Advancing Housing Development at 838 Broadview Avenue - by Councillor Paula Fletcher, seconded by Councillor Paul Ainslie

The City lands at 838 Broadview Avenue are currently under the operational management of Toronto Parking Authority and include a retail building and surface parking lot. CreateTO and City staff have actively explored a coordinated development approach intended to maximize affordable housing outcomes alongside market housing across the combined lands, with both parties contributing land of equal sizes to the transaction. Despite sustained efforts, including providing four extensions, each six months in duration, the owner-led private-sector developer has not successfully delivered the intended housing outcomes. CreateTO and City staff explored every possible option to preserve the project's viability; however, the developer remained unwilling to compromise, and the transaction ultimately expired in January 2025. In order to advance the timely delivery of affordable and rent controlled housing on City-owned lands, the City intends to independently pursue a mixed-income affordable housing project without reliance on the adjacent owner as a development partner. This approach aligns with the Toronto Builds Policy Framework, activating public land to improve housing outcomes. Staff are requested to report back to City Council with a development plan in the second quarter of 2026. Reason for Urgency: The City continues to face a housing crisis and must utilize all tools to activate its real estate assets for housing. This motion is needed to direct staff to independently advance housing uses on the City lands at 838 Broadview Avenue.