TORONTO – Affordable housing isn’t just about building more units—it’s about building in the right places. At 50 Wilson Heights Boulevard, Toronto is making a smart move by planning 767 new rental homes, including 384 affordable units, right next to the Wilson Subway Station. As housing costs continue to push people further from where they work and study, this project shows how affordable housing and transit-oriented development can go hand-in-hand.
Project Overview
Situated at Allen Road and Wilson Avenue, 50 Wilson Heights Blvd is part of the City of Toronto’s effort to transform city-owned land into housing that serves everyone. Highlights include:
- 767 new rental homes
- 384 affordable units, including rent-geared-to-income and below-market rentals
- Mid-rise and high-rise buildings with family-sized units
- Retail, community space, and public realm improvements
- Direct access to Wilson TTC Station, allowing residents to travel downtown or across the city with ease
The development is designed to bring a mix of income levels into a transit-rich area, creating a more equitable and sustainable urban community.
Why Location Matters
Transit-accessible affordable housing reduces household costs and connects people to opportunities. Residents living at 50 Wilson Heights won’t just be saving on rent—they’ll save on transportation and time. That’s a critical factor for:
- Essential workers who need to access jobs across the city
- Students commuting to post-secondary institutions
- Families trying to stay connected to schools, child care, and services
Affordable housing shouldn’t be pushed to the outskirts. This project proves that the core of the city can still be for everyone.
Challenges and Considerations
Like many city-led developments, this project must overcome common barriers:
- Timelines and delays in approvals and construction
- Ensuring affordability targets are maintained for decades, not just the first 10–15 years
- Balancing density with livability, especially in terms of green space and community infrastructure
Policy Recommendations
To maximize the impact of 50 Wilson Heights Blvd:
- Lock in affordability for a minimum of 40 years, especially for RGI units
- Expand inclusionary zoning requirements to ensure private partners deliver on affordability
- Leverage transit proximity to reduce the need for excessive parking requirements
- Replicate this model across other TTC-adjacent public lands
Why This Project Matters
Toronto is often criticized for letting housing happen too slowly and too far from where it’s needed. But 50 Wilson Heights sends a different message: that public land near public transit should be used for public good.
This is how we build housing for the future—dense, connected, inclusive, and intentional.
Call to Action: Make Transit Hubs Affordable Hubs
As this development moves forward, residents should keep a close eye on its progress and advocate for its full delivery. It’s a test case for how Toronto can use its land, its transit, and its partnerships to create real affordability—not just promises on paper.
Let’s make sure 50 Wilson Heights sets the standard.
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