Options for Homes breaks ground on The Cedars, mixed-income housing in Scarborough

Options for Homes, one of Canada’s largest non-profit developers, has officially broken ground on The Cedars — a 783-unit master-planned mixed-income housing community in Scarborough.

The first phase of the project, a 21-storey co-operative rental building, will provide 245 below-market and rent-controlled homes — marking a major milestone in the return of co-op housing to Toronto.

“The Cedars is for the broad range of Torontonians who have been priced out of the housing market,” says Daniel Ger, CEO of Options for Homes. “We’re creating a community where working families can access good, stable housing in neighbourhoods that allow them to grow and flourish. With both co-op rental and attainable homeownership options, The Cedars fills a critical gap in the housing market.”

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on October 29, 2025, with Mayor Olivia Chow, CreateTO CEO Vic Gupta, and Daniel Ger marking the start of construction.

“We’re bringing co-ops back,” says Mayor Olivia Chow. “The City waived fees and taxes and fast-tracked approvals and permits to get shovels in the ground for The Cedars — Toronto’s first major co-op in nearly 30 years. Together with Options for Homes, we are turning a once-vacant City-owned site into a vibrant, mixed-income co-operative where people can build a home and a future.”

Located near Markham Road and Eglinton Avenue East, The Cedars is a collaboration between Options for Homes, the City of Toronto, and CreateTO. The City provided essential financial and regulatory support — waiving development charges, property taxes, and permit fees — and fast-tracked the project through its review and approvals process.

The Province of Ontario’s Bill 23, which exempts non-profit housing developers from development charges, also played a key role in enabling construction to move forward.

“This is what can happen when all levels of government, non-profits, and community partners align behind a shared vision for affordability,” says Ger.

The Cedars’ co-op building will be operated by the Co-op Housing Management Network (CHMN) and feature a mix of studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units. Residents will collectively govern the property, with housing charges based on the actual cost of operations rather than profit — ensuring long-term stability and affordability.

Affordability has been secured for 50 years, with 20% of units meeting the City of Toronto’s definition of Affordable Rental and 80% meeting the Rent-Controlled standard. Monthly housing costs are projected to be 80% to 90% of Toronto’s average market rent for comparable new builds.

Options for Homes is also partnering with YWCA Toronto and Community Living Toronto to dedicate 20% of the co-op units to residents supported by these agencies.

Designed by RAW Design with landscape architecture by O2, The Cedars will include four residential towers and a collection of townhomes organized around a 40,000-square-foot central courtyard and a 1.1-acre public park. The community also within walking distance to Eglinton GO Station.

After the co-op phase, Options for Homes will deliver three additional phases focused on attainable homeownership. Future homeowners will have access to Options’ Ready Program, a shared-equity initiative that provides up to 15% in down payment support. Participants repay the support only when they sell or move, reducing upfront costs and helping more moderate-income families enter the housing market.

“This is a blueprint for what’s possible when we put people first,” says Ger. “The Cedars is proof that affordability, community, and quality can thrive together.”

Construction on the rental co-op tower is expected to be completed by 2028.