Toronto’s affordable housing strategy reached another major milestone this month as work accelerates at 11 Brock Avenue, where the City of Toronto is building 42 new supportive and rent-geared-to-income homes through its first-ever Public Developer model. The project combines innovative mass timber construction, accelerated approvals, and wrap-around supports to deliver deeply affordable housing faster — and with long-term stability for residents most at risk.
Below is the full breakdown of why 11 Brock Ave represents a new chapter in how Toronto builds housing for its most vulnerable residents.
A New Era of City-Built Housing: What Is the Public Developer Model?
Toronto City Council approved the Public Developer model in 2024, giving the City the ability to directly deliver non-market, affordable rental housing on publicly owned land.
Instead of relying solely on external developers, the City can now:
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set housing targets that meet actual community needs,
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fast-track planning and approvals,
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and control long-term affordability.
11 Brock Ave is the first project to come through this new system — and is now serving as the blueprint for future City-led builds across Toronto.
A First for Toronto: Mass Timber + Prefab for Faster, Greener Housing
The building at 11 Brock Ave is being constructed using prefabricated components and mass timber assembly.
This approach allows the City to:
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dramatically shorten construction timelines,
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exceed Toronto Green Standard sustainability requirements,
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reduce noise and disruption in the neighbourhood,
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and deliver a high-performance building with improved environmental benefits.
Once complete in Fall 2026, the building will be one of the greenest affordable housing sites in Toronto.
42 Supportive Homes for Residents at Risk of Homelessness
When the building opens, it will provide:
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42 new supportive and RGI homes
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private units with kitchens, washrooms, and modern amenities
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rent capped at no more than 30% of household income
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shared laundry, communal kitchen, and programming space
Tenants will also receive comprehensive wrap-around supports to help improve health, stability, and long-term independence.
Services will be delivered by Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre (PARC) — a trusted local organization with 40+ years of experience helping residents exiting homelessness and those living with mental health challenges.
Supportive Housing: A Cost-Effective, Evidence-Based Solution
Supportive housing is one of the most effective interventions for chronic homelessness.
Research consistently shows:
| Housing Type | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Emergency Shelter | ~$7,500 |
| Hospital Stay | ~$14,000 |
| Supportive Housing | ~$2,500 |
By providing stable homes with ongoing supports, the City reduces reliance on emergency systems while giving people a path to long-term well-being.
Toronto is working toward a target of 18,000 new supportive homes by 2030, making 11 Brock Ave a key part of that citywide goal.
Funding the Project: A Three-Government Partnership
The 11 Brock Ave site sits on land previously owned by the Province and purchased by the City in 2019 for $3.25 million.
The development is funded through:
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$21.6 million from the Government of Canada via the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI)
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City financial incentives including waived fees, reduced taxes, and capital support
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A request for the Province of Ontario to provide ongoing operational funding for supportive services
Toronto continues to advocate for renewed provincial investment in wrap-around supports to ensure stability in more than 3,000 supportive homes citywide, including 11 Brock Ave.
A Complete Community in Parkdale–High Park
The development sits in a walkable, transit-connected neighbourhood close to:
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Queen Street West
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Roncesvalles
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Parkdale Main Street
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multiple TTC routes
Once complete, the building will offer safe, stable homes within a supportive community — designed to help residents rebuild their lives while staying connected to services, social supports, and employment opportunities.
Why This Matters for Toronto’s Housing Future
11 Brock Ave marks an important shift in how Toronto approaches housing supply:
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The City is now a builder — not just a regulator.
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Public land is being used for permanent affordability.
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Mass timber and prefab technologies are speeding up delivery.
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Supportive housing is being prioritized as an essential service, not an afterthought.
This is the type of innovative, community-centered development that can help reshape Toronto’s housing landscape — and scale up across the city.
📘 Keys to the City is GTA Weekly’s weekly spotlight on affordable housing projects across the Greater Toronto Area—because housing is the key to a stronger, more inclusive city.
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