May Warren
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Reporter @TorontoStar covering housing.
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Articles by May Warren
Toronto is about to see a boom in new rental buildings, data shows
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This decrepit Scarborough mansion may finally come down — and the plan has a famous name attached
The Scarborough Bluffs mansion has been an eyesore for years: a decrepit, mouldy mess. Now it may finally be coming down, if the city approves a new plan with a famous name attached. To continue reading... FREE ACCESS FOR 7 DAYS No payment required The owner is seeking approval from the local committee of adjustment to sever the lot and replace it with two new detached homes, at a meeting on Nov. 4.
Why a Yonge and Lawrence developer is pivoting from luxury condos to rentals
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A 15-storey tower is dividing Bloor West Village. Will the community be changed forever?
Outside Wake’a Boo Breakfast Bar in Bloor West Village, an intimate brunch spot bathed in the pink light of neon signs spelling out phrases like “coffee first” and “this is my jam,” Anna Mattiuzzo carries a takeout container with the remnants of a weekday brunch. Yes, she’s heard about the fate of the restaurant. It’s slated to be demolished for a 15-storey rental tower on the strip of mostly two-storey storefronts on Bloor Street, roughly between Jane Street and Ellis Park Road.
Toronto housing prices will continue to fall until the end of the year, report predicts
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These two Toronto property types are holding their value — even as overall prices fall
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These Toronto condo builders are betting on a luxury tower with just 3 units per floor. Will the rich bite?
With a maximum of just three residences per floor, each unit at a planned tower at Yonge and St. Clair will have lots of natural light and plenty of wall space. This creates the ideal conditions for something the traditional condo buyer might not consider, but that is top of mind for the target clientele, said Jordan Morassuti, co-founder of Toronto-based developer North Drive. “Most of the buyers are coming from quite large homes in Midtown Toronto,” Morassuti said.
A large Toronto landlord violated a tenant’s privacy by aiming cameras into his apartment, privacy watchdog finds
Canada’s privacy watchdog has determined that one of the largest property management firms in the city violated tenant privacy when it installed cameras that could record inside units at a downtown Toronto building. Javier Ruiz-Soler was disturbed to discover security cameras in the hallway of his apartment near Church and Yonge streets a few years ago. “I immediately noticed that those cameras were pointing to the units,” he recalled.
A large Toronto landlord violated a tenant’s privacy by aiming cameras into his apartment, privacy watchdog finds
Canada’s privacy watchdog has determined that one of the largest property management firms in the city violated tenant privacy when it installed cameras that could record inside units at a downtown Toronto building. Javier Ruiz-Soler was disturbed to discover security cameras in the hallway of his apartment near Church and Yonge streets a few years ago. “I immediately noticed that those cameras were pointing to the units,” he recalled.
Vaughan Metropolitan Centre was supposed to be a vibrant new downtown. Then the condo crash hit
If Aras Jand could do it over again, he wouldn’t have chosen the condo as his home. The 39-year-old freight industry broker lives in a 700-square-foot two-bedroom unit on the eighth floor of a newly built tower with his dachshund puppy Max, with whom he was walking outside the building along a grassy path on a recent sunny September day. “It’s small,” he said, as Max pulled on his leash to greet a passing little black and white dog. Jand doesn’t like living close to so many people.
Toronto condo developer cuts 200 units from two-tower project: ‘People are looking for more livability’
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Floodwaters at Vaughan’s new downtown raise questions around new developments and flood risks
In the aftermath of Wednesday’s storm, dramatic photos and videos of submerged cars in floodwaters in and around Vaughan Metropolitan Centre circulated on social media. Now that the waters have receded, those apocalyptic scenes at Vaughan’s new master-planned downtown near Jane Street and Highway 7, complete with condo towers and retail space, are raising questions about how prepared new housing developments are for severe storms as the climate crisis makes them worse.
Toronto’s real estate industry was banking on a rebound. Donald Trump’s tariffs have thrown in a wild card
U.S. President Donald Trump has long been involved in real estate, but he’s now playing a big role in a market he probably never even thinks about. The reignited trade war with Canada has injected more uncertainty into the upcoming Toronto regional fall real estate season, historically the second busiest time of the year after spring. Some experts are optimistic, predicting an increase in sales, continued tightening in the market, and only modest price drops. Others are more cautious.
Toronto’s real estate industry was banking on a rebound. Trump’s tariffs have thrown in a wild card
U.S. President Donald Trump has long been involved in real estate, but he’s now playing a big role in a market he probably never even thinks about. The reignited trade war with Canada has injected more uncertainty into the upcoming Toronto regional fall real estate season, historically the second busiest time of the year after spring. Some experts are optimistic, predicting an increase in sales, continued tightening in the market, and only modest price drops. Others are more cautious.
