The wheels are turning at Wilson Heights Blvd, Toronto, as construction kicks off on a significant new mixed-use, transit-oriented housing project. Set next to the TTC's Wilson Station, this development represents the latest push to meet Toronto's ambitious HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan.
Spearheaded by Greenwin, KingSett Capital, and Tridel, in partnership with CreateTO and the City of Toronto, this project aims to create a total of 1,484 new homes—including 520 affordable rental units.
Newswire reports that this project has caught the attention of the construction community due to its sheer scale, its integrated approach to affordability, and its alignment with climate-conscious building practices. Let’s dive deeper into what makes this development at 50 Wilson Heights Blvd such an important milestone for the city's construction landscape.
Project Scope and Housing Breakdown
Located at the former commuter parking lot at 50 Wilson Heights Blvd, the project is slated to bring a mix of housing units to the area, catering to a wide variety of income levels. Here’s a breakdown:
- Total Units: The development will deliver 1,484 new residential units.
- Affordable Rentals: 520 units will be designated as affordable rental homes to address the city’s critical housing shortage.
- Market Condominiums: The development will also feature 444 market condominium units, ensuring a diverse housing mix.
Unit Types: The housing units will range from studio apartments to three-bedroom homes, accommodating different family sizes and income levels.
“Today’s groundbreaking of 50 Wilson Heights Blvd. is a major milestone in CreateTO’s commitment to addressing Toronto’s housing challenges through leveraging City-owned land. By transforming a parking lot into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood, we are delivering much-needed housing alongside vital public spaces, community services and amenities. This milestone reflects the strength of public-private collaboration and partnerships in creating sustainable, livable communities that will benefit residents and our neighbourhoods.”
CEO of CreateTO | Vic Gupta
Affordable Housing Commitment through Housing Now
The development is part of Toronto's Housing Now initiative, a key aspect of the HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan that seeks to deliver 65,000 new rent-controlled homes by 2030. Of those homes, 41,000 are expected to be affordable rentals, 6,500 will be rent-geared-to-income (RGI), and the remaining 17,500 will be rent-controlled units. To date, the City of Toronto has committed over $1.3 billion in land value, capital funding, and other financial incentives to drive the Housing Now initiative.
Housing Now projects like the one at Wilson Heights are pivotal for not only providing affordable rental opportunities but also for revitalizing underused land, making urban centers more accessible for a wider range of residents.
Beyond Housing: Community-Focused Features
This mixed-use project isn't just about residential units—it's about creating a livable, thriving neighborhood. Here’s what else will be included in the development:
- Childcare Center: A childcare center will be developed, providing much-needed services to young families living in the area.
- Public Park and Community Use Space: The inclusion of a public park and community space aims to bring residents together, fostering social cohesion and encouraging outdoor activities. The development also includes community-use facilities to host local events and activities.
- Retail Spaces: Retail units will also be included, providing residents convenient access to essential goods and services within walking distance.
- New Public Road: A new public road will be constructed to facilitate easy traffic flow and improve connectivity to the existing infrastructure.
A Focus on Sustainability
One of the standout features of this project is its commitment to sustainable urban development. The project aims to meet the Toronto Green Standard, a comprehensive guideline for eco-friendly building practices. To further support the city's TransformTO climate action objectives, the following measures are being implemented:
- Geothermal Energy Supply: The development will feature a geothermal energy system to heat and cool the buildings efficiently, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to significant carbon emissions reductions.
- Environmental Certification: Targeting Toronto Green Standard compliance, the project will align with guidelines designed to improve the building’s environmental performance, covering aspects like energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and water conservation.
Construction Phases and Timeline
The Wilson Heights project will be developed in multiple phases, with the first phase focusing on the removal of existing parking infrastructure to prepare the site for development. Here’s an overview of the construction timeline:
- Site Preparation: Work has already begun on removing the parking infrastructure that previously occupied the site. This work will make way for site servicing and foundation work.
- Construction Kickoff: The construction of the affordable and market rental homes is expected to begin in spring 2025.
- Occupancy: The first phase of residential occupancy is projected for early 2029, at which time tenants will begin moving into their new homes.
The HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan aims to add 65,000 new rent-controlled homes by 2030, including 41,000 affordable rental units. To date, over 20 city-owned sites have been committed to the Housing Now program, with 13 sites rezoned and development partners selected for six sites. The development at Wilson Heights represents a step forward in reaching these targets and contributing to Toronto’s evolving urban fabric.
As this project takes shape, it is poised to be a beacon of forward-thinking, transit-oriented, sustainable urban development. The new housing, retail, and community spaces will transform what was once a commuter parking lot into a vibrant neighborhood where residents can live, work, and thrive. By emphasizing inclusivity, sustainability, and convenience, the development at 50 Wilson Heights Blvd is set to redefine mixed-use living in Toronto.
For the construction sector, this project offers a glimpse of how integrated, community-focused design is shaping the future of urban development. From its geothermal systems to its emphasis on mixed-use spaces that meet diverse community needs, the Wilson Heights project reflects what’s possible when ambition, collaboration, and innovation come together.
