TORONTO – In the conversation about affordable housing, few developments illustrate both the challenges and the triumphs of supportive housing quite like 185 Cummer Avenue. This 59-unit modular building in North York was met with significant resistance from some local residents when it was announced. Yet despite the backlash, delays, and political wrangling, the project is soon to be complete and provide housing with on-site supports for people who were formerly homeless or at risk of homelessness. And it will be operated by one of Toronto’s most respected social service agencies: WoodGreen Community Services.
185 Cummer isn’t just a building—it’s a proof point.
What’s Being Built and Why It Matters
Part of the City of Toronto’s modular housing initiative, 185 Cummer features:
- 59 studio units, all self-contained with private bathrooms and kitchenettes
- 24/7 onsite staff, including case managers and mental health workers
- Shared indoor spaces for dining and programming
- Outdoor landscaped areas for residents
WoodGreen is the housing provider and program operator, bringing a decades-long track record of delivering mental health, employment, and housing support services across Toronto.
The goal? Provide permanent, stable housing with wraparound services, reducing shelter use and keeping people out of emergency systems.
The Backlash: NIMBYism in North York
When the project was first announced in 2021, opposition from some area residents was swift and intense. Concerns ranged from property values to safety and school proximity. Some even took legal action to try and stop the project.
But supporters—including housing advocates and many local community groups—argued that the need for supportive housing outweighed the discomfort of change. Ultimately, Toronto City Council approved the project and construction moved ahead in 2022.
Despite the noise, the City stood its ground.
A Model Worth Repeating
When complete and operational, residents will receive personalized support plans and live in a secure, purpose-built setting rather than the uncertainty of shelter beds or encampments.
The modular approach also means that the units can be delivered in under a year from the start of construction—a critical advantage in a city facing an urgent housing shortage.
Why It Works:
- Rapid construction timeline
- Integrated supports delivered by a proven agency
- Focus on dignity and safety for vulnerable people
- Low-cost public land use
Challenges and Future Considerations
While 185 Cummer is a success, it also highlights broader issues:
- The high cost of political and community resistance
- The need for stronger public education on supportive housing
- How citywide planning must integrate more of these developments equitably across neighbourhoods
Call to Action: Normalize Supportive Housing
Toronto needs more projects like 185 Cummer—and fewer obstacles to building them. Every time a supportive housing project is derailed by local opposition, vulnerable people remain in shelters or on the streets.
The lesson from 185 Cummer is clear: With leadership and commitment, these homes can be built quickly and operated effectively.
Now, we need to scale it.
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This is a misleading article and inaccurate. Please pull this as this site has not opened yet nor is there proof at all that it is or will be a success nor can you know the impacts on the Neighbourhood around it. Doodgreen has no information about this location yet on their webpage. So please retract this article until you can correctly report on whether it is a success or not as it has not opened yet.
This article was updated to show that the project has not been completed and residents have not moved in as of yet.