TORONTO – A former hotel in the city of Toronto is being renovated to respond to the urgent need for permanent affordable homes.
The city purchased the Bond Hotel property, located at 65 Dundas St. E. in September 2022.
The existing building is being renovated and will include homes for a range of incomes, including some deeply affordable homes with supports and studio and one-bedroom apartments with a private bathroom and kitchenette.
At least 15 per cent of the apartments will be accessible, with washrooms that have a roll-in shower, vanity, toilet area and grab bars and barrier-free paths throughout the suite.
The building will also feature amenities such as shared laundry, a dining area, communal space and multiple programming and tenant support spaces.
“Conversion of the hotel suites into self-contained private apartments requires the installation of kitchens in each room and associated building systems,” said a spokesperson from the City of Toronto in an email to the Daily Commercial News. “All suites are also being renovated with new finishes. Common areas are being renovated to create amenity spaces appropriate for a residential building, such as dining, lounge and meeting rooms.”
The project team includes Govan Brown and NORR architects. The renovation of the building is expected to complete in 2025.
The city initially leased the property in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to help provide additional space for physical distancing and safe indoor space for people living outside.
The shelter program began a gradual, phased closing in September 2022 to enable renovations to take place while maintaining needed shelter capacity.
“The city and its operating partner, Dixon Hall, continue to manage and support shelter clients to move into housing, whenever possible, or another shelter site with supports, throughout the phased closure,” said the spokesperson.
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