Toronto opens 111 affordable homes for seniors and people with disabilities in Forest Hill

Toronto opened a 111-unit affordable housing complex Monday for seniors and people with disabilities in Forest Hill, with rents capped at no more than 30% of income.

The Frankfort Family Reena Residence at 165 Elm Ridge Drive will house up to 168 residents in studios through four-bedroom apartments. Twenty-one units are fully accessible for people with significant physical mobility issues. The building includes on-site amenities and will operate 24/7 support services tailored to individual residents' needs.

The project drew funding from three levels of government: $43.9 million federal (through the Rapid Housing Initiative's third phase), $7.7 million provincial, and $8.1 million from Toronto, which also provided waivers of development charges, planning and building fees, and a 99-year property tax exemption. Reena Foundation contributed $35 million along with its partners in equity.

The residence targets people with developmental and physical disabilities, seniors, and older adults with cognitive decline or mental health challenges. Reena, the building's owner and operator, will partner with non-profit organizations to provide residential programs on-site.

"People want to be able to stay in their homes, in communities they love, as they age," Mayor Olivia Chow said in a statement. "The Frankfort Family Reena Residence demonstrates what can be achieved when all levels of government work together with non-profit partners toward a shared goal."

The source did not provide information on waitlist processes, application timelines, or when the building will reach full occupancy.