The City of Toronto marked a milestone in affordable housing this week with the launch of craning and assembly at 11 Brock Avenue, the first affordable housing project built through Toronto’s Public Developer model.
Led by Mayor Olivia Chow, Councillor Gord Perks (Parkdale–High Park), and MP Karim Bardeesy, the announcement celebrates the first modular, mass timber supportive housing project fully developed on City-owned land. The 42-unit building is designed for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, with all tenants paying no more than 30% of their income—or the shelter allowance of social assistance—on rent.
“At 11 Brock Ave., we are working to build homes faster, greener, and with the supports people need to thrive,” said Mayor Chow. “This will be a place where people not only have a home but also access the services they need for stability and well-being.”
Fast-Tracked, Green, and Supportive
Approved in 2024, the Public Developer model allows the City to directly manage housing developments on municipal land, expediting approvals and delivering non-market rental homes to residents faster. The building is scheduled for completion in Fall 2026 and exceeds Toronto Green Standard sustainability requirements.
Each of the 42 units will be a private apartment with kitchen and bathroom, complemented by shared laundry, communal kitchen, and a program space. Once complete, the building will be leased and operated by Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre (PARC), a trusted community organization with 40+ years of experience serving vulnerable populations in the neighbourhood.
“These homes are more than just apartment units,” said PARC Executive Director Barbara Domenech. “Residents will have access to supports that help them live independently, connect with each other, and participate fully in the community.”
Federal Funds, Provincial Appeal
The land at 11 Brock Ave. was acquired by the City from the Province in 2019 for $3.25 million. In 2023, the project secured $21.6 million in federal funding through the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI), with additional City contributions in the form of waived fees and taxes.
Toronto continues to request provincial support, specifically:
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Renewing $48 million annually to fund wraparound support services in existing supportive housing
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Committing $16 million annually starting in 2026 for operations at new supportive housing sites like 11 Brock
The cost savings of supportive housing are clear:
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Supportive housing: ~$2,500/month
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Emergency shelter: ~$7,500/month
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Hospital stays: ~$14,000/month
This project is part of Toronto’s broader goal to approve 18,000 new supportive homes by 2030.
📌 For more info, visit the City’s dedicated project page:
www.toronto.ca/11-brock-ave
📘 Keys to the City is GTA Weekly’s weekly look at affordable housing projects across the Greater Toronto Area—spotlighting the developments shaping a more inclusive future.
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