Queen Coxwell Revitalization approved!

Toronto city council has approved the Official Plan Amendment and Rezoning for 1555-1575 Queen Street East, clearing the way for the Queen Coxwell Revitalization to proceed. Council's approval included additional measures for local park improvements, public art and community benefits.

The approval means that the revitalization can proceed, resulting in the replacement of the 120 rent-geared-to-income (RGI) apartments currently on site, 100 new affordable rental apartments, 183 new market rental units, 363 condos, plus new retail space on Queen Street.

The Queen Coxwell revitalization is the result of an agreement between Toronto Community Housing Corporation, the City of Toronto and Context Development. This is the first agreement of its type as Toronto mobilizes its public assets to improve housing affordability in the city.

A joint OPA and rezoning application was submitted to City Planning in November 2019 with a resubmission in April 2020. 

Toronto Community Housing tenants currently living in the two existing TCHC buildings will be relocated to suitable accommodation at other TCHC properties. Eligible tenants will have the right to return to the community once the revitalization is completed. 

Tenants and local residential and commercial neighbours have been invited to public open houses and planning meetings. Facilitators have been engaged to assist with tenant and community engagement. The Queen Coxwell Revitalization will be considered by the Toronto and East York Community Council and Toronto City Council likely in July.

The Queen Coxwell redevelopment will result in a mix of incomes and family sizes living in a vibrant new community in the Queen / Coxwell area. This project will also revitalize commercial activity in this stretch of Queen Street East. This site is well-served by public transit, local and regional parks and community service and recreation amenities.

The revitalization will include substantial legacy benefits: a $100,000 scholarship fund, a $250,000 economic and social development fund, and a minimum of $500,000 in value for job opportunities for TCHC tenants; all part of a Community Economic Development plan.