St. Jude Community Houses is building an affordable housing development in Toronto

Staff writer for Ontario Construction News

In a strategic move to address the city's housing challenges, St. Jude Community Houses (SJCH) has successfully acquired 1845 Gerrard St. through the City of Toronto's Multifamily Housing Acquisition (MURA) program. The nonprofit housing and supportive services provider received a $4 million grant in September 2023 in response to the city's 2022 bid to use MURA funds to purchase the building.

Mayor Olivia Chow said: “I am delighted that St Jude Community Homes has taken over this building and that people who live here can rest easy knowing their homes are protected.” In his 2024 budget, Mayor Chow committed to expanding the MURA program to $100 million over three years, further underscoring the city's commitment to creating and preserving affordable housing.

A purchase made possible through the MURA program has a significant impact on preventing potential evictions and loss of resident support. The newly acquired, 20-unit building was the foundation of SJCH's independent living program, which provides stable, safe and affordable housing. As reported annually by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, rents are limited to a maximum of 80 per cent of the median market rent, ensuring affordability for a wide range of residents. These homes are protected as affordable housing for at least 99 years.

An integral part of the city's strategy to secure 65,000 new rent-controlled homes by 2030, including 6,500 for-income (RGI) homes and 18,000 supportive homes, the MURA program provides funding to nonprofit housing providers. Since launching in 2021, MURA has committed $55.5 million to support more than 300 permanently affordable homes in various Toronto neighborhoods.

Councilor Gord Perks, chairman of the planning and housing committee, highlighted the importance of MURA in addressing the housing crisis. “By acquiring and preserving affordable rental buildings, we are ensuring that Toronto's communities are fair, inclusive and sustainable for years to come.”

Councilor Brad Bradford, vice-chair of the planning and housing committee, said the MURA program is a shared vision of keeping Toronto a livable city for everyone.

“As we transitioned from landlord to owner, there was a collective sigh of relief at the anxiety and uncertainty of knowing if the landlord wanted to sell the 20-unit building,” said Wayne March, SJCH board director.

The MURA program supports the not-for-profit housing sector, protects existing rental properties, creates sustainable affordable housing and increases housing stability for Torontonians. For more information about the MURA program, interested parties can visit the city's website.