Another 989 Affordable Units on the Way in Toronto

The Housing Now program, née Open Door, is producing results in Canada's largest city.

1 minute read

September 26, 2019, 10:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Ontario

Thomas CHANG / Shutterstock

"Mayor John Tory’s signature affordable housing plan is moving forward after the city’s realty agency signed off on business cases for four sites," report Jennifer Pagliaro and Emily Mathieu.

"The sites range in size and location, from a plot less than an acre in midtown Toronto to a sprawling eight acres at a site in North York. The other two in Scarborough measure seven and two acres," according to the article.

The four projects are expected to include a total of 989 affordable housing units, averaging out to $189,000 for each unit. The numbers have increased a bit since Planetizen last picked up news about the program earlier this month, when 651 units were progressing toward approval.

The program under discussion here, now called Housing Now instead of the original Open Door, is the centerpiece of Mayor Tory's efforts to deliver on a campaign promise to deliver a total of 40,000 affordable units over the next 12 years.

Through the program, the city provides financial contributions including capital funding and fees and property tax relief, fast-tracked planning approvals, and surplus public land, according to the program website.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019 in Toronto Star

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog