The City of Toronto and Infrastructure Ontario (IO) have issued a request for qualification (RFQ) for a project that will see the revitalization of the northernmost block of George Street between Dundas Street East and Gerrard Street East in the city’s downtown.

The project, which is part of the City’s Downtown East Action Plan, will be the catalyst for a safer and more vibrant community in the heart of Toronto’s Garden District. It will result in approximately 622,000 square feet of new construction and restored heritage buildings.

“The George Street Revitalization project when complete will house important services supporting some of our city’s most at-risk communities with new shelter beds, long-term care facilities and community services in a world-class facility in the city’s downtown east,” said Toronto Mayor John Tory. “I look forward to seeing this project come to fruition once the RFQ is issued and building commences.”

Proposed features of the new development include:

• an emergency shelter program with 100 beds for men experiencing homelessness,
• a 130-bed, all-gender transitional living program for people experiencing homelessness and those who require more intensive health care and substance abuse support,
• a long-term care home with 378 beds,
• 21 units of affordable housing with supports, and
• a community service hub for program clients as well as members of the surrounding community.

The project is being delivered through a design, build and finance public-private partnership model, and will be run by IO as commercial procurement lead and project oversight partner. The initial project RFQ is already posted on MERX. Those teams that are shortlisted through the process will be invited to respond to a request for proposals, which is expected to be issued in spring 2021.

One of the key elements of the project will be the revitalization of Seaton House men’s shelter, located on George Street. The building and its adjacent properties will be transformed into a new shared facility that will provide a range of housing, programs and services to meet the unique and complex needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, as well as vulnerable and elderly individuals in the community. The project will result in a long-term care home, a transitional living facility, an emergency shelter, affordable housing, and a community hub serving residents of the site and the local neighbourhood.

The project also includes sidewalk and streetscape improvements (between Dundas Street East and Gerrard Street East), as part of a broader public realm plan for George Street. These improvements will link Moss Park to Allan Gardens and reinforce the identity of the Garden District where the revitalization site is located.

“I am thrilled that the next phase of the George Street Revitalization project is launching,” said Toronto Centre Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam. “I am pleased that services in the area, such as the Seaton House men’s shelter will be transformed into a shared living facility with specialized care, including public art and an inclusive community hub.”

In preparation for the project, a Seaton House Transition Plan has been developed to co-ordinate the movement of people, programs and services currently located at 339 George St. to alternate locations while the redevelopment of the George Street site takes place. The plan involves relocating current Seaton House clients to new program spaces, as well as housing with the assistance of Housing Allowances and Supportive Housing units with Habitat Services and other third-party service providers and agencies.

Seaton House is expected to be fully decommissioned by July 2022.