the developer/partner with Toronto Community Housing for all phases of the revitalization. Daniels oversees the design of the new buildings, will build all the buildings and will also sell the market condominiums.
Phase one includes a mix of commercial tenants such as Sobeys, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Tim Hortons and Rogers Communications.
The revitalized Regent Park will be a green community. Lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and energy savings will be achieved by constructing buildings that are energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Regent Park Energy Inc. will operate a district energy system that delivers high efficiency heating and cooling to all buildings in Regent Park.
380 households from phase one - about 1,160 residents - were relocated. All residents who are relocated to make way for demolition and construction have the right to return once new buildings are completed. All moving and related costs are paid by Toronto Community Housing.
Construction on phase one began in 2006. The first new rental buildings will be ready for occupancy this spring and summer, and OneCole, the first condominium, will be ready for move-in this fall.
Regent Park residents helped shape the phase two plan through a consultation process that began in fall 2008.
The community will soon learn more about the phase two rental buildings and timelines through community meetings and newsletters.
When it comes time for phase two tenants to move, they will receive no less than five months notice and they will have the opportunity to choose from different options for a relocation unit.
http://www.torontohousing.ca/news/20090428/regent_park_phase_two
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