The City of Toronto, and Canada as a whole, is in an affordable housing crisis.
Parkdale Activity-Recreation Centre (PARC) wants to be proactive in housing our at-risk community members through new affordable supportive homes at 1499 Queen St. W. Right now, a small but vocal group is pressuring decision-makers to reject this project and pause new supportive housing in West-Toronto out of fear that these projects will "worsen existing challenges in an already overburdened part of Parkdale".
While we acknowledge and empathize with our neighbours who are scared and frustrated navigating an affordability crisis, PARC refuses to allow fear and misinformation drown out our evidence and experience-based supportive housing model. Supportive housing is one of the only proven approaches that helps people stay housed, improve their health, and reduce pressure on emergency services.
PARC has been part of this community for more than four decades. We already operate supportive housing at 1499 Queen and nearby buildings. Replacing an aging building with safe, private units, indoor programming space, and 24/7 onsite supports is key to reducing chaos on the sidewalk and create more dignity, safety, and stability for our community members and neighbours alike.
If we agree that a tent is not a home, then we have to say “yes” when real solutions are on the table. Supporting this campaign is a way to stand up for a Parkdale that lives its values: a neighbourhood that doesn’t turn its back on people in crisis, but instead helps them rebuild their lives.
