Community space opportunity at 325 Gerrard Street East

Is this going to be an AOCC governed space? 

No. A separate Association of Community Centres (AOCC) space will be delivered as part of Phase 5 of the Regent Park revitalization. More information is available on the City of Toronto’s AOCC page.  

Will community groups, resident led groups or grassroots organizations be prioritized when accessing the space as committed to through the Social Development Plan (SDP)? 

The publicly owned privately operated (POP) space will be accessible to the community. TCHC will enter into a lease agreement with a community partner to deliver services and programs for TCHC tenants and Regent Park residents. This community partner will decide how access to their space is facilitated. As other community spaces are delivered during the revitalization process, community-led groups will have increased opportunities to access indoor community space through the new AOCC space.  

Can the space be used by the broader community or only by TCHC tenants?  

The space is intended to serve the Regent Park community. Preference will be given to agencies that are committed to prioritizing TCHC tenants in their programs and services. The selected community partner will determine how the space is accessed and how programs and services are delivered, in accordance with the terms of its agreement with TCHC. 

How open is TCHC to an iterative planning process where the initial concept is further developed through meaningful consultation with Regent Park residents, including youth, seniors, families, and existing community groups? 

Applicants are encouraged to lead this engagement and should consider input from Regent Park residents and community-led groups to inform and shape their proposed programs, services and the use of the space. 

Is there a list of community spaces that have already been allocated? Are there any licensed childcare spaces or seniors’ day centres? 

Please refer to the Community Facilities Report (PDF) for information on existing community facilities and services in Regent Park. 

What costs should the successful applicant anticipate for operating and outfitting the space (i.e., utilities, maintenance, taxes, insurance, renovations, furniture, equipment, accessibility improvements, and other setup costs)? Are there costs that TCHC would cover directly? 

The successful applicant will be responsible for the costs associated with outfitting and operating the space, as outlined in the applicable agreement. Depending on the lease arrangement and the proposed use of the space, these costs may include furniture, equipment, renovations, accessibility improvements, utilities, maintenance, insurance, and other operating or setup costs. TCHC will provide further information regarding the applicable cost responsibilities as part of the lease and agreement process. 

Is there an estimate of how much it would cost to outfit the space beyond the base building services? 

No. There is currently no estimate of how much it will cost to outfit the space. Costs will depend on the applicant’s intended use of the space and the types of programs and services they plan to deliver. Shortlisted applicants will have an opportunity to meet with TCHC’s architectural consultants to discuss their space needs and explore potential design requirements. A cost estimate can be completed after that discussion takes place. 

Can you provide a range of operating costs per square foot for the space? 

For planning purposes, the estimated annual operating costs are approximately:   

• Property taxes: $11/sq. ft.
• Operating costs: $2/sq. ft.
• Utilities: $10/sq. ft. 

These figures are estimates and are subject to change. Actual costs will be confirmed through the lease agreement and may vary based on the final terms and the tenant’s use of space. 

Can Tridel’s Community Benefits Agreement fund or support upfront or ongoing operating costs? 

Financial support through the Community Benefits Agreement with Tridel will not be available for this space. TCHC and Tridel will undertake a separate community-wide engagement process to determine how investments for community space outfitting and operation should be directed.  

What is the anticipated lease arrangement, including the length of the agreement, renewal options, and any restrictions related to shared use, subleasing, or renting community/program space? 

The anticipated lease term is 10 years, subject to an annual performance review. Further details regarding renewal options, shared use, subleasing, and other terms and conditions will be outlined in the applicable lease agreement.  

Is it possible for multiple organizations to share and occupy the space through a partnership? 

Yes. As outlined in the Letter of Intent (LOI) document, there are two types of exclusive-use space agreements.  

• Through a lease-based arrangement, the lead agency assumes responsibility for managing the space, coordinating participating partners, and meeting the applicable financial, operational, insurance, reporting, and compliance requirements. 
• Applicants wishing to work with other organizations are encouraged to identify proposed partnerships and the respective roles and responsibilities of each organization in their submission. 

Can you provide a sample lease or agreement? 

TCHC cannot share a sample lease agreement publicly. Applicants are welcome to submit questions regarding the proposed lease terms. TCHC’s Commercial Business Unit will provide clarification on specific questions where possible. 

How much flexibility will the successful applicant have in determining the internal layout and use of the space? This includes features such as a community kitchen, digital access area, flexible program rooms, or an outdoor community space. 

Applicants are encouraged to identify their space and design requirements in their proposal. Shortlisted applicants will have an opportunity to discuss their requirements with TCHC’s architectural consultants. Any alterations, modifications, or improvements to the space required to support the tenant’s proposed use will be the tenant’s responsibility, including all associated costs and approvals. 

Can TCHC provide architectural design support? 

Shortlisted applicants will have an opportunity to meet with TCHC’s architectural consultants to discuss their proposed use of the space and related space and design requirements. Further details regarding the scope of this support will be provided to shortlisted applicants. 

What is the submission deadline? Has the deadline officially been extended? 

Yes, the deadline has been extended. The new submission deadline is September 20, 2026. 

Can you provide the number of units for the building? 

The building will include 136 replacement rent-geared-to-income (RGI) homes and 135 net-new affordable rental homes. 

Is there a specific impact TCHC would like applicants to focus on in their detailed proposal, or specific metrics that need to be achieved? 

TCHC is especially interested in partners that provide arts, culture, education, community development or local employment programs but are open to other types of programs and services. 

How should collaboration or partnerships with other organizations be reflected in the LOI or application? 

Applicants are encouraged to clearly identify any proposed partnerships or collaborations in their submission. This should include the organizations involved, their respective roles and responsibilities, and how the partnership will contribute to the proposed use, programming, or services within the space. 

The following resources and reports will be made available on the website for applicants to review: 

• Refreshed Social Development Plan (2019) (PDF)
• Public Consultation Strategy Report (2022) (PDF)
• Community Services and Facilities Inventory Report (2022) (PDF)