A Shared Vision to Create More Affordable and Supportive Homes and Sustain Community Networks in South Parkdale

As part of advancing this partnership, City Council directed staff in 2020 to undertake a community visioning exercise with the unincorporated South Parkdale UHN Tenants Association (SPUHNTA), who represent the tenants of the UHN-owned residential properties in South Parkdale. SPUHNTA's history in South Parkdale spans several decades and their contributions have supported the successful integration of Dunn House (opened in 2024) and its residents into the community. Building on SPUHNTA's existing principles of community care and support, and the objectives outlined in the MOU, this report recommends for City Council approval a vision and design principles shared among SPUHNTA, UHN, and the City for the future redevelopment of UHN-owned lands that will leverage public land to deliver affordable and supportive housing within complete communities. The vision and principles in this report were co-developed through an engagement process between SPUHNTA, UHN, City staff and the Ward Councillor, and led by an engagement consultant and an architectural services consultant procured by the City. Subject to City Council's adoption of this report, the shared vision and design principles will inform City staff's review of any future development proposals for these lands, in addition to relevant planning policies, guidelines, and development review processes. The shared vision and guiding principles reflect a strong commitment among partners to create a range of new supportive and affordable homes that advance the Social Medicine Initiative, while also building on a strong foundation of community collaboration and care that has characterized SPUHNTA and residents of the lands for decades. The vision also articulates important priorities for SPUHNTA members with regard to engagement, relationship building, and providing support for tenants throughout and after any redevelopment. City staff would like to acknowledge and thank SPUHNTA members for their openness and commitment to working with the City and other partners through the visioning process. The City is committed to continuing to engage with community members to support realizing the vision.

3. City Council direct the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat to work with United Way Greater Toronto on opportunities to involve the broader Parkdale community in advancing the shared vision outlined in this report, including mobilizing local community service providers to support residents throughout any future redevelopment.