Today, Councillor Josh Matlow (Toronto-St. Paul’s) and Leslie Church, Member of Parliament for Toronto-St. Paul’s joined the Missanabie Cree First Nation to break ground on 294 new purpose build rental homes, including 196 rent-controlled market units, 80 affordable homes and 18 rent-geared-to-income homes dedicated to Indigenous Elders and seniors in Davisville.
The development is located at 140 Merton St. and designed with community and culture at its core. The building will feature dedicated ceremonial space, a smudging room and a range of indoor and outdoor amenities for residents.
The development will also include an on-site community space operated by SPRINT Senior Care, providing residents with convenient access to supports and services that promote health, well-being and independent living.
This project is part of a portfolio of City of Toronto-owned lands that are being unlocked to create more homes affordable to residents and contribute to complete communities. In addition to land, the City is contributing more than $28 million in financial support including capital funding, exemptions from planning and development fees and charges and property tax.
140 Merton St. is one of 50 affordable housings projects currently under construction across the Toronto, which will create 14,000 new homes, including more than 4,000 affordable rental homes for current and future generations.
This project is made possible through strong collaboration between the City and the Government of Canada, with Indigenous partners. Missanabie Cree First Nation was selected as the development partner on this project through a competitive process in 2022, advancing commitments to truth, justice and reconciliation with First Nations. The federal government has contributed more than $133 million in financial supports through the Affordable Housing Fund.
Quotes:
“140 Merton St. demonstrates what can be achieved when governments and Indigenous partners work together to create housing that is both affordable and community -focused. Through more than $28 million in City funding and financial incentives, this project will provide Indigenous Elders and seniors with stable homes, culturally meaningful spaces and access to the supports they need. Projects like this help us deliver a more affordable, caring and safe city for all Torontonians.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
“Our Government is investing in affordable housing here in Toronto and across Canada to help more young Canadians, families and seniors find a home that works for them. With our partners, Missanabie Cree First Nation, we are working to create new homes for Canadians priced out of the market, with a focus on Indigenous seniors. This development will bring much-needed affordable housing and new, dedicated community space to Midtown Toronto. Close to transit, grocery options and schools, 140 Merton is an example of the kinds of innovative housing partnerships our government is delivering to make housing abundant and affordable across Canada.”
– Leslie Church, Member of Parliament for Toronto-St. Paul’s
“Peyakotenaw, meaning One Family, is far more than another building on Merton Street. It represents the continuation of our Nation’s long journey to create culturally grounded, welcoming homes for our People and for all who wish to live alongside us. In our Cree traditions, Elders hold a central place in our communities, and this building reflects those values by providing a home designed with the needs of our Elders and other seniors in mind. Peyakotenaw reflects how Missanabie Cree approaches every off-reserve project; we build for our members, but always with open arms for other Indigenous People and for the many cultures that make Toronto the vibrant community it is.
Many of our members were displaced from our traditional territory and have made Toronto their home for generations. They live among neighbours from every corner of the world, and this diversity strengthens us. With Peyakotenaw, we honour our history, share our culture, and invite everyone to live together in a spirit of respect, belonging, and family.”
— Chief Jason Gauthier, Missanabie Cree First Nation & President, Missanabie Cree Affordable Housing Corporation
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As an Official Host City for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City's website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.