A request for qualifications (RFQ) was issued yesterday for a Port Lands waterfront community project in Toronto expected to deliver up to 14,000 new homes.

"This RFQ opens the door to the first homes on this new island neighbourhood, made possible with $1.4 billion in tri-government investments in flood protection infrastructure, new parks and bridges, and $975 million towards building streets, utilities and public spaces to support up to 14,000 new homes on Ookwemin Minising and nearby at Quayside," said Waterfront Toronto in an announcement this morning.

The first development block is expected to deliver approximately 700 units, with a target of 30 per cent affordable rental units.

"This announcement is a big step towards bringing much-needed housing to Toronto's waterfront as part of a generational transformation in the Port Lands," said Kevin Sullivan, chair, Waterfront Toronto board of directors. "Our plans for a mixed-income community with thousands of new homes, including more affordable housing, are materializing thanks to partnerships and shared purpose."

Building a complete community from the ground up

The community will be rise near Biidaasige Park, the largest park to open in Toronto in a generation. "The selected development partner will help shape not just the buildings, but an inclusive, beautiful and resilient new waterfront community from the ground up," the announcement said.

It marks the beginning of a multi-decade buildout which is hoped to deliver housing, jobs and public spaces along the waterfront. "This project is part of a tri-government-supported revitalization effort," the announcement said. "Waterfront Toronto aims to generate 100,000 skilled trade jobs and contribute approximately $13.2 billion to the economy."

The RFQ follows on completed flood protection work, zoning and early infrastructure enabling work, according to Waterfront Toronto. Ookwemin Minising will eventually be linked to the downtown area with a new rapid transit line.

"The Waterfront East Rapid Transit Line is expected to play an important role in improving connectivity between Ookwemin Minising, the broader waterfront and downtown Toronto," the announcement said. "In March 2026, a tri-government partnership was announced to advance Waterfront East Transit which will support housing, connect communities and drive economic growth along Toronto's eastern waterfront. These elements position the project to support phased and coordinated advancement of housing development."

Housing Minister Gregor Robertson said it was "an important step toward delivering the very first homes on the island." 

About Waterfront Toronto

Created in 2001, Waterfront Toronto is the revitalization corporation tasked with leading the transformation of Toronto's waterfront, working in cooperation with the province of Ontario, the federal government and the City of Toronto and in partnership with Indigenous communities and the private sector.

"Waterfront Toronto is leading one of North America's most ambitious revitalization efforts," said president and CEO George Zegarac. "With 174 hectares of land now flood protected and unlocked for new communities, Toronto's eastern waterfront is no longer a promise on paper; it is a place taking shape in real time, with new parks, transit and future neighbourhoods."