Parkdale Activity-Recreation Centre Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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. 

Yes. PARC has more than 20 years of experience delivering safe, stable supportive housing in Parkdale. We currently operate 109 units of supportive or deeply affordable housing across multiple sites, including 1499 and 1501 Queen Street West. 

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: 

• Rent subsidies from the City of Toronto, allowing tenants to pay about 30 percent of their income.
• Housing operations funding from municipal and provincial government programs.
• Support services funding from government, foundations, and individual donors.
• PARC fundraising initiatives and campaigns to fill revenue gaps where needed. 

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. All support services, including case management, referrals, and access to on-site care are provided at no cost to tenants. 

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.  

Crime and Social Disorder Myth vs Fact 

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 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: 

• The 10 current tenants at 1499 Queen St West will be temporarily rehoused with partner supportive housing providers and working closely with the City of Toronto, during the construction of the new building.
• Once the 70 new units at 1499 Queen St West are completed, previous tenants will be given the option to move back into the new building.  
• Tenants at 1501 Queen St West will then be offered the option to move into the new building while their building undergoes redevelopment in Phase 2. 

Supervised consumption services (SCS) are medically supervised spaces where people can use their own substances safely, preventing fatal overdoses and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. They also offer connections to housing, mental-health care, primary care, and treatment and recovery options when people are ready. While PARC is not an SCS, we strongly support our partners who provide these lifesaving services in our community. 

If you are concerned about someone experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call 211 for guidance and connection to local crisis services.  

If there is an immediate threat to the person’s safety or someone else’s safety, call 911. When calling 911 for a mental health related concern, you can request the Mobile Crisis Intervention Team (MCIT), a specialized unit made up of a police officer and a mental health clinician trained to respond to mental health crises. 

If the situation is non-emergency but still concerning, you can also contact the Gerstein Crisis Centre at 416-929-5200.  

Click here for our “Supporting Vulnerable People in our Community” one-pager.