In the heart of Scarborough, a new chapter in affordable housing is rising—literally. The 27-storey development at 26 Gilder Drive, led by The Rose Corporation, is bringing 341 new residential units to Ward 21, many of them deeply affordable, with construction now well underway.
A Tower for the Future
This mixed-income project sits on the north side of Gilder Drive, just east of Midland Avenue, adjacent to Glen Ravine Park. Once complete, the building will deliver much-needed density near transit, parks, and schools. With a focus on long-term affordability, a significant share of the units will be secured as below-market rentals.
The development features one level of underground parking, integrated sustainable design features, and improved streetscape access. It stands as a symbol of Toronto’s commitment to building up—not out—while making housing more accessible to residents in the city’s east end.
Construction Staging & Timeline
According to a January 2025 City report, construction is now fully staged, with a multi-phase timeline:
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Excavation & shoring: Jan 2025 – May 2025
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Below-grade formwork: Apr 2025 – Jul 2025
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Above-grade structure: Jul 2025 – Jul 2026
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Envelope phase: Oct 2025 – Jan 2027
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Interior finishes: Nov 2025 – Aug 2027
The westbound curb lane and north sidewalk along Gilder Drive fronting the site will be closed until June 30, 2026, to accommodate construction. A 1.5-metre-wide protected pedestrian walkway has been created inside the closed traffic lane to maintain safety and accessibility.
Safety, Accessibility & Community Engagement
The City’s traffic plan includes strong safety provisions, including:
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Cane-detection strips for the visually impaired
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Lighting upgrades for nighttime visibility
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Barrier protection from vehicle traffic
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Art installations on hoarding to improve public space
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Pressure washing and sweeping of roads and sidewalks
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24-hour hotline signage and advance communication with local groups
The Rose Corporation will also coordinate with the City and Toronto Police for pay-duty officers and flaggers during peak construction activity.
Final Word: Building Community, Not Just Units
With this project, Scarborough is not just adding housing—it’s building an inclusive and forward-thinking community. The project integrates green space, public art, and pedestrian safety into the DNA of its construction and design.
As Toronto pushes ahead with housing targets, 26 Gilder Drive stands tall as a model for responsible, well-integrated urban development in the suburbs.
🔑 Keys to the City is GTA Weekly’s weekly editorial series on affordable housing across the Greater Toronto Area — published every Monday. Follow us @GTAWeeklyNews for the full series and updates on housing across the GTA. #GTAToday #AffordableHousing #KeysToTheCity
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