Toronto’s housing market has long been a challenge for residents, with affordability remaining out of reach for many. A new proposal from CreateTO, the City agency managing real estate assets, is offering a path forward. The redevelopment of 9 Shortt Street, adjacent to the still-to-open Fairbank Station on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, will bring a striking new two-building complex designed to address housing needs while integrating seamlessly with transit infrastructure.
Project Overview
The proposed development, designed by Montgomery Sisam Architects, includes a 41-storey tower and a six-storey mid-rise building on a City-owned site currently used as a parking lot. The project is part of the City’s Toronto Builds framework, aimed at creating affordable rental homes on public land through mixed-income communities.
Residential Features
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Total Units: 458 purpose-built rental homes
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Affordable Housing: Approximately 140 units (30%) designated as affordable for 99 years
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Unit Mix: A range of unit sizes from one to five bedrooms, including barrier-free and accessible units
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Design: Modern layouts emphasizing livability and accessibility for all ages and abilities
This approach not only addresses affordability but also ensures long-term stability for residents who need it most.
Design and Sustainability
The development will be built to meet Tier 2 of the Toronto Green Standard Version 4, underscoring the City’s commitment to sustainability and climate resilience. Features include:
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Barrier-Free Access: Designed to support accessibility needs
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Transit-Oriented Design: Located steps from the Crosstown LRT, reducing reliance on cars
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Green Standards: High energy efficiency, reduced emissions, and environmentally responsible construction practices
Amenities and Public Spaces
The project emphasizes community integration through:
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A new mid-block pedestrian connection linking the two buildings and creating a public plaza
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Commercial spaces at street level to animate the public realm and serve residents
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Nearly one-to-one bicycle parking with 421 long-term and 94 short-term spaces
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A minimal underground parking garage with just 42 spaces, reflecting the site’s transit-rich context
These features highlight a clear focus on walkability, cycling, and transit-first mobility.
Construction and Planning Timeline
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Rezoning Application: Submitted in August 2025
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Community Consultation: Conducted in September 2025 with strong local councillor support
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Development Partner: To be secured by Fall 2026
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Completion Target: Not yet announced, though the community has already expressed keen interest in moving in by 2027
Community Impact
BlogTO reports that replacing the underused parking lot with a mixed-use, mixed-income community will transform the Fairbank neighbourhood. By keeping the land in public ownership through a long-term lease, the City ensures that the affordable housing component remains protected for future generations. The right-of-return policy for displaced tenants underscores a tenant-first approach.
Local residents raised questions about traffic, school capacity, and construction impacts during consultations, but the project’s emphasis on public transit, green design, and new public spaces aims to address long-term community concerns.
Construction Trades and Workforce Needs
The redevelopment will engage a wide range of construction trades and professionals, including:
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Demolition and Site Prep Crews: To clear the existing parking lot and prepare foundations
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Concrete and Structural Workers: For tower and podium construction
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Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Contractors: To install energy-efficient systems and barrier-free infrastructure
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Glazing and Façade Specialists: For curtain walls, windows, and sustainable cladding systems
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Landscaping Teams: To deliver the pedestrian plaza, mid-block connection, and greenery
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Interior Finishing Trades: For residential units, common spaces, and retail areas
This variety of trades highlights how projects of this scale support hundreds of construction jobs while strengthening Toronto’s skilled workforce.
Conclusion
The redevelopment of 9 Shortt Street reflects Toronto’s commitment to creating housing solutions that balance affordability, sustainability, and transit-oriented growth. With nearly 700 new rental homes, including 140 affordable units, and an emphasis on accessible, community-focused design, this project is poised to become a model for mixed-income development in the city.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - 9 Shortt Street Mixed Use Development Fairbank - Toronto (0038081325)