Tenants at Long Branch complex beat back plan to raze apartments for new development
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As Toronto condos stall, this giant rental community in downtown Oshawa is breaking ground
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A Toronto developer promised affordable homes for LGBTQ+ youth and seniors. Now it’s bankrupt
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Toronto tenants say federal cash is going to developer who plans to demolish their homes
Since receiving notice three and a half years ago that their apartments were to be demolished for condos, Megan Kee and other tenants at their 15-storey midtown building have been living under a cloud of uncertainty. They received the notice in November 2022, just after the pandemic market peaked. As the years passed and the condo market slumped, they hoped the slowdown would stall the project near Eglinton Avenue East and Mount Pleasant Road.
Toronto tenants say federal cash is going to developer who plans to demolish their homes
Since receiving notice three and a half years ago that their apartments were to be demolished for condos, Megan Kee and other tenants at their 15-storey midtown building have been living under a cloud of uncertainty. They received the notice in November 2022, just after the pandemic market peaked. As the years passed and the condo market slumped, they hoped the slowdown would stall the project near Eglinton Avenue East and Mount Pleasant Road.
Toronto tenants say federal cash is going to developer who plans to demolish their homes
Since receiving notice three and a half years ago that their apartments were to be demolished for condos, Megan Kee and other tenants at their 15-storey midtown building have been living under a cloud of uncertainty. They received the notice in November 2022, just after the pandemic market peaked. As the years passed and the condo market slumped, they hoped the slowdown would stall the project near Eglinton Avenue East and Mount Pleasant Road.
Toronto tenants say federal cash is going to developer who plans to demolish their homes
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With Toronto condos crashing, is it time to scrap the foreign-buyer ban?
With Canada’s foreign buyer ban set to expire at midnight on New Year’s Eve, the real estate industry is watching the clock. While there are differing opinions on what to do about the ban, one thing everyone agrees on is that much has changed in the three years since it was introduced.
Did the Ford government promise an MZO as part of a secret Muskoka land deal? Residents want answers
Approached by boat from busy Muskoka Bay near Gravenhurst, the land at first seems empty. The area’s windswept trees, jagged rock faces and deep blue water resemble a Group of Seven painting brought to life. But then a yellow brick building with a crumbling roof, broken windows and a sign warning against trespassing appears — and it starts to look more like a scene from a zombie apocalypse movie.
Did the Ford government promise an MZO as part of a secret Muskoka land deal? Residents want answers
Approached by boat from busy Muskoka Bay near Gravenhurst, the land at first seems empty. The area’s windswept trees, jagged rock faces and deep blue water resemble a Group of Seven painting brought to life. But then a yellow brick building with a crumbling roof, broken windows and a sign warning against trespassing appears — and it starts to look more like a scene from a zombie apocalypse movie.
Did the Ford government promise an MZO as part of a secret Muskoka land deal? Residents want answers
Approached by boat from busy Muskoka Bay near Gravenhurst, the land at first seems empty. The area’s windswept trees, jagged rock faces and deep blue water resemble a Group of Seven painting brought to life. But then a yellow brick building with a crumbling roof, broken windows and a sign warning against trespassing appears — and it starts to look more like a scene from a zombie apocalypse movie.
Mark Carney is promising relief for Toronto renters. Here’s why critics are concerned
When Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday that his government is providing $2.7 billion in funding to build more rental housing in Toronto, his emphasis was mainly on the benefits for residents. But concern is growing that roughly two-thirds of the money is going to loans for private developers.
Carney promises Toronto $2.7 billion to build thousands of new rental homes Original
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a new housing agreement with the City of Toronto, Wednesday, to invest more than $2.7 billion into building 18 housing projects across the city over the next three years. “Every home in this portfolio will be a rental. And together they span the entire continuum, from supportive housing to affordable homes,” said Carney, speaking at a construction site in Scarborough for new co-op housing.
Carney promises Toronto $2.7 billion to build thousands of new rental homes
The City of Toronto will see $2.7 billion in funding from the federal government to build 18 housing projects over the next three years, as the city’s construction market continues to suffer from a condo crash. “Every home in this portfolio will be a rental. And together they span the entire continuum, from supportive housing to affordable homes,” said Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking at a construction site in Scarborough for new co-op housing, Wednesday.
