Today, Toronto Mayor John Tory welcomed the delivery and hoisting of the modules that will bring 59 new permanent modular homes to 540 Cedarvale Avenue in East York. These new permanent supportive homes will turn a former parking lot into a new, inclusive community that will provide homes to those who are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing homelessness.

Module being hoisted onto parking lot site, image courtesy of HousingNowTO

The three-storey Montgomery Sisam Architects-designed building is part of the larger Modular Housing Initiative (MHI), which is funded through a partnership between the City and the federal government, with the City contributing $28.75 million in capital funding and the federal government providing $18.75 million in funding through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

“Building more affordable and supportive housing continues to be a key priority for me as Mayor and for our city," said Tory. "A big part of that work includes finding new and innovative methods to bring affordable housing as quickly as possible. Modular Housing has proven to be a unique concept that is allowing us to create housing in months, not years. Now we can make permanent homes that will provide wraparound supports for those who are vulnerable in our city."

Delivery and hoisting of the modules, image courtesy of John Tory

Modular construction provides a unique opportunity to respond to Toronto’s need to create more permanent affordable homes for people experiencing homelessness, while reducing pressure on the City’s shelter system and supporting climate change. These high-quality and energy-efficient homes from NRB Modular Solutions are prefabricated in a factory, and then transported to the site where they are then assembled.

The benefits of modular construction compared to traditional construction are that homes can be built more quickly, are more cost-effective, and contribute to lower carbon emissions that are normally produced during conventional construction.

Module in place, image courtesy of Brad Bradford

“The permanent and affordable homes that will be on this site in a few short months will be of great benefit, providing not only safe and accessible housing, but also on-site supports for our new community members," said Councillor Brad Bradford of Beaches-East York, who was also in attendance. "540 Cedarvale will be a place of opportunity and a new beginning for Torontonians exiting homelessness."

The new building will offer safe, secure and affordable homes with 24/7 support services for individuals experiencing homelessness, including women, seniors, Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, and those with disabilities.

The 59 new homes will be studio apartments, each with a kitchen and a bathroom. The new building will also have common amenities for residents such as a dining room and a program space, as well as administrative offices and a commercial kitchen that can provide on-site meals for residents.

Module being hoisted, image courtesy of Brad Bradford

The homes at 540 Cedarvale Avenue are part of the second Phase of the MHI. One hundred homes were completed in the first phase at 321 Dovercourt Road and 11 Macey Avennue. Phase Two of the initiative plans to deliver approximately 150 new modular homes with supports, including 39 Dundalk Drive, 175 Cummer Avenue, and the site at 540 Cedarvale Avenue. 

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