The Canadian Helen Keller Centre (CHKC) has officially started construction on a new affordable and accessible housing complex in the Etobicoke-Lakeshore neighborhood. This six-story development marks a significant milestone for the deafblind and disabled communities in Toronto, providing much-needed homes and support services in an inclusive, barrier-free environment.
Project Overview
The new 56-unit apartment complex is expected to be completed in July 2025. It will feature a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals with deafblindness and other physical disabilities. The development will include a variety of shared amenities, such as a rooftop garden, community rooms, and a 6,500-square-foot state-of-the-art training facility.
Globe Newswire reports that this project is being made possible through collaboration between CHKC, the City of Toronto, and the federal government, with funding coming from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) under the second round of the Rapid Housing Initiative (RH2). The City of Toronto has supported the project by providing waivers for development charges, planning and building fees, as well as ongoing property tax relief.
“A safe and secure home is of vital importance for a better quality of life and strong communities. The 150 Eighth Street project will provide housing stability for people with disabilities from our community along with the support they require for their future success. Our government is pleased to work with our partners to help bring this project to life and, most importantly, support those in greatest housing need."
Member of Parliament for Etobicoke-Lakeshore | James Maloney
Project Details and Features
- Number of Units: 56 units, including one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.
Completion Date: Construction is scheduled to finish by July 2025.
- Building Features:
- State-of-the-art training facility: A 6,500-square-foot training center where residents can learn essential life skills, such as safe travel, communication, computer use, and personal grooming.
- Accessibility: Designed to meet the needs of individuals with deafblindness and physical disabilities. The building will also provide 24/7 access to intervenor services, ensuring that individuals can navigate their environment safely and independently.
- Community Amenities: The building will include a rooftop garden, community rooms, and event spaces.
The new housing development will help reduce CHKC’s waitlist and give more individuals with vision and hearing loss the opportunity to live independently. Any remaining units will be made available to people with other disabilities. By creating accessible homes, the project aims to reduce social isolation and improve the overall quality of life for individuals with disabilities, including those currently experiencing homelessness or unsafe living conditions.
Funding and Partnerships
The apartment complex is a collaborative project supported by multiple stakeholders:
- CHKC, City of Toronto, and Federal Government: Funding comes from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) under the Rapid Housing Initiative (RH2), which aims to accelerate affordable housing development across Canada.
- City Support: The City of Toronto has offered significant incentives to make this project feasible, including waivers of development charges, planning and building fees, and property tax relief.
- Donors: Generous contributions have also been made by the Kothari Group, Sunita and Vinod Vyas, and the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons. CHKC continues to raise additional funds, targeting $6 million to cover any remaining project costs and ensure long-term sustainability.
Building Design and Amenities
The building is designed to be a safe, inclusive environment where individuals with disabilities can live comfortably and with dignity. Some of the notable features include:
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Community Amenities: The complex will feature:
- A rooftop garden for residents.
- Community rooms for socializing and holding events.
- Event space that can be used for various community activities, such as shared meals, gardening, and peer group gatherings.
The new development aims to reduce social isolation by offering a place for residents to connect and be part of a vibrant community. The event spaces and shared amenities are intended to foster relationships, allowing residents to support each other and create a true sense of community.
The six-story building will provide 56 units alongside a rooftop garden and community rooms. Occupancy by members of the deafblind community is expected to commence soon after the project’s completion in July 2025.
This innovative project combines housing, support services, and training opportunities to create an environment where residents can thrive. With support from multiple levels of government, private donors, and community organizations, the project aims to meet the urgent housing needs of individuals with disabilities and offer them a safe, inclusive place to call home.
As CHKC continues to work towards raising an additional $6 million in funding, the new complex at 150 Eighth Street promises to be a beacon of accessibility, community, and hope for many Torontonians in need.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - Canadian Helen Keller Centre Apartment Development - Etobicoke (0008012819)
