The City of Toronto is moving forward with two affordable housing projects. As part of this, there are plans to convert a parking lot at Kensington Market into affordable housing. However, full funding for the project has not yet been secured.
City officials say the Kensington Market project will result in the construction of 78 new homes at 35 Bellevue Avenue. There will be private studios and one-bedroom apartments. The building will have shared laundry, a communal kitchen, and programming space for residents.
Mayor Olivia Chow says we’re in the midst of a housing crisis. People are dying on the streets, and it’s heartbreaking. Having a home means we can save lives. We can create hope.
These new modular homes will be reserved for those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The units will be rented, and no tenant will pay more than 30% of their income or shelter allowance. The city says tenants will also receive support services to improve their housing, stability, and health.
“The need for affordable housing in this city is great,” Councilor Diane Sachs said in a statement. With that in mind, it is going to be an affordable housing project.
The location of these new homes is just a few steps away from Encampment’s sprawling park.
Chow said that this project is not specifically for them. However, some of the 26,000 people on the waiting list for supportive housing will also benefit. Some of those living in Belle Vue Square may be on this waiting list, and we will be building many more supportive housing units. We need countless projects like this.
If the project is implemented, the Kensington Market Community Land Trust (KMCLT) and St. Clare’s Multifaith Housing Society will rent and manage these properties. Both projects are expected to start as a result of this and will be completed by 2025.
