Community space opportunity at 325 Gerrard Street East

About this opportunity

Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) is looking for a community partner to provide programs and services in a ground floor space at 325 Gerrard Street East. The building is part of the Regent Park revitalization and is still being designed.

The space is meant for programs and services that support TCHC tenants and the Regent Park community. TCHC is especially interested in partners that provide arts, culture, education, community development or local employment programs.

Information session

To register for the online information session on Friday, August 21 from 11 a.m. to noon, email Rasha Haider, Senior Development Manager.

Eligibility

To be considered, applicants must meet all eligibility requirements. Applicants must be based in Toronto, provide arts, cultural or social services to Toronto residents, be in good financial standing, and plan to provide services to Regent Park residents.

Community-led groups are encouraged to apply, even if they do not meet the full eligibility criteria at this time as support may be available. Please note that TCHC can only enter into a legal agreement with either an incorporated not-for-profit organization or a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency. We encourage community-led groups to partner with other organizations who can satisfy this requirement.

About the building and space

The building at 325 Gerrard Street East is planned as a 26-storey tower on top of a 10-storey podium. 

The available community space is on the ground floor. It is about 1,160 square metres, or 12,486 square feet. The space is one storey, with a floor-to-ceiling height of more than 7 metres. The space will include electrical service, basic heating and cooling, an accessible washroom and life-safety equipment. Other than these basic services, the space will be unfinished. The selected partner will need to pay for the work needed to prepare the space for use.

Key dates

These dates may change.

How to apply

Phase 1 Letter of intent

The first step is to complete and submit the Letter of Intent application form. TCHC will review applications to make sure applicants are eligible. Applicants who are shortlisted may meet with TCHC’s architectural consultants to talk about space needs and fit-out costs. 

TCHC will choose up to five applicants to move to the second stage. 

Submit a completed Letter of Intent application form and all required attachments by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Phase 2 Submit a Request for Expression of Interest

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to the Request for Expression of Interest stage. At this stage, applicants will need to provide a detailed program proposal. This includes information about community need, expected impact and a business plan. During stage two, TCHC will provide an honorarium of up to $10,000 to eligible applicants that require financial assistance to respond to the REOI process. TCHC staff will review all applications for eligibility. An internal advisory committee will then score and evaluate eligible applications. TCHC will make the final decision.

Agreement terms

The successful applicant will sign a TCHC-approved agreement to use the space. This means one organization will have dedicated or priority access to the space to provide approved services that benefit tenants and support TCHC priorities.

TCHC will decide the type of agreement and conditions based on the proposed use, tenant and community benefit, the organization’s capacity, costs, insurance, risk, and any legal or financial review needed.

Applicants must show that the proposed use is not commercial and will not generate revenue. The proposed use must meet tenant needs and community priorities. Applicants must also show that they can deliver the proposed programs or services.

Any organization using the space must have the right insurance. If more than one organization is involved, each organization’s role must be clear and all insurance requirements must be met.