Indigenous Supportive Housing - 218 Carlton Street

City Council has granted approval to accept a lease offer and enter into a 50-year lease agreement with the Native Men's Residence for the property at 218 Carlton Street, for a nominal fee. The Native Men's Residence (Na-Me-Res) is a reputable non-profit organization specializing in Indigenous rental housing and support services. It is proposed to operate the property, following a request for proposals issued in December 2020.

The establishment of new affordable rental homes at 218 Carlton Street will address the pressing need for high-quality, permanent affordable housing for Indigenous men facing homelessness. The property is projected to provide approximately ten homes upon completion, subject to the design and planning approval process.

A significant strategic action of the City's HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan is the enhancement of partnerships with Indigenous community partners. The affordable housing project at 218 Carlton Street exemplifies this strategic action, representing a collaborative effort between the City and the Indigenous community to find Indigenous-led solutions to unique and growing housing issues faced by Indigenous people in the city, particularly those living without homes.

In 2019, City Council approved the recommendations in report TE7.15: 55-61 Charles Street East - Zoning Amendment and Rental Housing Demolition Applications - Final Report. This approval authorized the transfer of 218 Carlton Street to the City, as per a Section 37 agreement under a Zoning By-law Amendment application for the lands at 55-61 Charles Street.

The City will become the owner of 218 Carlton Street as a result of a Section 37 Agreement related to the development of 55 - 61 Charles Street East. One of the community benefits the developer MOD Developments Inc. (MOD) will provide is to transfer 218 Carlton Street to the City, fully renovated for use as affordable rental housing.