- 416-537-2262
- info@parc.on.ca
- 1499 Queen Street West
Our supportive housing FAQ can provide you with the information you’re looking for about what supportive housing is and how PARC operates as a provider of it.
Supportive housing provides deeply affordable homes with essential support services. These include, but are not limited to mental health supports, daily living assistance, and help navigating services. Tenants have private units, pay rent geared to their income, and receive support tailored to their needs. This model is proven to help people maintain housing, improve stability, and reduce reliance on emergency services. Like all tenants, tenants living in supportive housing are protected by the Residential Tenancy Act.
Toronto is experiencing a housing and homelessness crisis. Many people cannot afford market rents or require additional support to live safely and stably. Supportive housing is one of the most effective, cost-efficient solutions for people facing homelessness, mental health challenges, disabilities, and other complex barriers, but also for newcomers, seniors, and youth.
People who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and who benefit from on-site supports. This includes individuals with a variety of needs and backgrounds.
All tenants are selected through the City of Toronto’s Coordinated Access system, or through The Access Point. PARC does not select tenants but takes part in the assessment phase to ensure the needs to potential tenants meet the supports provided at the site. Coordinated Access and The Access Point match people to housing based on need, eligibility, and support requirements. PARC’s buildings and supports are designed for people with low to moderate support needs.
Tenants sign standard leases, follow building policies, and work with support staff. Supportive housing is long-term housing, not a temporary shelter. Tenants are accountable under building rules and provincial tenancy laws.
PARC’s housing and case management staff work closely with tenants, building trust and offering support that is flexible and trauma-informed. Staff maintain daily contact with tenants, engage based on their needs, and collaborate with external providers with tenant consent.
Supports include Housing Support Workers, daily check-ins, crisis intervention, referrals to health care, mental health supports, recovery programs, on-site practitioners, and coordinated services through the Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre.
Supportive housing is funded through:
Tenants pay rent geared to income, typically 30 percent of whatever income they receive. The remainder is subsidized through government housing programs. This ensures the housing remained deeply affordable.
No. Harm reduction and Housing First approaches improve safety by reducing risk, preventing overdoses, and reducing public substance use. Supportive housing provides safer alternatives to street-based activities and provides supports which contribute to recovery, health and wellbeing.
Businesses can contact PARC at communityfeedback@parc.on.ca if there are any questions or concerns. PARC responds promptly and works collaboratively with local businesses and residents.
Our teams are professionally trained in crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and de-escalation techniques. Staff respond early to prevent situations from escalating into emergencies and will work with tenants and their care teams in finding ways to keep them safe.
Housing Support Workers are onsite Monday to Sunday from 9 AM – 5 PM
Neighbours witnessing an emergency should call 911. In the case of non-emergencies, please contact communityfeedback@parc.on.ca
Parkdale Property Management (PPM), a social enterprise operated by PARC, oversees maintenance, cleaning, repairs, and day-to-day building operations. PPM ensures buildings remain safe, clean, and well-managed and their priority is to our 109 residential units.
PARC and Parkdale Property Management (PPM) regularly maintain our outdoor areas, including snow removal, waste management, and landscaping. The City of Toronto is responsible for the sidewalks and back alleys; for municipal concerns, you can contact 311.
While the City oversees these services, PARC keeps sidewalks and laneways clear as much as possible during business hours as a courtesy to our neighbours.
PARC is proposing redeveloping 1499 Queen Street West into a ten-storey, 70-unit supportive housing building with on-site staff, increased community space, and improved accessibility. 1501 will also be redeveloped into a 7-storey building with 70-unit supportive housing building. Both buildings will feature self-contained units, laundry rooms, amenity areas and a secure rooftop for tenants to enjoy.
PARC is in the early stages of the pre-development process, and we are preparing to submit an official planning and zoning application to the City of Toronto in 2026.
PARC is working with DTAH, a respected Toronto architecture firm known for community-integrated, accessible, and human-centered housing design. The redevelopment is being designed to enhance the streetscape, improve safety, and modernize aging infrastructure.
PARC and DTAH are working with City heritage staff to ensure compliance with all requirements. The north and west façade of 1499 and 1501 Queen St West will remain intact while removing the remainder of the existing structure.
PARC is using a phased approach: