111 Rent-Geared-to-Income and Supportive Homes Open on Elm Ridge Drive

This report by Editorial team is based on information published by City of Toronto.

According to the City of Toronto, three levels of government joined Reena to open the Frankfort Family Reena Residence at 165 Elm Ridge Drive. The building contains 111 rent-geared-to-income and supportive homes, ranging from studio to four-bedroom apartments.

The homes are dedicated to people with developmental and physical disabilities, including seniors and older adults living with cognitive decline or mental health challenges. Twenty-one of the units are accessible for tenants with significant mobility needs. Indoor and outdoor amenity space is included so residents can take part in community life inside the building as well as in private apartments.

How affordability works here

Residents will pay no more than thirty per cent of income toward rent, or the shelter allowance portion of an income support benefit, according to the City. That rent-geared-to-income formula differs from a market discount on a listed rent: the amount follows the household income, which is what makes the homes reachable for people on disability or seniors benefits.

Reena, as building owner and operator, will provide support on site around the clock and connect tenants to services tailored to individual needs. The City says Reena is also working with other non-profit organizations on residential programs inside the building. Supportive housing of this kind is intended to help tenants keep independence while having help nearby, rather than placing people in institutional care.

Who paid for the building

The City reports more than $43.9 million in federal capital funding through the third phase of the Rapid Housing Initiative, plus $7.7 million from Ontario. Toronto contributed $8.1 million in financial incentives through its Rental Housing Supply Program, including fee waivers and a long property tax exemption. Reena Foundation and Batay Reena contributed equity funding as community partners.

What this does and does not solve

One hundred eleven homes will change daily life for the people who move in, but no single building ends a city-wide waiting list. Toronto Daily is not publishing application claims beyond the City announcement, because the release does not set out a public application process for these specific homes. Readers seeking rent-geared-to-income housing should use official City housing channels linked through the source page, and should be cautious of any private listing that claims to rent these units at market rates.