100 signatures reached
To: Mayor Olivia Chow, Premier Doug Ford, Councillor Gord Perks, MPP Alexa Gilmour, MP Karim Bardeesy, Minister Rob Flack, Minister Gregor Robertson, Toronto Chief Planner Jason Thorne, Build Canada Homes CEO Ana Bailão
Build Supportive Affordable Housing at 1499 and 1501 Queen West
.png)
Approve PARC’s plan to redevelop and expand 1499 and 1501 Queen Street West into safe, purpose-built supportive housing. PARC's project will bring 140 new affordable non-market rent homes, so that people currently left in shelters and on the street can live with dignity and adequate supports in our community.
Why is this important?
The City of Toronto, and Canada as a whole, is in an unprecedented affordable housing crisis. Many struggle to find safe and stable housing in Toronto and Parkdale Activity-Recreation Centre (PARC) wants to be proactive in housing our at-risk community members and has proposed to build 140 new affordable supportive homes at 1499 and 1501 Queen St. West.
Right now, PARC is facing opposition from a group of neighbours in Parkdale who want to reject our proposed development. PARC has been part of the Parkdale community for more than four decades. We already operate supportive housing at 1499 Queen and nearby buildings. We want to replace an aging building with safe, private self-contained units, indoor programming space, and onsite supports to reduce crowding on the sidewalk, and create more dignity, safety, and stability for our community members and neighbours alike.
Supportive housing does not negatively impact communities. Instead, it can enhance community stability and reduce crime rates by providing stable housing environments for vulnerable individuals.
This proposal will provide stable and supportive homes to those who need long-term housing. Supportive housing is one of the solutions to homelessness, and offers stability, on-site resources and ensures the safety of tenants and the neighborhood they are in. It combined affordable rent with supports, allowing tenants to heal, recover and contribute to their communities.
What is PARC’s proposal?
PARC is proposing to build a total of 140 units divided between 1499 and 1501 buildings, as well as enhancing a non-residential portion of the building to improve our community spaces. These new buildings will feature self-contained units with kitchens and bathrooms, laundry facilities, and carefully designed common spaces for tenants to enjoy. There will be on-site programming and support focused on housing stabilization, community integration, and wellness.
This proposal is not only about housing. It is about building a stronger Parkdale that lives its values: a neighbourhood that doesn’t turn its back on people in crisis but instead helps them rebuild their lives.
Join us in supporting the proposed supportive housing development at 1499 and 1501 Queen St. West. Sign this petition and stand up for a more compassionate and equitable Toronto.