After nearly two decades of closure due to recurrent flooding and mould, a housing complex in Etobicoke, Toronto is finally set to welcome new tenants. Federal Housing Minister Gregor Robertson recently visited the 17-unit townhouse complex, which underwent a $9.7 million redesign and renovation to meet stringent energy efficiency standards.
Sean Baird, CEO of the Toronto Community Housing Corporation, highlighted how funding from the National Housing Strategy in 2018, provided by the federal and city governments, made it possible to revitalize the property cost-effectively instead of constructing new affordable housing.
Leading the project’s design, Adam Pelissero explained that despite being vacant since 2008 when flooding from a nearby creek displaced residents, the building was still structurally sound. To address the flooding issue, the basement was sealed off and filled with gravel to allow floodwater to flow beneath the structure – a strategy inspired by flood mitigation techniques observed in Nova Scotia.
Toronto Community Housing plans to accommodate tenants starting in August, prioritizing families with disabled children. Rent for the three-bedroom units will be based on 30% of the household’s income, ensuring affordability for residents.