Carney promises Toronto $2.7 billion to build thousands of new rental homes
The City of Toronto will see $2.7 billion in funding from the federal government to build 18 housing projects over the next three years, as the city’s construction market continues to suffer from a condo crash. “Every home in this portfolio will be a rental. And together they span the entire continuum, from supportive housing to affordable homes,” said Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking at a construction site in Scarborough for new co-op housing, Wednesday.
A Toronto one-bedroom condo just sold for $290,000 — is this a new low?
An Etobicoke condo sold earlier this month for less than $300,000 as the city’s condo crash takes prices to new lows. The one-bedroom apartment under 600 square feet at 1195 The Queensway does not include parking, and the building is only a few years old. It was sold as a power of sale, meaning the lender took over after the original owner defaulted on their mortgage, said Alex Zhvanetskiy, a Toronto realtor and condominium specialist, who was not the listing agent.
A Toronto one-bedroom condo just sold for $290,000 — is this a new low?
An Etobicoke condo sold earlier this month for less than $300,000 as the city’s condo crash takes prices to new lows. The one-bedroom apartment under 600 square feet at 1195 The Queensway does not include parking, and the building is only a few years old. It was sold as a power of sale, meaning the lender took over after the original owner defaulted on their mortgage, said Alex Zhvanetskiy, a Toronto realtor and condominium specialist, who was not the listing agent.
A Toronto one-bedroom condo just sold for $290,000 — is this a new low?
An Etobicoke condo sold earlier this month for less than $300,000 as the city’s condo crash takes prices to new lows. The one-bedroom apartment under 600 square feet at 1195 The Queensway does not include parking, and the building is only a few years old. It was sold as a power of sale, meaning the lender took over after the original owner defaulted on their mortgage, said Alex Zhvanetskiy, a Toronto realtor and condominium specialist, who was not the listing agent.
A Toronto one-bedroom condo just sold for $290,000 — is this a new low? Original
An Etobicoke condo sold earlier this month for less than $300,000 as the city’s condo crash takes prices to new lows. The one-bedroom apartment under 600 square feet at 1195 The Queensway does not include parking, and the building is only a few years old. It was sold as a power of sale, meaning the lender took over after the original owner defaulted on their mortgage, said Alex Zhvanetskiy, a Toronto realtor and condominium specialist, who was not the listing agent.
Inside Toronto’s baby bust: Why young people are being priced out of parenthood
Rachel Cairns had always wanted to have a family. An only child, she loved taking care of her dolls when she was little, and nurtured a cast of imaginary friends. The main character was a boy she called “brother.” Her husband, Will Stefancic, was on the same page about kids. But the timing never felt right financially. As they inched toward 40, the couple knew their biological window was closing. But the prospect of adding a baby to their already tight budget was daunting.
Outdoor workers at risk, advocates say, as wildfire smoke blankets Toronto
When Adam Kadir left home Thursday morning to work as a carpenter at a west-end construction site, he immediately noticed the air was smokier and heavier than the day before. At 7 a.m., his supervisor sent a message in the construction company’s group chat acknowledging the poor air quality and telling employees they could decide whether to come to work. Kadir, 25, decided to show up. He said he was young and had worked the previous day without any issues.
Toronto affordable housing developer trying to avoid bankruptcy amid condo crash
A Toronto builder is undergoing financial restructuring in an attempt to avoid bankruptcy, resulting in construction delays and raising questions about the future of its affordable housing developments. Assembly Corp. filed a Notice of Intention (NOI) to Make a Proposal under the Bankruptcy Act in May, a process in which the company must develop a plan to pay off debts. The court documents say one lender is owed about $5 million and others are owed about $12.7 million.
Toronto condo prices fell 9 per cent year over year in June as home sales picked up
Home Sales across the Toronto region were up nine per cent in June from the same time last year, with 6,770 transactions. But prices are still down year-over-year, according to a Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) Friday morning report. “I think we are starting to see more sales relative to listings in the marketplace, and that’s starting to provide a little bit more support for pricing,” said TRREB chief information officer Jason Mercer.
Maple leaves, World Cup fever and 35 C heat: Toronto bustles with activity on a sweltering Canada Day
On the eve of the city’s final World Cup match, soccer fans from around the world enjoyed a sweltering Canada Day in Toronto — even if most can’t afford tickets to the big match on Thursday. There were plenty of people in Canada soccer kits at a sweaty East York Canada Day parade, which included a Mountie on stilts, a juggler in a red and white pinstripe suit and a giant blow-up Maple Leaf. Mayor Olivia Chow was there, too, decked out in her own Canada jersey.
