TORONTO: The George Street Revitalization (GSR). a City Council approved project, will see the reinvention of the northernmost block of George Street and transform Seaton House men’s shelter into a world-class facility providing specialized care for vulnerable populations, including a long-term care home, a transitional living facility, an emergency shelter, affordable housing, and a community hub serving residents of both the site and the local neighbourhood.
Architects and Landscape Architects from Brook McIlroy’s Indigenous Design Studio will be presenting early design concepts for the George Street Revitalization Project’s streetscape and are seeking community feedback.
The new streetscape will have a unique Indigenous focus and will be a model for sustainability and design in Toronto.
GSR will be the catalyst for a more safe and vibrant community for all in the heart of the historic Garden District. GSR is linked to the Seniors Services and Long-Term Care Capital Plan. The Capital Renewal Plan is an exciting opportunity to modernize and improve the design of homes while advancing the vision to be leaders in excellence and ground-breaking services for healthy aging.
City-Building Project
City Council unanimously approved George Street Revitalization in principle in summer 2013. Program plans are being developed with the input of many stakeholders. To date, these plans include:
• A long-term care home with 378 beds
• A 100-bed emergency shelter for men
• An innovative 130-bed “transitional living” service for men and women who need more care than traditional supportive housing can provide, but less than what a long-term care home involves
• A service hub for program clients as well as members of the surrounding community
• 21 units of affordable housing with supports
Seaton House Transition Plan
As part of the GSR project, Seaton House will transition from a large institutionalized setting into a world-class facility providing specialized care for vulnerable populations.
The Seaton House Transition Plan will help coordinate the movement of people, programs and services currently located at 339 George Street to alternate locations while the redevelopment of the George Street site takes place.
The plan involves the relocation of 400 shelter beds to five new program spaces, as well as housing current Seaton House clients with the assistance of Housing Allowances and Supportive Housing units with Habitat Services and other providers.
Seaton House is expected to be fully decommissioned by May 2021.
Estimated capital cost of the project is $583 million: $9.4 million for land, $70.1 million for the Seaton House transition and $503.9 for pre-construction and construction costs.