26 Maynard Avenue

The Land Trust Protects 15-Unit Building in Parkdale!

In May 2019, the Land Trust, in partnership with PARC, acquired an at-risk 15-unit licensed bachelorette building in Parkdale, ensuring it remained permanently affordable housing.

Over the past decade, Parkdale lost more than 28 rooming houses and small buildings to gentrification and renoviction, displacing nearly 350 renters. This acquisition marked the Land Trust’s first affordable housing project and a major step toward combating displacement and expanding community-led housing solutions.

With $1.5 million from the City of Toronto’s Rooming House Acquisition Pilot Program and $601,426 from Ontario Renovates, the property was removed from the speculative real estate market, securing long-term affordability and stability for tenants. Residents were protected from harassment, excessive rent increases, and renovictions.

Since 2021, 26 Maynard has been operated by Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre (PARC) as supportive housing with on-site support for low-income adults and individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges in South Parkdale. PARC provides permanent, affordable housing with on-site support for individuals who face barriers to maintaining stable housing. Priority is given to individuals with mental health and substance use challenges who benefit from a harm reduction and housing-first approach. Tenants receive case management support, assistance with daily living, and connections to health care, income supports, and community resources. Off-site, tenants can access additional services through PARC’s Drop-In, including meals, social programs, and referrals to legal and employment supports. The goal is to foster stability, community, and improved well-being for tenants.

Funders include the City of Toronto and Habitat Services.

Toronto Star – “Parkdale rooming house saved from open market”

CBC – “City helps purchase rooming house amid destructive housing boom in parkdale“

Thank you to our funders:

• City of Toronto
• Ontario Renovates
• Government of Ontario’s Local Poverty Reduction Fund, with administrative support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation
• Maytree
• Catherine Donnelly Foundation
• Cota