Don Summerville community sets a new standard for mixed-income housing in Leslieville
A major new affordable housing community has officially opened its doors in Toronto’s east end, bringing more than 770 new homes to the city as part of its ambitious HousingTO 2030 plan. The Don Summerville redevelopment, located at 1070 Eastern Avenue between Leslieville and The Beaches, was officially opened this week by the City of Toronto and the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC). Built in partnership with Context Development and RioCan, the striking multi-building white complex represents one of the largest mixed-income housing initiatives in the city in recent years.
The three-building development spans 3.3 acres and introduces a mixed-tenure community that includes 120 rent-geared-to-income suites, 100 affordable rental units, 183 market-rent units, 367 condominium suites, and 16,000 square feet of retail space. The project replaces two former 60-unit TCHC buildings and also features a Privately Owned Public Space (POP), providing a new open area for community use.
Located near Woodbine Park, Woodbine Beach, and the Martin Goodman Trail, the site offers residents easy access to the TTC’s 501 streetcars and Coxwell Avenue bus routes, making it a highly connected urban community. Within the market rental and condominium buildings, 82 affordable homes have been integrated, including 50 affordable homes for women and their families, and 32 co-operative dwellings made up of 17 rent-geared-to-income and 15 affordable homes. Some of these units have been allocated for artists, contributing to the cultural vibrancy of the neighbourhood.
Mayor Olivia Chow praised the project as an example of what strong collaboration can achieve, noting that soon residents will begin moving into the revitalized Don Summerville community. She highlighted the partnership between the City of Toronto, TCHC, and private developers as instrumental in delivering more affordable housing for Torontonians. “Every Torontonian deserves to live in a home that they’re proud of, and in a neighbourhood where they can thrive,” said Mayor Chow. “This community is a model of what we can achieve across the City, and we will continue identifying communities and opportunities where we can do the same.”
The opening of Don Summerville contributes to Toronto’s HousingTO 2020–2030 Action Plan, which aims to approve 65,000 rent-controlled and affordable homes by 2030. The project sets a new benchmark for mixed-income developments in the city, combining affordability, accessibility, and thoughtful urban design to create a vibrant and inclusive community in Toronto’s east end.