Nearly 700 new publicly owned rental homes could soon rise in Toronto’s High Park area as part of a major redevelopment of the Swansea Mews site. The ambitious plan, unveiled at a recent virtual community meeting, involves two towers of 20 and 35 storeys, replacing the 1970s-era townhomes that were condemned after a concrete ceiling collapse in 2022 forced residents to evacuate.
Project Background
The Swansea Mews complex once contained 154 rent-geared-to-income units. When ceiling faults rendered the homes unsafe, tenants were displaced but guaranteed the right to return after redevelopment. Now, with plans by Bousfields Inc., KPMB Architects, PFS Studio, and Toronto Community Housing Corp. (TCHC), the site is set to undergo a transformation that blends safety, density, and modern design.
Design and Scale
Toronto Star reports that the proposal calls for 673 new units, all owned by TCHC. These homes will include a mix of affordable and market-priced apartments, ranging from one to five bedrooms. Conceptual drawings illustrate a 35-storey tower on a podium at Windermere Avenue and The Queensway, complemented by a second building to the north with sections at five, eight, and 20 storeys. The north building incorporates a courtyard, designed for visibility and safety, while the five-storey portion will back onto existing homes along Coe Hill Drive.
Community Features and Amenities
The redevelopment emphasizes livability with shared spaces and potential new commercial uses along The Queensway. While the courtyard is planned for residents only, officials suggested that other parts of the site may include publicly accessible areas. Details like play equipment and gathering areas will be determined later in consultation with residents.
Key highlights include:
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673 total residential units
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Mix of affordable and market-priced homes
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One- to five-bedroom layouts
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A landscaped courtyard for resident use
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Commercial spaces facing The Queensway
Transportation and Parking
The redevelopment plan includes a parking structure with roughly 140 spaces for private vehicles. Residents will not be eligible for street parking. The site is located near TTC transit routes, making it a well-connected urban project.
Addressing Community Concerns
During the meeting, residents voiced concerns about increased traffic congestion, pest control during construction, and the impact on local school capacity. Officials assured participants that these issues would be carefully considered as the planning process advances.
Timeline and Next Steps
TCHC plans to submit a rezoning application by November. If approved, the Swansea Mews redevelopment would become one of Toronto’s largest public-sector residential projects currently in progress. The project represents not just a rebuild, but a reimagining of affordable housing in the city, ensuring long-term community benefits.
Workforce and Construction Impact
The redevelopment will require a broad range of construction trades and expertise, including:
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Demolition and Site Prep Crews: To safely clear existing structures and prepare foundations.
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Structural and Civil Engineers: For tower construction and infrastructure upgrades.
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Concrete and Steel Workers: To handle the high-rise framework.
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Mechanical and Electrical Contractors: For HVAC, power systems, and energy-efficient installations.
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Masonry and Cladding Specialists: To complete the exterior finishes.
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Landscaping Teams: To design and implement green spaces and courtyards.
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Interior Fit-Out Contractors: For unit finishes, communal areas, and commercial spaces.
By investing in both workforce and design, the Swansea Mews project is set to provide new homes, create construction jobs, and revitalize an area long in need of renewal.
Conclusion
The Swansea Mews redevelopment represents a turning point for Toronto’s approach to public housing. By keeping the land in public hands and building nearly 700 new homes, the city is setting a precedent for sustainable, inclusive urban growth. For the construction community, the project offers years of steady work across multiple trades, while for residents, it promises safe, modern, and affordable housing in a revitalized High Park neighborhood.
