VAUGHAN, ONT. — The residential construction industry raised more than $1.4 million for the construction of two affordable housing projects in Toronto.
The Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) and St. Clare’s recognized the contributions with a plaque presentation and tour of the Yonge Street facilities Jan. 19.
The projects include building affordable units at 25 Leonard Ave. and renovating supportive housing apartments at 877 Yonge St. in the city. Both buildings are managed by the St. Clare’s Multifaith Housing Society.
At 25 Leonard Ave., 22 housing units have been built on a small strip of land that was formerly a parking lot just east of Bathurst Street and across from Toronto Western Hospital, next to an existing 77-unit affordable housing building. The three-storey brick building, which was completed in 2020, has studio apartments with a washroom, kitchen and combined sleeping/living space.
Twenty-five supportive housing apartments have been built in a former senior’s residence at 877 Yonge St. and occupancy has begun. The building consists of studio and one-bedroom apartments with supports for women, Indigenous residents, seniors, people with disabilities and people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Community builder and philanthropist Phil Rubinoff spearheaded and chaired the fundraising committee, which approached and secured donations from residential builders/developers, construction associations, and labour unions, indicates a release, adding the groups came together to represent the broader residential construction sector.
“Ontario’s residential construction industry was pleased to play a part in the expansion of both projects. We are delighted that they are now in operation and helping people get into appropriate housing,” said RESCON president Richard Lyall in a statement. “These projects are great examples of what can be achieved when the private and public sectors and a non-profit organization team up for a good cause. By contributing to these projects, we are helping people who are experiencing homelessness get into affordable housing and providing apartments for those who are at risk of homelessness.”
“The need for affordable housing has never been more severe,” said St. Clare’s executive director Andrea Adams. “The completion of these projects is a meaningful step in the right direction, but not the end of our efforts. These projects are critical as they change the lives of people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, providing them with appropriate accommodation and dignity.”
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