Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) and Tridel Builders Inc. have filed a rezoning submission with the City of Toronto, requesting an increase in the density of development in the Regent Park Phases 4 and 5 lands. The increased density will enable TCHC and Tridel to build 1,000 more units of housing than previously planned for, and add thousands of square metres of gardens, retail and community space.
In addition to creating more affordable homes and new community spaces, TCHC and Tridel believe the increased density will enhance the value of these public assets for the residents of Regent Park, Cabbagetown, Moss Park and St. James Town while strengthening the Downtown East neighbourhood as a whole.
“Tridel is excited to be a strategic partner for such an important initiative. We are thrilled to be working closely with both Toronto Community Housing and the City of Toronto to support the need to build housing throughout the city,” said Dino Carmel, CEO, Tridel Group. “The Regent Park revitalization of Phases 4 and 5 is a long-term partnership focused on providing innovative, actionable solutions to affordable housing. We look forward to continue engaging with the community to bring their vision of Regent Park to life. As a homebuilder, the rezoning application is an important milestone that aligns with our commitment to deliver quality, sustainable homes to Toronto residents and families.”
This rezoning submission was developed in close consultation with community members. In more than 1,500 resident interactions, TCHC and Tridel used surveys, virtual community meetings, focus groups and engagement with community organizations to develop a plan based on their collective vision. Repeatedly, residents expressed strong support for more homes, urban green spaces and amenities, which TCHC and Tridel believe the new plan will deliver.
The Phases 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. In 2014, a plan was approved that included 564 rent-geared-to-income (RGI) units as part of the plan to replace 2,083 TCHC-operated RGI units in Regent Park. Also included were 3,465 square metres of commercial space for businesses and 1,353 market units.
“There’s tremendous excitement and expectation in the local community as the iconic Regent Park Revitalization moves into the final stage of planning,” said Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, Ward 13 Toronto Centre. “An independent rezoning process informed by strong community input will ensure additional public and private investments continue to flow into this award-winning neighbourhood. I look forward to the opportunities for collaboration and the continued public consultation in the days ahead.”
The rezoning submission comes on the heels of the government announcing plans to support new affordable housing. If approved, the rezoning could add the following:
- More than 500 additional TCHC-operated RGI or affordable units
- 1,792 additional market units
- 4,454 square metres of additional commercial and retail space
- 3,525 square metres of new community and cultural space
- A new Toronto Public Library
