MOD completes Indigenous residence on Toronto’s Carlton Street – Daily Commercial News

TORONTO — An Indigenous not-for-profit agency has officially commissioned a new residence at 218 Carlton St. in Toronto.

The residence has been named Migize Pazaagwii Gamik, meaning Uplifting Place of the Bald Eagle.

The agency, Na-Me-Res, is dedicated to providing housing, skills training and cultural reconnection to Indigenous men experiencing homelessness in Toronto, stated a release.

Toronto developer MOD Developments purchased the property in 2019 as a public benefit in conjunction with its residential development at 55 Charles St. E.

MOD undertook an extensive renovation of the 1877 Victorian mansion. The site and completed project have now been conveyed to the City of Toronto, and the property is fully operated by Na-Me-Res.

Migize Pazaagwii Gamik has nine units, currently occupied by Na-Me-Res clients transitioning to permanent housing. Besides providing rental housing for single Indigenous males, the operator offers support, cultural re-connection and counselling.

The recent opening ceremony was attended by Mayor Olivia Chow, Coun. Chris Moise, Steve Teekens of Na-Me-Res and Gary Switzer of MOD.

“The transformation of 218 Carlton Street into affordable housing has been in progress for the past few years, and we’re proud to see this important project come to fruition,” said Switzer, CEO of MOD, in a statement. “We believe in complete communities, which includes constructing homes that are accessible to all and addressing homelessness.

“The preservation of a heritage home and the creation of new affordable units stand as a testament to achieving this goal.”