Why This Petition Matters

Our city is experiencing an unprecedented housing crisis. Many community members struggle to find safe, affordable, and stable housing, including seniors, youth, newcomers, and single adults. To address this urgent need, the City of Toronto has proposed a 51-unit supportive housing development at 7 - 9 Wardlaw Crescent.

This initiative is not a shelter, but instead provides stable homes for individuals in need of long term housing solutions. Supportive housing enhances neighbourhood stability by offering structure and on-site resources. Multiple trusted organizations, working collaboratively, will provide 24/7 support, ensuring safety for both residents and the surrounding community.

What Is This Project?

North Etobicoke represents a proposed 51-unit housing initiative supported by YWS, Midaynta, Delta Family Resource Centre, Albion Youth Services, and Rexdale Women’s Centre. This building will feature self-contained bachelor apartments in a four-storey structure at 7–9 Wardlaw Crescent in the Islington and Albion areas. We advocate for a zoning amendment to allow the construction of this vital initiative.
 
Project Features:

• 51 self-contained apartment units with bathrooms and kitchenettes
• Rents geared to income are capped at no more than 30% of a resident’s income.
• On-site wraparound support focused on housing stability, wellness, employment, and community integration.
• Shared programming space, communal kitchen, and laundry facilities
• 24/7 on-site staffing and security to ensure resident safety and support
• A net-zero building designed to produce as much clean energy as it consumes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and keeping energy costs low for residents
• Environmentally friendly construction using locally manufactured Ontario timber, supporting local businesses and reducing transportation emissions

 
Who Will This Housing Serve?

This development reflects the rich diversity of Toronto and addresses the realities of its housing crisis by serving: 

• Older adults, seniors, youth (18–24), and single individuals experiencing housing instability
• Low-income individuals, people with varying abilities, and those navigating mental health challenges
• Newcomers, refugees, and immigrants
• Members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities, single individuals, and other equity-deserving groups

This supportive housing model, led by trusted organizations, will provide comprehensive support tailored to meet residents' real needs. Our commitment to 24/7 on-site support ensures new residents are welcomed and empowered from day one.
 
Addressing Common Concerns & Safety Concerns

Supportive housing enhances neighbourhood stability by offering structure and on-site resources. Multiple trusted organizations, working collaboratively, will provide 24/7 support, ensuring safety for both residents and the surrounding community.

Privacy and Design Considerations

• The building will be designed to minimize disruption to the existing neighbourhood landscape, following city planning protocols.  

Crime and Community Well-being

• Data shows that stable housing leads to improved community safety. Supportive housing can reduce crime rates by providing a stable environment for vulnerable populations.  

Local Services and Resources

• This project enhances local infrastructure, ensuring new and existing residents benefit from added services.

Property Values & Community Character

• Evidence indicates that well-managed supportive housing does not negatively impact property values. Instead, it can enhance neighbourhood stability and civic pride.  

Community Infrastructure

• This development is part of a broader conversation about investment and improvements in North Etobicoke, extending beyond just housing.

The Reality of Toronto’s Housing Crisis

As of early 2025, the average home price in Toronto exceeds $1 million, making homeownership unattainable for most working families, seniors, and young adults. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is over $2,100/month, forcing many to spend more than 50% of their income on housing. Shelters are at capacity, with over 10,000 people in Toronto experiencing homelessness or living in temporary shelters. With vacancy rates below 2%, even those with stable incomes struggle to find housing.   While shelters provide temporary housing, the waitlist for affordable housing is also long, and has surpassed 80,000 households, with many waiting 7-10 years or more for access to affordable housing. 

Supportive housing combines affordable rent with on-site care, allowing individuals to stabilize, heal, and contribute to their communities. This crisis affects our neighbours, elders, youth, and newcomers. We step toward equity, justice, and community care by supporting this development.

How You Can Help

• Sign this petition to show your support for the proposed development.  
• Share it with your neighbours, friends, and networks. 
• Contact your local councillor to express your support for this project.  

The zoning amendment goes to a City Committee on April 10th and City Council on April 23rd, 2025. Your voice matters.
 
Our Commitment

We live and work in this community and are dedicated to uplifting it together. This project represents more than just housing; it’s about building a healthier, stronger, and more connected North Etobicoke for everyone. Supportive housing is not a threat but a solution crafted with empathy, strategy, and a vision for a more just and inclusive city.

We invite all residents to learn more, ask questions, and join this conversation with open hearts and minds. Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind and everyone has a safe place to call home.

Together, We Can Make a Difference!  

Join us in supporting the proposed supportive housing development at 7–9 Wardlaw Crescent. Sign this petition and help us advocate for a more equitable and compassionate Toronto