300 Dufferin Street

The steel studs that make up the internal walls of 300 Dufferin are suffering from extensive corrosion. This corrosion is the result of a construction defect that led to water damage over many years. This damage requires rehabilitation to ensure the building's continued safety and integrity.   

Tenants will be temporarily relocated until the work is completed due to the extensive rehabilitation. Relocation is expected to start in spring/summer 2025 and work is scheduled to be completed in 2028.   

The project will involve removing and replacing the entire exterior and interior walls. In the process of doing this work, TCHC will upgrade the façade, ventilation systems, and mechanical infrastructure, refreshing the building. A staff office will also be opened at 300 Dufferin to improve tenant service in the community.  

TCHC discovered corrosion on the steel studs in 2020. Repairs were completed then to protect against any immediate health and safety risk to tenants, and to give TCHC time to develop a longer-term rehabilitation plan. That plan is ready to be put into action, which is why tenants are being contacted to inform them about the project and the need to relocate. 

The damage is a result of an unexpected reaction between two building materials used in the original construction. Since the time of the building’s construction in the 1970’s, wood and steel materials have been exposed to water because of faulty flashing at the top of the building, leading to corrosion of the steel stud frame, which now must be replaced.   

No, there is no immediate danger to tenants. TCHC’s repairs on the building in 2020 were to ensure the safety of residents and prevent displacement until a full repair plan could be developed. That plan is ready to be put into action, and TCHC is prepared to support tenants throughout that work.  

The capital repair work required at 300 Dufferin is unique to this building. TCHC staff have reviewed the portfolio for similar buildings and have not found this issue anywhere else. The steel frame corrosion is a direct result of the materials used at 300 Dufferin and the way that the building was originally constructed.  

The relocation process is scheduled to begin in Spring/Summer 2025. TCHC will provide detailed information and support to help tenants prepare for the move.   

TCHC’s relocation team will work closely with tenants to find suitable temporary housing in other TCHC communities that best suit their needs. TCHC’s goal is to minimize disruption to tenants' normal routine and ensure that they are comfortable during this period.  

This rehabilitation work is extensive. It will require all the exterior walls of the building to be taken off, exposing the apartments inside to the outside environment. This would be tremendously disruptive to any tenants living in the building, and as a result tenants will be offered temporary relocation units for the duration of work.  

Yes. The relocation of tenants at 300 Dufferin will be a priority for TCHC. TCHC will ensure that everyone is moved prior to the start of construction.   

Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2025. The work will take about three years and include the removal of all the building's exterior walls to complete it. Upgrades will be made to the building while repairs are made, and when tenants return upon construction completion, they will come home to a newer, more comfortable building.    

Beyond a new steel stud frame, many upgrades and enhancements will be made during this work:  

• Improved energy efficiencies and tenant comforts (i.e., new insulated windows)   

We will provide a range of support services, including assistance with finding temporary housing, moving services, and ongoing communication throughout the process. Staff will also be available before relocation to address any concerns or questions.  

Yes. TCHC will assist tenants at 300 Dufferin with the cost of moving as part of this relocation. Covered costs include:  

• Movers, moving truck and packing materials  

• Packing and unpacking services (if no adult in the household is physically able)  

• Reimbursement of disconnecting/reconnecting existing services (e.g., phone, cable, internet, gas, etc.).    

• Insurance for major furniture items,   

• Four months of mail forwarding from Canada Post  

• Reimbursement (up to $50) for the cost of changing addresses on official documents.   

Staff will be stationed at 300 Dufferin after the first community meeting to answer follow-up questions from tenants. This presence will be maintained throughout the relocation process to provide ongoing support and updates. The office will close when all tenants have been relocated.   

We will provide regular updates through in-person meetings, flyers, SMS messages, a dedicated webpage, and email newsletters. TCHC is committed to keeping tenants informed throughout the project.   

Yes, tenants will have the option to return to their units once the rehabilitation is complete. We will provide detailed information about the return process as the project progresses.   

Yes, tenants can remain in their relocation unit after 300 Dufferin re-opens, if they choose to.  

The townhouses next to 300 Dufferin are not affected by the same construction problem that requires rehabilitation. Tenants in the townhouse units do not need to be relocated and all shared services (i.e. laundry) will remain accessible.   

There may be some disruption due to construction activities and when shared services are impacted, TCHC will work with townhouse tenants to provide alternative arrangements.  

TCHC will provide translation and interpretation services to ensure all tenants have access to the information they need. Please let us know your language preference, and we will accommodate your needs.   

We encourage tenants to contact Client Care Centre via phone 416-981-5500 or send an email to help@torontohousing.ca.