Ottawa Construction News staff writer
The first phase of a major mixed-income rental development in Etobicoke is now complete, with 217 affordable rental homes opening at 15 Gibbs Rd.
The 11-storey building is part of the larger West Square redevelopment.
When fully built, West Square will provide 1,135 purpose-built rental homes across four buildings, including 788 market-rent homes and 347 affordable rental homes.
Phase one includes 494 rental homes in two buildings. The 217 affordable homes are located at 15 Gibbs Rd., while a 30-storey building at 25 Gibbs Rd. provides 277 market rental homes.
A second phase will add another 641 rental homes in two buildings, completing the 1,135-home development. The project will ultimately include another 130 affordable rental homes in addition to those now open at 15 Gibbs Rd.
The development also includes a 22,000-square-foot public park planned for the southeast corner of the site, along with shared indoor amenities and space for future community organizations.
Construction is being delivered through a partnership between the city, federal government and KingSett Capital, on behalf of KingSett Affordable Housing LP.
The City of Toronto provided about $12 million in financial incentives for the first phase through its Rental Housing Supply Program. The support includes exemptions from development-related fees and charges and property tax exemptions.
There is also a sustainability component to the development. Both buildings in the first phase achieved the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building – Design Standard in 2024.
The first-phase buildings use a shared geothermal system, along with green roofs and 33 electric-vehicle charging stations.
Phase two is being designed to meet the same Zero Carbon Building Design Standard and will use an all-electric, low-carbon mechanical system.
West Square is one of 50 affordable housing projects currently under construction across Toronto. The projects are expected to create more than 14,000 homes, including more than 4,200 affordable rental homes.