News Release
July 31, 2020

Today the City of Toronto announced progress on the partnership between the City of Toronto, Dixon Hall and Toronto Community Housing to renovate and revitalize affordable, supportive, multi-tenant (rooming house) units at 502-508 Parliament St. With support from the local ward councillor, the project will now receive $6 million in Section 37 community benefits, allowing the revitalization to proceed this fall and be ready for occupancy in spring 2021.

The properties at 502-508 Parliament St. are Second Empire historical row houses built in 1879 by noted builder J. Bowden and are listed on the City’s Heritage Registry.

The properties, which are currently owned by Toronto Community Housing, require significant investment in renovation and heritage restoration. As authorized by City Council as part of the City’s Tenants First Project, work is underway to transfer ownership of these vacant multi-tenant homes to Dixon Hall. Dixon Hall is the lead agency providing supports to tenants in Toronto Community Housing rooming houses. In addition to the Section 37 contribution, almost $1 million in funding and affordable housing incentives are being provided through the City’s Open Door program to support the revitalization.

The project will deliver approximately 44 revitalized multi-tenant units with shared kitchen space, restored heritage assets and newly landscaped grounds. Support services will be provided onsite by Dixon Hall.

A virtual community information session is planned for August.

Quotes:

“The global health pandemic caused by COVID-19 has brought into acute focus the social, economic and health inequities and other challenges faced by those who are currently underhoused or experiencing homelessness. The City of Toronto is taking action to provide people experiencing homelessness with access to good quality, safe, permanent, supportive and affordable housing.”
– Mayor John Tory

“As a city it is equally as important to maintain our current housing stock as it is to build new housing. This partnership and action demonstrate our City’s commitment to housing as a human right and works toward our housing goals set out in the HousingTO 2020-2030 Housing Plan.”
– Deputy Mayor Ana Bailão (Councillor Ward 9 Davenport), Board Member, Toronto Community Housing Corporation

“Prior to the global pandemic, Toronto was already facing a housing crisis and since COVID-19, the situation has become more visible and increasingly more acute. Modernizing and beautifully restoring these underutilized heritage properties is the right thing to do and I’m pleased to support this long-term investment in dignified housing for our most vulnerable residents.”
– Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam (Ward 13 Toronto Centre)

“Dixon Hall has been a part of the downtown east community since 1929. We are thrilled to be a part of this project that will not only contribute to the ongoing beautification of the Cabbagetown neighbourhood, but will, vitally, enable affordable, supportive housing solutions for those in need.”
– Mercedes Watson, CEO, Dixon Hall

“We are proud to be a member of the Cabbagetown community, and we look forward to doing work that is consistent with the high standards of beautification and preservation we know our neighbours will and should expect.”
– Eric Philip, Director of Real Estate, Dixon Hall

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 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 the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, 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 Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Media Relations