Scarborough’s Greencedar Circuit is set for transformation, as the City of Toronto and United Property Resource Corporation (UPRC) move forward with a 10-storey residential development at 3379–3385 Lawrence Avenue East. The project will deliver new affordable housing while preserving and enhancing the livability of the existing rental community.
A Model for Responsible Infill and Rental Revitalization
Approved under Toronto’s Open Door Affordable Housing Program, this project will see a new 10-storey mid-rise constructed beside an existing six-storey rental building on the site. At least 30% of the new units will be offered as affordable rentals for a minimum of 40 years, with a preferred affordability term of 99 years under review with CMHC.
The UPRC-led development is supported by all three levels of government and is designed to be a model for mid-rise intensification, balancing new construction with quality-of-life upgrades for current residents. The existing six-storey building will be maintained as rental housing for at least 20 more years, and new shared indoor and outdoor amenities will benefit both buildings.
Purpose-Built for Affordability, Accessibility, and Longevity
The development is designed with sustainability and accessibility at its core. It targets Tier 3 of the Toronto Green Standard, making it eligible for development charge refunds for non-affordable units. Planned features include:
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Geothermal heating and cooling
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Passive House design
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Mass timber construction
The project also commits to universal design, with at least 20% of units meeting or exceeding CMHC accessibility standards, and fully barrier-free common areas.
Community Integration and Public Realm Improvements
A new Privately-Owned Publicly Accessible Space (POPS) will enhance pedestrian access and connect the site to Greencedar Circuit. The design also features:
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A landscaped courtyard between the two buildings
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Tree preservation and replacement plans in line with City targets
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Expanded sidewalk and planting zones to support walkability and greenery
Transit-Friendly with Enhanced Mobility
The building sits along the Lawrence Avenue East corridor, with frequent TTC bus service and future connectivity improvements. New pedestrian pathways, 144 bicycle parking spaces, and 48 underground parking stalls will help meet diverse mobility needs. A City-reviewed Transportation Impact Study confirmed that the surrounding road network can support the additional residential traffic.
A Collaborative Commitment to Housing
The project is one of seven sites supported through a City–CMHC–UPRC agreement to unlock affordable housing on underutilized land. With planning approvals secured, the developer is now working with CMHC to finalize funding and affordability terms.
To ensure tenant well-being, UPRC will:
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Add a 98-square-metre indoor amenity space to the existing building
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Conduct a tenant survey to shape community programming
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Create a Construction Mitigation Strategy and Tenant Communication Plan
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Guarantee that costs of improvements will not be passed on to existing tenants
🏗️ Final Word: Building Up While Honouring What’s Already There
The 3379–3385 Lawrence Avenue East redevelopment exemplifies a balanced approach to growth: adding density without displacement, improving livability for current renters, and delivering deeply affordable homes that will remain accessible for decades. As Toronto intensifies, this project is a model for how to build smarter, greener, and more inclusively.
🔑 Keys to the City is GTA Weekly’s weekly look at affordable housing solutions across the Greater Toronto Area. Published every Monday. Follow us @GTAWeeklyNews for more housing updates and solutions that work. #GTAToday #AffordableHousing #KeysToTheCity
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