Last Updated - May 13, 2025
On May 21, Toronto City Council will review a report proposing an innovative new partnership between the City and the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). This week, the City’s Planning and Housing Committee unanimously advanced a report titled “Toronto Builds – A Policy Framework to Build More Affordable Housing on Public Land.” One of the key recommendations in the report calls for the City to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with TDSB and its agent, the Toronto Lands Corporation (TLC), to develop mutually beneficial building solutions.
Earlier this year, TLC identified eight potential TDSB properties where up to 10,000 new rental homes could be constructed, most in conjunction with new or revitalized schools, and potentially additional community service facilities. The MOU would commit to creating 2,100 of these new units as affordable rental homes, representing a significant step toward the City’s housing supply targets. The City defines “affordable rental housing” as units where the total monthly cost is at or below the city average by dwelling type, or 30% of the monthly income of renter households.
In exchange, the TDSB would benefit from a reduction in the development fees and charges typically associated with such projects. These cost savings would make developing new schools in this manner more feasible and more appealing to potential development partners. These sites have all been previously reported as priority sites, including:
1 Civic Centre Court
2900-3000 Don Mills Road
2335 Dufferin Street
50 Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ Lane
235 Galloway Road
155 Mill Street
200 Poplar Road
705 Progress Avenue
For this proposed agreement to become a reality, it still requires several approvals, beginning with City Council, followed by reviews from both the boards of the TLC and the TDSB, which are expected to take place in the fall.
This potential partnership exemplifies the values promoted by TLC through its guiding principles and long-term strategic plan. These initiatives aim to maximize the use and value of public land to the TDSB through innovative collaborations with government partners, non-profit organizations, and community groups. TLC is eager to pursue this potential win-win collaboration, highlighting the positive outcomes that can arise from government partnerships.