Re: Indigenous Support for…

Re: Support for an MZO for 1635 Lawrence Avenue West in Toronto

Dear Minister Paul Calandra,

I am writing on behalf of Énska Advisors to express our strong support for the issuance of a Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) for The Inclusive development located at 1635 Lawrence Avenue West in Toronto. As partners committed to fostering Indigenous values of community and sustainability, we see this development as an essential step towards creating affordable housing solutions that respect both the land and the people who live on it.

Spotlight Development, under the leadership of Sherry Larjani, has embraced a progressive approach that aligns deeply with Indigenous principles of sharing and community upliftment. Rather than following the traditional profit-driven model, Spotlight is leading with a focus on maximizing affordable housing, ensuring that the development not only meets financial sustainability but also serves the needs of marginalized communities, including Indigenous families.

The Inclusive represents a unique opportunity to create 1,814 homes, integrating vital community support services that will have long-lasting impacts on Toronto’s underserved populations. This project is a beacon of collaboration, bringing together non-profit organizations, including Habitat for Humanity and WoodGreen, along with other Indigenous and community stakeholders which we are continuing to seek out.

The issuance of an MZO will be crucial in advancing this project, significantly reducing development timelines and costs, and ultimately allowing the affordable housing component to reach its full potential. By accelerating this process, we can better serve the community and provide much-needed homes to Indigenous and non-Indigenous families alike.

At Énska Advisors, we are honored to support this visionary project, one that reflects the collective efforts of many who are dedicated to ensuring that inclusive and sustainable housing becomes a reality for all. We urge your Ministry to grant the necessary MZO to help move this important initiative forward. Thank you for considering this request and for your ongoing commitment to addressing housing affordability in Ontario.

Sincerely,

Tim Coldwell, P.Eng
President & CEO