In Etobicoke, a Toronto housing complex is set to reopen its doors to new tenants after 18 years of closure due to flooding and mould issues. Federal Housing Minister Gregor Robertson recently visited the 17-unit townhouse complex, now renovated at a cost of $9.7 million to meet high energy efficiency standards.
With funding from the National Housing Strategy in 2018, the Toronto Community Housing Corporation was able to undertake the revitalization project at a significantly lower cost compared to constructing new affordable housing. The building, which had been vacant since 2008 due to flooding from a nearby creek, remained in good condition.
The project’s design manager, Adam Pelissero, shared that a key solution to the recurring flooding problem was to block off the basement and fill it with gravel, allowing floodwater to flow under the building. Inspired by flood mitigation techniques observed in Nova Scotia, this approach enabled the property to be safeguarded against future water damage.
Toronto Community Housing aims to welcome new tenants, particularly families with children with disabilities, as early as August. Rent for the three-bedroom units will be based on 30% of the household’s income, ensuring affordability for residents.