Condos in Toronto are now more affordable than in Montreal
As prices sink, Toronto condos have returned to 2019 affordability levels, according to a new report from RBC Economics. “Condo prices in Toronto have fallen faster than most other markets, and that is happening while incomes have continued to rise,” said Rachel Battaglia, an economist with RBC Economics, and co-author of the report. Condos in Montreal are now less affordable than ones in Toronto, a “reshuffling” of the markets for the first time in over a decade, Battaglia added.
Toronto ‘slumlord’ at 500 Dawes slapped with fine of over $1 million
The landlord behind one of Toronto’s most notorious apartment buildings is facing a fine of over $1 million, for 13 counts of failing to comply with an order issued under the Property Standards Bylaw related to problems at 500 Dawes Road. The high-rise, near Victoria Park Ave. and St. Clair Ave E., is owned by Havcare Investments Inc., and Carolyn Krebs is the sole director. “The moral blameworthiness of Havcare is very high,” wrote Justice of the Peace John Scarfe in a June 19 decision.
Toronto council greenlights deal to cut development charges by up to 60 per cent
Toronto council passed a motion Wednesday evening to cut development charges by 40 to 60 per cent, with bigger units getting more of a break, in an attempt to shore up the failing new condo sector. Mayor Olivia Chow told council this will lead to the construction of an additional 40,000 homes for 100,000 people. She said these projects are all “shovel ready” but stuck in limbo because developers can’t afford to build them.
Developer unveils vision for Toronto rail deck community at site once envisioned as a giant park
A decade after the city’s ambitious pitch for a park above the rail corridor between Bathurst Street and Spadina Avenue, developers have unveiled their new plans for the area. Investment firm Fengate Asset Management, in partnership with the LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada, unveiled renderings for a 14-acre community with nearly 4,000 new homes they’re calling Toronto Rail Yards, last week.
Ontario is putting up to $178 million into a stalled Toronto rental project. Is it a good investment or ‘bailout’?
As housing developments across the province falter, the province is using its newly formed Building Ontario Fund to invest up to $178 million in one that will deliver 1,700 rental units near the Scarborough Go Station. It’s the second use of the fund, an independent Crown agency with a mission to invest and attract private capital into needed infrastructure that makes a profit, for market housing.
Some Toronto condos are selling for less than 2017 prices. Has the market hit a new low?
One has a concrete pillar in the middle of the living room, another a balcony that faces a wall of other condos in a neighbouring building. A third spent months on the market. They are all small downtown Toronto condos, at under 700 square feet, that recently sold for tens of thousands of dollars less than what they went for in 2017 and 2018.
Some Toronto condos are selling for less than 2017 prices. Has the market hit a new low?
One has a concrete pillar in the middle of the living room, another a balcony that faces a wall of other condos in a neighbouring building. A third spent months on the market. They are all small downtown Toronto condos, at under 700 square feet, that recently sold for tens of thousands of dollars less than what they went for in 2017 and 2018.
Some Toronto condos are selling for less than 2017 prices. Has the market hit a new low?
One has a concrete pillar in the middle of the living room, another a balcony that faces a wall of other condos in a neighbouring building. A third spent months on the market. They are all small downtown Toronto condos, at under 700 square feet, that recently sold for tens of thousands of dollars less than what they went for in 2017 and 2018.
Some Toronto condos are selling for less than 2017 prices. Has the market hit a new low?
One has a concrete pillar in the middle of the living room, another a balcony that faces a wall of other condos in a neighbouring building. A third spent months on the market. They are all small downtown Toronto condos, at under 700 square feet, that recently sold for tens of thousands of dollars less than what they went for in 2017 and 2018.
Some Toronto condos are selling for less than 2017 prices. Has the market hit a new low?
One has a concrete pillar in the middle of the living room, another a balcony that faces a wall of other condos in a neighbouring building. A third spent months on the market. They are all small downtown Toronto condos, at under 700 square feet, that recently sold for tens of thousands of dollars less than what they went for in 2017 and 2018.
Some Toronto condos are selling for less than 2017 prices. Has the market hit a new low?
One has a concrete pillar in the middle of the living room, another a balcony that faces a wall of other condos in a neighbouring building. A third spent months on the market. They are all small downtown Toronto condos, at under 700 square feet, that recently sold for tens of thousands of dollars less than what they went for in 2017 and 2018.
Some Toronto condos are selling for less than 2017 prices. Has the market hit a new low?
One has a concrete pillar in the middle of the living room, another a balcony that faces a wall of other condos in a neighbouring building. A third spent months on the market. They are all small downtown Toronto condos, at under 700 square feet, that recently sold for tens of thousands of dollars less than what they went for in 2017 and 2018.
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