Yonge Street Mission Submits New Proposal for Affordable Housing Development on Gerrard Street East

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A long-planned affordable housing project at Gerrard Street East is moving forward with a revised proposal that would increase the number of residential units being built at the site, while continuing to include space for Yonge Street Mission’s community programs

The project, which is located at 306-310 Gerrard Street East, has been in development for several years. YSM, a Toronto-based organization providing community support services, purchased the properties throughout the years of 2009 and 2016, and has operated out of the site for roughly a decade.

The original application was submitted to the City of Toronto on February 17, 2022. The proposal involved demolition of the existing low-rise buildings and construction of a 10-storey mixed-use development designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, and developed with The Daniels Corporation. 

The previous proposal included 194 residential units, along with both office and retail space on the lower floors. Through the City’s Open Door Affordable Housing Program, roughly half of the units were expected to be affordable rental housing. 

The development also included plans for indoor and outdoor amenities, along with 96 vehicle parking spaces and 242 bicycle parking spaces. The application required changes to the Official Plan and zoning by-law to allow for increased height and density.

After a public consultation meeting and a statutory public meeting in 2023, City Council approved the application on December 13th, 2023.

However, in June 2026, YSM submitted a revised proposal to the site. This updated plan increases the building from 10 storeys to 11, and proposes 237 residential units, including 119 affordable rental units and 118 rent-controlled units. 

The revised proposal would also include a two-store podium containing YSM programming and community support spaces. The first floor is planned for YSM programs, which could potentially provide a future location for services currently operating out of the organization’s Double Take thrift store.

The new application was submitted on June 12, 2026, and was circulated by the City on June 23. While this submission has met the City’s minimum requirements for what is considered a complete application, it has not yet completed all approval stages, such as the Notice of Approval Condition process and site plan approval.

The new project proposal has also received support through By-law 543-2026, which allows the City to enter an agreement with YSM to build and operate affordable housing on the site. The by-law also classifies the development as a municipal capital facility, allowing the project to access certain financial incentives and exemptions.

According to YSM, demolition could begin as early as September 2027, with construction expected to finish around 2029 and occupancy potentially beginning in 2030. 

While the project would add hundreds of new homes to the area, it still faces challenges, including securing adequate funding. YSM says it is contributing the land and fundraising roughly $20 million, but the project remains dependent on outside funding partners. 

The revised proposal will continue through the City’s planning process, with future opportunities for public review and feedback. 



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