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The City of Toronto officially opened a supportive housing initiative at 1120 Ossington Avenue, providing 26 new deeply affordable homes for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Supported by the city and the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) Rapid Housing Initiative, this St. Clare’s project marks a significant milestone in addressing Toronto’s housing crisis with an innovative approach. Located in Toronto’s vibrant Davenport neighbourhood, the three-storey modular building constructed using sustainable mass timber technology. Designed by Smart Density and McCallum Sather, and developed in partnership with Assembly Corporation, the building features colourful cladding, artful shading fins by artist Leo Krukowski and motel-style outdoor corridors. The project balances aesthetic appeal and efficient use of space, contributing positively to the existing neighbourhood. “Twenty-six lives are being transformed as they move into their new homes on Ossington Avenue. A bed, a safe place to eat, to heal and find community. Astoundingly, through the partnership with St Clare’s and the federal government, this housing was built in 17 days,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. 1120 Ossington is another example of St. Clare’s dedication to helping solve Toronto’s homelessness crisis. Using its own land, it has engaged forward-thinking solutions, a dedicated project team and support from all three levels of government to deliver high-quality, affordable homes without sacrificing design or functionality. Erected in just 17 working days, 1120 Ossington demonstrates the capability of rapid construction techniques in addressing urgent housing needs. By leveraging prefabricated components and sustainable materials, this project serves as a model for other neighbourhoods and cities facing similar challenges. “The rapid construction of these deeply affordable homes demonstrates what is possible when multiple levels of government and community come together in support of innovative approaches to address homelessness. Thanks to this vision, 26 more people who were homeless or at risk of becoming homeless will be opening the doors to their new homes,”?said Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. As one of seven new affordable and supportive housing developments under phase two of the federal Rapid Housing Initiative, 1120 Ossington contributes to a broader effort to alleviate Toronto’s housing crisis. These projects collectively add 260 new homes to the city’s housing supply while enhancing the capacity and expertise of Toronto’s non-profit housing sector. “For more than a decade, St. Clare’s has been a leader in creating supportive homes that are deeply affordable in our community. I was eager to work with St. Clare’s, and to champion this project with municipal funding, including section 37 contributions from developments in Davenport. It’s encouraging to see how rapidly a property can be converted to a place where people can belong, receiving the support they need to thrive. I’m looking forward to welcoming the new residents of 1120 Ossington and congratulate our partners for bringing this project to life,” said Councillor Alejandra Bravo (Davenport). |
