Mayor Olivia Chow and Federal Housing Ministers Announce $140 Million Infill Rental Acceleration

TORONTO, ON — Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow joined federal housing representatives to announce a $140 million capital funding agreement under the Housing Accelerator Fund, expediting construction on five municipally owned surplus land parcels.

Dedicated Non-Profit and Co-Op Rental Housing

The initiative will deliver 2,200 purpose-built rental apartments across Scarborough, Etobicoke, and downtown transit nodes, with 40% permanently designated as deeply affordable units for seniors and working families. Mayor Chow highlighted that leveraging city-owned parking lots and transit hubs cuts development timeline delays by up to 18 months.

Mayor Chow emphasized that building non-profit and public-backed housing is essential to restoring affordability for Toronto workers who are being priced out of the urban core.

Council Approvals and Development Deadlines

Toronto City Council approved zoning amendments exempting non-profit builders from municipal development charges for projects completed within 24 months.

Non-profit housing federations praised the elimination of municipal development fees.

Groundbreaking Milestones

Site preparation on the first two residential sites at Victoria Park and Bloor West begins in October 2026.