Building the Future of Seniors Care: Breaking Ground at 140 Merton Street

On July 17, EllisDon joined project partners and community leaders in Toronto to celebrate groundbreaking at 140 Merton Street, recently named Peyakôskân (One Family), a landmark development that will deliver long-term, affordable housing for Indigenous Elders and other seniors.

The scale of this project is impressive: the 29-storey residential building will provide 294 one- and two-bedroom units, along with dedicated amenities and community spaces. But for many, the project represents more than new housing; it marks the creation of a place where Elders can live with dignity, connection, and a deep sense of belonging. Cultural elements, including a smudging room and ceremonial space, will be thoughtfully incorporated to create places for gathering, reflection, and the continuation of traditions that are central to community life.

Working alongside Missanabie Cree First Nation and the City of Toronto, EllisDon is thrilled to be the Development Manager and General Contractor for a project that places Indigenous leadership at the forefront: 140 Merton Street is the first Indigenous-led rental housing development delivered through the City of Toronto and CreateTO’s Housing Now initiative. It is also the first City-owned property to be leased and operated exclusively by an Indigenous not-for-profit organization.

With growing demand for seniors’ housing— particularly spaces that reflect the cultural and social needs of residents—projects like 140 Merton Street demonstrate the importance of inclusive, thoughtful development. City of Toronto got all participants involved early, sharing a vision to align public land, funding, and community priorities in a sustainable project that sets a standard for affordable housing.

"We are honoured to be part of the 140 Merton Street project with Missanabie Cree First Nation and the City of Toronto. This project demonstrates that affordable housing can deliver units at scale while reflecting the identities, traditions and needs of the community it serves,"said Nick Gefucia, Senior Vice President, EllisDon Community Builders.

The project site, formerly the War Amps building, carries a legacy of care and service having accommodated SPRINT Senior Care. Through careful planning, elements of this designated heritage site will be retained and integrated into the new development, bridging past and future while ensuring continuity for legacy tenants who will return to 140 Merton when it is complete.

From the groundbreaking and traditional blessing ceremony to the construction work ahead, 140 Merton demonstrates what is possible through Indigenous-led development on public land. By bringing together Indigenous leadership, public sector partnership, and integrated development expertise, the project shows how thoughtful housing development ensures seniors can remain rooted in the communities they know, with the supports and cultural connection that matter most.