HousingNowTO
Senior Member
Partnership via RFP has been announced today... dedicated CMHC dollars for First-Nations Housing solutions will help make the math work on this one...
Toronto 140 Merton Street | 99.8m | 29s | Missanabie Cree Elders Care | Montgomery Sisam
- Thread starter Midtown Urbanist
- Start date
AlbertC
Superstar
EllisDon Partners with Missanabie Cree First Nation for First Housing Now Indigenous-Led Site for Indigenous Seniors
/CNW/ - EllisDon Community Builders has partnered with the Missanabie Cree First Nation for the first Housing Now Indigenous-led site for Indigenous seniors....
www.newswire.ca
EllisDon Partners with Missanabie Cree First Nation for First Housing Now Indigenous-Led Site for Indigenous Seniors
August 3, 2022
EllisDon Community Builders has partnered with the Missanabie Cree First Nation for the first Housing Now Indigenous-led site for Indigenous seniors. Located at 140 Merton Street, Toronto, the building will provide housing options for Indigenous Elders and other seniors. It will include 184 new rental homes, of which approximately 50 percent will be affordable, a ceremonial space, a smudging room, and indoor and outdoor amenities for residents.
"We are thrilled and inspired to work with the Missanabie Cree First Nation and the City of Toronto to ensure the community has a safe and affordable place to call home," said Nicholas Gefucia, Vice President, EllisDon Community Builders. "EllisDon Community Builders is leveraging its team of dedicated professionals and resources as one of Canada's top builders to address the growing nationwide challenge of affordable housing."
The Missanabie Cree First Nation is active in community building and reconciliation by leading and contributing (including financially) to initiatives in health, elder care, affordable housing, economic development, cultural and intercultural dialogue, and relationship building.
"Providing a safe, respectful and holistic environment for our Nation's members is a foundational part of who we are as Missanabie Cree First Nation," said Chief Jason Gauthier, Missanabie Cree First Nation. "We are delighted to be working with the City of Toronto and EllisDon Community Builders on critical affordable housing and social infrastructure initiatives for our members and the community-at-large and appreciate their efforts and commitment in helping us deliver on this value. These projects are generational and will work to house not just our present communities, but also to build towards a sustainable, inclusive future for us all."
The City of Toronto awarded the project to the Missanabie Cree First Nation and EllisDon Community Builders based on their affordability and financial commitments, commitment to community benefits, and experience delivering supportive housing for seniors.
"Supporting Indigenous-led housing projects is an important part of the affordable housing strategy in the HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan," said Toronto Mayor John Tory. " We will continue to advance our commitment to reconciliation and moving forward together with Indigenous communities. I am committed to making way for more Indigenous-focused housing projects as quickly as possible as part of our overall efforts working with the other governments and our community partners to get more housing built."
Construction commences in October 2023, and the project is set to be complete by March 2026.
HousingNowTO
Senior Member
Northern Light
Superstar
Well, timelines have slipped here, as CMHC financing has yet to be confirmed, though CreateTO seem hopeful that will happen this month.
As per the latter report above, construction is currently hoped for in Q2 2023, or by June 30th, 2023 (end of Q2).
As per the latter report above, construction is currently hoped for in Q2 2023, or by June 30th, 2023 (end of Q2).
Kenojuak
Active Member
Why is this not taller? Ridiculous
HousingNowTO
Senior Member
It was a ROUND-1 site for HOUSING NOW. Local Councillor, RA's (and City Planning staff) we very insistent that the City stay within the defunct "Midtown in Focus" guidelines...
Kenojuak
Active Member
This is like setting tax money on fire, to waste public land like this. Disgusting.
HousingNowTO
Senior Member
If you read back in the thread - you will see the alternative that our volunteers proposed in 2019.
gamarad
New Member
Spicy council meeting today
edit: And the motion carried
edit: And the motion carried
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Northern Light
Superstar
HousingNowTO
Senior Member
140 MERTON STREET - "Housing Now" project was at the Design Review Panel this week -
Starts in the Video at 04:08:58 -
Starts in the Video at 04:08:58 -
Northern Light
Superstar
I don't know why; but I didn't realize the existing building on the site was considered 'historical'.
In looking at it, I'll admit, I can't quite grasp why it's worth saving the first few metres of this thing rather than having a slightly larger floor plate here.
I am pleased to hear that the proponents are considering additional height. I think in light of the area precedents going up a bit further makes sense, I think the only question then is what kind of incremental cost and delay is accrued due to modified zoning/design change.
Edit to add: I do see a strong consensus on the panel for additional height, so that's good to see.
In looking at it, I'll admit, I can't quite grasp why it's worth saving the first few metres of this thing rather than having a slightly larger floor plate here.
I am pleased to hear that the proponents are considering additional height. I think in light of the area precedents going up a bit further makes sense, I think the only question then is what kind of incremental cost and delay is accrued due to modified zoning/design change.
Edit to add: I do see a strong consensus on the panel for additional height, so that's good to see.
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HousingNowTO
Senior Member
City Planning intro slides from DRP...
"Merton Street Character Area"...
"Merton Street Character Area"...
HousingNowTO
Senior Member
HousingNowTO
Senior Member
... the existing building on the site was considered 'historical'... because the local Councillor, the local Residents' Association -- and the City's Heritage Planners were all a little out-of-control during the "Midtown-in-Focus" discussions about 8-10 years ago...
"Heritage" was a convenient fig-leaf for the usual mid-town NIMBY-ism, and everyone else on Council went along with it.