4 Towers Up To 45 Storeys, Affordable Housing Proposed For The Queensway

A significant new development has been proposed for The Queensway in Etobicoke, aiming to address the city's housing needs. The plan includes four mixed-use towers of 30, 35, 40, and 45 storeys, collectively offering 1,819 residential units. Notably, 342 of these units are designated as affordable housing. The proposal also features a new public park and spaces for various non-profit organizations.

This initiative is a collaboration between Community Affordable Housing Solutions (CAHS) and Haven on The Queensway, a charity supporting individuals in need. Together, they plan to redevelop a currently underused site at 1549-1551 The Queensway, located north of the Gardiner Expressway between Highway 427 and Kipling Avenue. The site comprises seven parcels of land, forming a combined area of approximately 231,811 square feet.

Presently, the location houses five low-rise buildings, which would be demolished to make way for the new development. Designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects, the four towers would be aligned from north to south. The plan also includes new public roads connecting The Queensway and Fordhouse Boulevard, as well as a 14,229-square-foot public park east of the tallest tower, Building D.

Building A, standing at 30 storeys, is particularly noteworthy. The first three floors, covering about 40,418 square feet, are intended to serve as a hub for Haven's various programs. These include support services for pregnant individuals, a food bank, clothing assistance, senior programs, mobile outreach, a community drop-in space, and an educational center. Additionally, a Habitat for Humanity ReStore, daycare center with outdoor space, and a residential lobby are planned at ground level. Above these facilities, Building A would house 342 apartment units.

The other three towers—Buildings B, C, and D—are planned to be 35, 40, and 45 storeys tall, respectively. These buildings would primarily consist of residential units, with operational spaces on the ground floors. The entire development is designed to include approximately 66,391 square feet of amenity space within the podiums of each building, 548 vehicle parking spaces, and 1,392 bicycle parking spaces.

This proposal reflects a growing trend in Toronto to integrate affordable housing within large-scale developments. By combining residential units with community services and public spaces, the project aims to create a balanced and inclusive community in the heart of Etobicoke.