Hazelview Investments is pushing forward with a major rental housing project in Toronto, backed by one of the largest loans ever insured by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The new Hazelview development, located at Bloor Street West and Dufferin Street, will bring 856 new purpose-built rental units to a fast-growing area near the subway.
This large-scale investment was made possible through CMHC’s MLI Select program, which supports housing that meets strict criteria for affordability, sustainability, and accessibility. Hazelview’s new development proposal earned the maximum score under the program’s energy efficiency category and included extra features to improve accessibility across the entire site.
The site is part of a wider community redevelopment and includes far more than just housing. A daycare, community space, and a public park are all planned, along with a new underground connection to the Dufferin subway station. The goal is to create a well-connected neighborhood where people can live, work, and access daily essentials without needing a car.
High-efficiency, low-barrier design a focus for Hazelview development
Hazelview’s development is targeting a 40% improvement in energy performance compared to Canada’s 2017 national building code. That level of design translates into lower utility costs for tenants, better indoor comfort, and reduced strain on the city’s infrastructure. Every unit will also be fully accessible, with barrier-free entrances and common areas. Some apartments will go even further, meeting full accessibility standards to support people with mobility needs.
This work earned the project Rick Hansen Foundation Level 1 certification, and it’s the kind of forward-thinking design that’s becoming more common in new developments.
The construction team includes Deltera, known for its large-scale urban builds, and architectsalliance, who are behind many of Toronto’s high-rise residential projects. Together, they’re helping to reshape a corner of the city that hasn’t seen much new housing in decades.
Hazelview development under construction. Photo sourced from Hazelview Investments.
Building a stronger community, not just more units
One of the remarkable parts of the Hazelview development is the $79.8 million community investment package. That includes a new eight-story building with 56 affordable rental units that will be transferred to the City of Toronto once completed. The old Kent School building will be restored and used as a city-owned community hub and daycare adding needed public services to the area.
A new street is also being added to make bus access easier, and green space is a core part of the site plan. These features give the neighborhood more than just additional homes. They offer long-term infrastructure that serves the people living there and supports nearby businesses and schools.
Hazelview’s new development shows how large-scale rental construction can go beyond basic housing. According to First National, the lender behind the financing, this kind of build is exactly what Toronto needs: high-density, transit-friendly, and designed to last.
To follow more stories like this, sign up for our newsletter at underthehardhat.org/join-us. We cover the projects that shape our cities and the people building them.
