Tridel and Community Living Toronto (CLTO) will partner on a major redevelopment which proposes five residential towers at CLTO’s 1710-1712 Ellesmere Rd. property in Toronto's Scarborough area. It is also known locally as the Lawson property.

It is designed to “deliver an inclusive community that sets the standard for organizations and home builders to partner to meet housing demands for all people,” Tridel and CLTO state in the announcement Monday morning.

The Lawson proposal seeks to build mixed-use housing, including affordable rental, independent living, supported living and market condominium suites. The development proposes five towers ranging from 28 to 52 storeys, with approximately 2,200 residential suites including 280 proposed rental suites. 

People with intellectual disabilities, supported by CLTO, will have an opportunity to live in this inclusive community.

“Developing vibrant neighbourhoods where people with intellectual disabilities are included from the beginning, is more important than ever,” said Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, in the announcement.

“The announcement today of our partnership is an example of how Community Living Toronto continues to create unique, supportive spaces for people with an intellectual disability and their families.”

Mixed-use Lawson redevelopment

In addition to the mixture of residential suites (condominium and rental), retail and commercial uses, the proposal includes a new public park, privately owned public spaces, new program and community uses, an enhanced public realm, energy efficient and sustainability features, accessibility features and support for pedestrian and active transportation.

“Tridel is proud to partner with Community Living Toronto,” said Jim Ritchie, president of Tridel, in the announcement. “This proposed redevelopment assists in addressing the housing needs in the Greater Toronto Area.

"We are excited to bring our expertise in delivering quality homes and to support the build of an innovative and inclusive community that is welcoming to all.”

The proposed development will be planned and designed in line with the Scarborough Centre Secondary Plan and other proposed/approved developments in the area.

CLTO will retain its interest as steward of the property itself, which was the site of a school for children with disabilities through the 1950s and '60s. It later grew and became known as the Harold R. Lawson school. It will also have a new building on the property as part of the project.

Tridel has a history of involvement in developing projects which include affordable housing components in the Greater Toronto Area.

Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) named Tridel as its development partner on three revitalization communities, including Phases 1 and 2 of Alexandra Park in downtown Toronto, Leslie Nymark in North York, and Phases 4 and 5 of the revitalization of the Regent Park community in downtown Toronto. 

Over 1,700 affordable rental suites will be delivered between these three multi-phase developments.

The firm also recently completed the construction of 80 affordable housing suites for the City of Toronto and Artscape within Aquavista, a condominium complex within the Bayside community on Toronto’s east waterfront. 

Additionally, the City of Toronto and CreateTO announced Tridel and Greenwin as the development partners for the 50 Wilson Heights development in North York, comprising approximately 520 market rental homes, 520 affordable housing homes and 444 market condominiums.

About Tridel and CLTO

Tridel has been one of Canada’s leading developers and builders of condominium residences since 1934. The Tridel Group of Companies is responsible for producing over 89,000 homes. 

Tridel has won virtually every award in the industry for design, corporate social responsibility, customer service, sales, marketing and construction excellence. 

It currently has over 20 new condominium communities under development in the Greater Toronto Area.

Community Living Toronto has been a source of support for people with an intellectual disability and their families for over 75 years. CLTO offers a wide range of services including respite, person-directed planning, employment supports, supported living, and community-based activities.

The organization supports over 4,000 individuals and their families in more than 80 locations across Toronto. The "community living movement" began with families who wanted their children to live in the community, rather than institutions.