Major construction is officially underway at 777 Victoria Park Avenue, marking the transformation of a former TTC commuter parking lot into a vibrant, mixed-use, transit-oriented rental community. Located beside Victoria Park Station in Scarborough’s Oakridge neighbourhood, this development represents a milestone in Toronto’s ongoing effort to expand affordable and sustainable housing while creating significant job opportunities for construction workers across multiple trades.
Project Overview and Partnerships
The groundbreaking ceremony brought together all levels of government and industry partners, including Mayor Olivia Chow, Jennifer McKelvie (MP for Ajax), Bill Blair (MP for Scarborough Southwest), Councillor Parthi Kandavel, and representatives from the City of Toronto, CreateTO, CMHC, Alterra Group of Companies, and Mahogany Management.
Designed by Sweeny &Co Architects, the project introduces two residential buildings — a 12-storey mid-rise and a 35-storey tower — that will together provide 705 purpose-built rental homes on an 8,002 m² site. Of these, 256 units will be affordable rentals, while 449 will be market-rate, offering a balanced housing mix to meet community needs.
Housing and Design Details
The design emphasizes livability and inclusivity. One-third of the units are deeply affordable, and many are family-sized two- and three-bedroom layouts, serving households with children. The project aligns with the City’s HousingTO 2020–2030 Action Plan, which aims to deliver 65,000 rent-controlled homes by 2030 — including 41,000 affordable and 6,500 rent-geared-to-income units.
Urban Toronto reports that the two-building design will also incorporate:
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A childcare centre
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Publicly accessible green space and pedestrian walkways
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Retail and community facilities
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A geothermal energy system to support Toronto’s net-zero goals
Construction Scope and Trades Involved
This development will generate hundreds of jobs throughout its construction phases, engaging a wide range of skilled trades and professionals. The project’s complexity — involving high-rise concrete work, geothermal installation, and transit-oriented site constraints — creates opportunities for specialized and general construction roles, including:
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Excavation and site preparation crews for foundation and grading work
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Formwork carpenters and ironworkers for structural framing of both towers
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Concrete finishers and pump operators for vertical and horizontal pours
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Crane operators and riggers for hoisting and tower assembly
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Electricians and mechanical installers for building systems and geothermal components
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Plumbers and pipefitters for domestic water, fire protection, and HVAC systems
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Window installers and exterior cladding specialists for envelope completion
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Drywallers, painters, and finish carpenters for interior build-out
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Elevator technicians for vertical transportation installation
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Landscapers and hardscape crews for public realm improvements
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Safety officers, project managers, and quality inspectors to ensure compliance with City and CMHC construction standards
The involvement of trades specializing in geothermal and energy-efficient systems highlights the growing demand for sustainable construction skills, providing valuable experience in green building technology for the local workforce.
Funding and Public Investment
The $291 million federal investment from CMHC’s Apartment Construction Loan Program and Affordable Housing Fund forms part of a broader $2.55 billion federal–municipal agreement to accelerate rental housing construction across Toronto. The City of Toronto also contributed a $30.2 million waiver in development fees and charges, helping offset costs while ensuring long-term affordability.
Sustainability and Urban Integration
Beyond housing, the project’s sustainability strategy is a defining feature. The geothermal system will drastically reduce carbon emissions and energy use, while Sweeny &Co’s design prioritizes daylighting, thermal performance, and occupant comfort. The site’s integration with Victoria Park Station makes it a model for transit-oriented development, encouraging active transportation and reducing reliance on cars.
Economic and Community Impact
The project contributes directly to local economic revitalization in Scarborough Southwest. It will create not only construction jobs but also long-term employment opportunities in building maintenance, childcare, retail, and community services. The mix of uses and amenities — from retail shops to outdoor spaces — aims to foster a sense of place and belonging among residents.
Looking Ahead
With excavation and foundation work now underway, the project will continue into full vertical construction in 2025, employing hundreds of skilled workers across multiple disciplines. Once completed, 777 Victoria Park Avenue will stand as a landmark example of how public land, sustainable design, and strategic investment can come together to deliver both housing and opportunity for Toronto’s future.
