Expanded vision for Regent Park given approval by Toronto council
Toronto City Council has given the green light to a plan by Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) to build more affordable housing at Regent Park.
Council’s approval of TCHC’s rezoning application for the Phase 4 and 5 lands approval sets the stage for TCHC and developer Tridel Builders to begin the final phases of Regent Park’s revitalization. The work will see the site’s aging housing properties replaced by a mixed-income, mixed-use neighbourhood.
Highlights of the plan include: 637 new affordable housing units, a further 633 rent-geared-to-income, 1,976 additional market units, more than 10,000 square metres of commercial and non-residential space, more than 3,700 square metres of, community space, and a new civic square anchored by the Toronto Public Library.
"The Regent Park Revitalization Project, initiated in 2007 by the late Deputy Mayor Pam McConnell, has reached a significant milestone,” said Toronto Centre Councillor Chris Moise. “Rezoning for Phases 4 and 5 allowed us to respond to the housing crisis by adding affordable units and increasing the amount of community space, along with other benefits, to demonstrate our commitment to not only the physical development but also the cultural, economic, and social well-being of the community.”
The vision for Phases 4 and 5 was developed with over 1,500 points of engagement with the community. TCHC residents, Regent Park community members, local leaders, subject matter experts and City of Toronto staff all provided input and ideas that informed the vision for Phases 4 and 5, creating a design that maximizes the potential for building new homes and amenities.
TCHC says the expanded vision for Regent Park maximizes the value of public assets to meet public demand for affordability and housing.
“We look forward to working closely with Toronto Community Housing and the City of Toronto to address the need for housing development across the city,” said Tridel President Jim Ritchie. “We are committed to providing innovative and actionable solutions for affordable housing. As an industry leading homebuilder, we consider the rezoning application to be a crucial milestone that aligns with our dedication to delivering top-quality, sustainable homes for Toronto's residents and families.”
An international team of architects, designers, planners and experts supported the design process, including: Karakusevic Carson Architects, Bousfields Inc., ERA Architects, Monumental, Trans Solar Klima Engineering & JVM Consulting, RWDI and PSF Studio.
The Phase 4 and 5 lands are bordered by Gerrard Street and Oak Street to the north and south, and River Street and Dreamers Way to the east and west. They are the last 16 acres on the 69-acre Regent Park site to be redeveloped.
Next steps for the revitalization, including the start of demolition, will begin this fall.