Affordable Housing in London’s Old East Village Moves Forward with New Dundas Street Development
A major affordable housing project is moving forward in London’s Old East Village, bringing new homes, community services and long-term housing stability to one of the city’s most diverse neighbourhoods.
The Governments of Canada and Ontario have announced more than $2.3 million through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI) to support a new mixed-use development at 763–773 Dundas Street. The project will deliver 247 residential units, with more than 40 per cent of the homes designated as affordable housing.
Led by the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre (CCLC), the development is designed to serve a broad range of residents, including families, seniors, young adults, persons with disabilities and vulnerable individuals seeking stable housing.
Project Snapshot
Location: 763–773 Dundas Street, London, Ontario
Total Homes: 247
Affordable Housing: More than 40% of units
OPHI-Funded Affordable Units: 50
Interim and Transitional Units: 11
Building Types: 24-storey high-rise and six-storey low-rise
Developer: London Cross Cultural Learner Centre (CCLC)
Construction Start: Expected in 2026
More Than Housing
What makes the Dundas Street project stand out is its focus on creating a complete community rather than simply adding residential units.
Plans include on-site health and wellness services, community-based programming and shared amenities designed to support residents beyond housing alone. The development will also place a strong emphasis on accessibility, with approximately 21 per cent of the units planned as fully barrier-free.
Located in the heart of Old East Village, future residents will have convenient access to public transit, neighbourhood services and community resources.
Supporting Newcomers and Vulnerable Residents
The project also includes 11 interim and transitional housing units supported through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP).
The federal government is contributing $3.38 million toward these units, which will provide temporary accommodation for asylum claimants as part of a broader effort to create community-based housing solutions.
By combining affordable housing, transitional housing and support services within a single development, the project aims to address multiple housing needs under one roof.
A Community-Led Approach
The London Cross Cultural Learner Centre has positioned the project as an investment in both housing and community-building.
Non-profit housing developments often play a critical role in maintaining affordability over the long term, helping ensure that housing remains accessible to residents who may be priced out of the private market.
The project has also received support from the City of London, including a $1.125-million Municipal Affordable Housing Loan and a development charge exemption valued at approximately $4.32 million.
Looking Ahead
Construction is expected to begin in 2026, adding another significant project to London’s affordable housing pipeline.
As communities across Ontario continue to search for solutions to housing affordability challenges, developments like the Dundas Street project demonstrate how partnerships between governments, municipalities and non-profit organizations can create housing that is affordable, accessible and connected to the services residents need.
For London’s Old East Village, the project represents more than a new building—it represents an investment in community, inclusion and long-term housing stability.
🏙️ Keys to the City is GTA Weekly’s editorial series spotlighting affordable housing projects and the solutions shaping Canada’s housing future.
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