Dixon Hall’s Rooming House Project on Parliament Street

On Parliament Street, just north of Gerrard, history and hope are coming together. At 502–508 Parliament Street, Dixon Hall in partnership with Toronto Community Housing (TCH) and the City of Toronto is transforming heritage properties into safe, dignified, and supportive housing for more than 50 individuals experiencing homelessness. This project is more than a renovation, it is a transformative investment in people and community, rooted in dignity, respect, and inclusion. 

A Heritage Project with a Modern Purpose 

The Rooming House Project began in 2020 when Dixon Hall, in partnership with Toronto Community Housing (TCH), committed to revitalizing aging rooming houses in the Cabbagetown neighbourhood to better serve the community. The onset of COVID-19 delayed the start of construction, but by late 2022 work was underway, with careful attention paid to preserving the historic character of the buildings.

Two separate tenders were issued in accordance with TCH procurement protocols: 

• A specialized heritage firm was engaged to restore and preserve the exterior of the buildings. 

• Following completion of the exterior restoration work, a general contractor was selected to perform the interior renovations of 504, 506 & 508 Parliament Street. 

Because this was essentially two projects in one, the work was phased. The heritage restoration began first and was completed to ensure the historic character of the buildings was protected. Only once that phase was finished could the interior renovations begin. This step-by-step approach has meant a longer construction period, but it ensures both the preservation of Cabbagetown’s history, which is an important piece of Toronto’s history but also create housing designed to meet the needs of today, modernized spaces where tenants can feel safe, respected, and at home. 

Every step of the process was reviewed, vetted, and endorsed by the Housing Secretariat and stakeholders to ensure accountability and transparency. 

Designed to promote stability and independence. This includes on-site case management, mental health and harm reduction supports (through our partners), food security programs, and access to employment, job readiness and skills development training (through Dixon Hall’s Employment and Settlement Services department). 

Key Information

1. Resident Selection Criteria:

Residents/tenants will be selected and referred through the Coordinated Access System; a framework designed to prioritize and connect individuals experiencing homelessness with City-funded housing and support services. Our shared goal is to transition clients into safe, stable, and supportive housing environments.

2. Resident Responsibilities and Expectations:

Residents are part of a supportive environment built on safety, respect, and care. Our goal is to create a stable space where everyone can grow, feel supported, and work toward greater independence. While supportive housing is designed to be flexible, there are shared expectations that help everyone live together comfortably and respectfully.  

Residents are expected to treat staff, fellow residents, and the property with respect, be good neighbours in the building and surrounding community, keep their units clean and safe, and connect with support services and staff while following building and safety guidelines.

3. Wrap-Around Services Provided by Dixon Hall:

Tenants receive layered, person-centered supports designed to promote stability and independence. This includes on-site case management, mental health and harm reduction supports (through our partners), food security programs, and access to employment, job readiness and skills development training (through Dixon Hall’s Employment and Settlement Services department). 

4. Housing Model

Our housing model is designed to be rent-geared-to-income, ensuring affordability while also allowing us to reinvest in comprehensive support services. These services are intended to empower our tenants to not only sustain their housing but also to flourish over the long term. 

We are proud to be part of a collaborative approach that not only preserves the character of our neighbourhood but also builds a more inclusive and compassionate community. 

What Makes This Project Transformative? 

Supportive housing is more than just a roof, it’s a foundation for well-being. This project reimagines rooming houses by combining heritage preservation with a person-centered living environment. Unlike traditional rooming houses, each tenant will have a private washroom, providing dignity and privacy while supporting independence. 

Tenants will benefit from a Housing First philosophy, meaning stable housing is the first step toward improved health and wellness. Each individual will also have access to wrap-around services delivered by Dixon Hall, including: 

• Housing Support Workers 

• A Harm Reduction Worker 

• A Hoarding/Housekeeping Specialist 

• Community integration programs and case management 

This holistic model ensures that residents are not just housed but supported to rebuild their lives. 

Living Our Values 

At the heart of this work are the values Dixon Hall lives and breathes every day: 

• Patience & Flexibility: Meeting tenants where they are, listening first, and acting with care. 

• Support & Care: Building stronger communities by sharing knowledge and strengths. 

• Communication: Creating safe, non-judgmental spaces for dialogue. 

• Accountability: Taking responsibility as a pathway to growth. 

• Diversity & Inclusion: Celebrating the richness of varied experiences and ensuring everyone feels part of the community. 

• Mindfulness & Self-Reflection: Recognizing people as experts in their own lives while practicing humility and awareness. 

• Dignity & Respect: Upholding every individual’s right to be valued, respected, and proud of who they are. 

These values guide every interaction with tenants and the broader community. 

Learning from the Community 

To make sure this project truly reflects community needs, Dixon Hall partnered with the Population Health Solutions Lab to learn more about the role of rooming houses in Cabbagetown. We’ve also been connecting regularly with the local councillor’s office and resident groups like the Winchester Park Residents’ Association to share updates and hear their perspectives. As part of our Good Neighbour Strategy, we’re committed to listening, answering questions, and addressing concerns quickly. Together, we’re working toward creating a neighbourhood where everyone feels welcome and supported. If you’d like to share your feedback, we’d love to hear from you at media.relations@dixonhall.org.

A Resident Handbook has also been created to connect tenants with vital resources—from health clinics and meal programs to employment and volunteer opportunities. The goal is simple: to help residents feel at home in their houses and in their community. 

Moving In: What Comes Next? 

The first tenants, many transitioning from shelters into affordable housing—are expected to move in by late 2025. Rent will be geared to income, ensuring affordability. Intake will honour existing relocation agreements with TCHC where applicable, or proceed through the City’s Coordinated Access system. 

Managing Challenges, Delivering Impact 

Large-scale projects often face hurdles, and this one was no exception. Costs increased due to hidden site conditions, heritage preservation requirements, infrastructure upgrades, and pandemic-related construction delays and price fluctuations. The original interior renovation contract for 504–508 Parliament was $6.4M, alongside $1.2M for heritage restoration and $0.6M in soft costs. 

Funding came from a combination of sources: 

• $6M in Section 37 contributions 

• $1.95M from the Province through OPHI 

• Additional funding from COCHI and other government partners, which will include monies to complete the interior renovations at 502 Parliament. 

Despite these challenges, the outcome will be worth it: a safe, dignified, and supportive home for more than 50 people, and a preserved heritage property that enriches the neighbourhood. 

Building Stronger Communities Together 

This project is about more than bricks and mortar, it’s about people. By offering housing alongside wrap-around supports, Dixon Hall and our partners are creating the conditions for stability, growth, and belonging. 

As one team member shared after meeting with future tenants: 
“We were warmly received, and it reminded us why this work matters. These houses will not just be buildings—they will be homes.” 

At Dixon Hall, we believe in building communities where everyone is valued, respected, and supported. The Rooming House Project is one more step toward making that vision a reality.