Today, the City of Toronto, the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada joined representatives from Reena for the opening of the Frankfort Family Reena Residence, comprising of 111 rent-geared-to-income and supportive homes.
About Frankfort Family Reena Residence
Located at 165 Elm Ridge Dr., the Frankfort Family Reena Residence is made up of 111 affordable and supportive homes ranging from studio to four-bedroom apartments dedicated to people with developmental and physical disabilities, including seniors and older adults experiencing cognitive decline or mental health challenges. The building also features indoor and outdoor amenity spaces designed to foster community and well-being. Included in the building are 21 accessible units, supporting tenants with significant physical mobility issues.
Residents will pay no more than 30 per cent of their income, or the shelter allowance portion of their income support benefit, toward rent, ensuring the homes remain affordable and accessible. As the building owner and operator, Reena will provide 24/7 on-site support and access to a range of wraparound services tailored to residents’ individual needs. Beyond offering a safe and affordable place to live, the residence will help tenants maintain independence, strengthen community connections and improve their overall quality of life. Reena is also partnering with a number of other non-profit organizations to provide residential programs within the building.
Investment from all levels of government
The Frankfort Family Reena Residence was made possible through investments from all levels of government and partnerships with community organizations.
The 165 Elm Ridge Dr. project received more than $43.9 million in capital funding from the federal government through the third phase of the Rapid Housing Initiative. The project received an additional $7.7 million in funding from the provincial government. Through the Rental Housing Supply Program, the City provided $8.1 million in financial incentives, including waivers of development charges as well as planning and building fees, and annual property tax exemptions for 99 years. Reena Foundation is also contributing $20 million and Batay Reena is contributing $15 million in equity.
Quotes:
“The Frankfort Family Reena Residence demonstrates what can be achieved when all levels of government work together with non-profit partners toward a shared goal. Through the combined investments and commitment of the City of Toronto, the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada, 111 new affordable and supportive homes are now available for people with developmental and physical disabilities, seniors and older adults who need safe, accessible housing and the supports to succeed “
–Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto
“Through investments like the Frankfort Family Reena Residence, our government is helping to create strong, inclusive and affordable communities where everyone has a place to call home. This project will provide much-needed supportive housing in Toronto, helping residents access the stability, dignity and support they need to thrive. Thank you to all our partners and people behind the scenes who helped bring this project to completion, I look forward to meeting and connecting with the new residents in the months ahead.”
-Vince Gasparro, Member of Parliament for Eglinton—Lawrence
“Our government is proud to invest in supportive housing initiatives like the Frankfort Family Reena Residence that help connect people with the services and care they need,” said Michael Parsa, Ontario’s Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “Congratulations to Reena and to the community on this important milestone. Together, we are building a stronger Ontario, where everyone can succeed, contribute and truly belong.”
-The Honourable Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services and Member of Provincial Parliament for Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill
“The Frankfort Family Reena Residence isn’t just an incredible architectural jewel here in Eglinton-Lawrence, but it will provide a much needed home and tightly knit community for 168 beautiful people. Our new residents and neighbours will have the supports they need to lead very full lives because of this magnificent partnership between all levels of government, non-profit partners and the generous support of the Frankfort family and the Reena Foundation.”
-Councillor, Eglinton-Lawrence
“As we Celebrate Sukkot, the feast of tabernacles, we are reminded of the temporary shelters our ancestors lived in and of how deeply we all value a safe and permanent place to call home. For the 168 people moving into this residence, that home means independence, security, choice and belonging. We are deeply grateful to all levels of government, the Frankfort Family our donor community, neighbours, our board and staff who shared our vision and helped make these permanent, supportive homes a reality.”
-Bryan Keshen, CEO of Reena
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