Latest news with #Hazelview
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Hazelview Properties Makes History with Canada's First Rainbow Registered Residential Rental Building
Toronto's Midtown Rental Property highlights Hazelview's ongoing commitment to inclusive living TORONTO, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ - Hazelview Properties is proud to announce it has opened Canada's first Rainbow Registered residential rental building. The Rainbow Registered accreditation is given to businesses and organizations that meet stringent standards to ensure that 2SLGBTQI+ customers feel welcome. While numerous businesses across the country hold the accreditation, the Story of Midtown Toronto® rental property at 73/75 Broadway Ave is the first residential rental building to receive the honour. The initiative is part of the organization's larger commitment to create inclusive environments where diversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated. "At Hazelview, we go all out to build and nurture a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture, whether it's in our workplace or properties we manage," says Jasmin Pirani, Partner, Marketing and Social Impact "Earning the Rainbow Registered accreditation for Story of Midtown Toronto® is a proud milestone that reflects our dedication to creating safe, welcoming spaces where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. This recognition reaffirms our promise to foster communities that celebrate diversity and prioritize the well-being of all residents." Story of Midtown Toronto® received the Rainbow Registered Accreditation because of its commitment to inclusivity, including: Year-round inclusion: Inclusion at Story of Midtown Toronto ® is built into everyday experiences. Teams have access to ongoing Belonging initiatives, including a paid volunteer day to support community causes, inclusive visual identifiers like Pride-themed email signatures, and resident communications that reflect a community grounded in respect and belonging. Specific training focused on real-world allyship: Team members at Story of Midtown Toronto® participate in comprehensive training on 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion, pronoun usage, unconscious bias, and inclusive language. A framework that puts people first: Policies at Story of Midtown Toronto® don't just state values, they outline clear steps and expectations for supporting all team members from all diverse backgrounds. These policies are reviewed annually and backed by mandatory employee acknowledgment, creating consistency across the team and reinforcing a culture of accountability and care. Story of Midtown Toronto® is a landmark addition to the Toronto rental market, redefining purpose-built rental living with a focus on elevated lifestyle, value-added services, and holistic well-being. This property aims to become the premier rental residence of choice in Midtown Toronto, offering a lifestyle built around health, wellness, urban connectivity, and inclusive community. Aside from its Rainbow Registration, the building will also include personalized services, perks, and exclusive programming. As part of Hazelview's commitment to resident wellbeing, residents will also receive complimentary access to Maple Healthcare's virtual services—including mental health support—and a Peloton membership, offering world-class fitness classes from the comfort of Rental Residences | Story of Midtown Toronto Hazelview Properties is also in the process of receiving the Rainbow Registered accreditation for its corporate offices and select properties within its Toronto/GTA portfolio as part of the organization's larger commitment to create inclusive environments where diversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated. "We are thrilled to recognize Hazelview Properties as Canada's first Rainbow Registered residential rental building. This milestone reflects a powerful commitment to inclusive housing—one where 2SLGBTQI+ residents are not just welcomed, but meaningfully supported. By embedding equity into its policies, training, and everyday operations, Hazelview is setting a new standard for what it means to build community. We're proud to stand alongside them as they lead by example." says Connor McKiggan (They/Him), National Business Development Manager, Canadian 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce What Does it Mean to be Rainbow Registered?Rainbow Registered is an accreditation program run by Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC). The accreditation program grants a time-limited recognition to businesses and organizations for demonstrating compliance with the quality standard. Accredited businesses are deemed market-ready for the 2SLGBTQI+ customer and given the right to be associated with the program's prestigious Rainbow Registered designation. About Hazelview: Hazelview is a global real estate investment, development, and property management firm. Since 1999, Hazelview has delivered strong, risk-adjusted returns across all market cycles by taking an ownership-driven approach and leveraging deep local and global market insights. The firm invests in both private and public real estate markets through its strategically integrated platform. With a focus on purpose-built rental communities, Hazelview develops and manages high-quality residential properties that prioritize resident wellbeing, foster community connection. To learn more, visit SOURCE Hazelview Properties View original content to download multimedia: Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Hazelview Properties Makes History with Canada's First Rainbow Registered Residential Rental Building
TORONTO, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ - Hazelview Properties is proud to announce it has opened Canada's first Rainbow Registered residential rental building. The Rainbow Registered accreditation is given to businesses and organizations that meet stringent standards to ensure that 2SLGBTQI+ customers feel welcome. While numerous businesses across the country hold the accreditation, the Story of Midtown Toronto ® rental property at 73/75 Broadway Ave is the first residential rental building to receive the honour. The initiative is part of the organization's larger commitment to create inclusive environments where diversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated. "At Hazelview, we go all out to build and nurture a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture, whether it's in our workplace or properties we manage," says Jasmin Pirani, Partner, Marketing and Social Impact " Earning the Rainbow Registered accreditation for S tory of Midtown Toronto ® is a proud milestone that reflects our dedication to creating safe, welcoming spaces where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. This recognition reaffirms our promise to foster communities that celebrate diversity and prioritize the well-being of all residents." Story of Midtown Toronto ® received the Rainbow Registered Accreditation because of its commitment to inclusivity, including: Year-round inclusion: Inclusion at Story of Midtown Toronto ® is built into everyday experiences. Teams have access to ongoing Belonging initiatives, including a paid volunteer day to support community causes, inclusive visual identifiers like Pride-themed email signatures, and resident communications that reflect a community grounded in respect and belonging. Specific training focused on real-world allyship: Team members at Story of Midtown Toronto ® participate in comprehensive training on 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion, pronoun usage, unconscious bias, and inclusive language. A framework that puts people first: Policies at Story of Midtown Toronto ® don't just state values, they outline clear steps and expectations for supporting all team members from all diverse backgrounds. These policies are reviewed annually and backed by mandatory employee acknowledgment, creating consistency across the team and reinforcing a culture of accountability and care. Story of Midtown Toronto ® is a landmark addition to the Toronto rental market, redefining purpose-built rental living with a focus on elevated lifestyle, value-added services, and holistic well-being. This property aims to become the premier rental residence of choice in Midtown Toronto, offering a lifestyle built around health, wellness, urban connectivity, and inclusive community. Aside from its Rainbow Registration, the building will also include personalized services, perks, and exclusive programming. As part of Hazelview's commitment to resident wellbeing, residents will also receive complimentary access to Maple Healthcare's virtual services—including mental health support—and a Peloton membership, offering world-class fitness classes from the comfort of home. Elevated Rental Residences | Story of Midtown Toronto Hazelview Properties is also in the process of receiving the Rainbow Registered accreditation for its corporate offices and select properties within its Toronto/GTA portfolio as part of the organization's larger commitment to create inclusive environments where diversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated. "We are thrilled to recognize Hazelview Properties as Canada's first Rainbow Registered residential rental building. This milestone reflects a powerful commitment to inclusive housing—one where 2SLGBTQI+ residents are not just welcomed, but meaningfully supported. By embedding equity into its policies, training, and everyday operations, Hazelview is setting a new standard for what it means to build community. We're proud to stand alongside them as they lead by example." says Connor McKiggan (They/Him), National Business Development Manager, Canadian 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce What Does it Mean to be Rainbow Registered? Rainbow Registered is an accreditation program run by Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC). The accreditation program grants a time-limited recognition to businesses and organizations for demonstrating compliance with the quality standard. Accredited businesses are deemed market-ready for the 2SLGBTQI+ customer and given the right to be associated with the program's prestigious Rainbow Registered designation. Hazelview is a global real estate investment, development, and property management firm. Since 1999, Hazelview has delivered strong, risk-adjusted returns across all market cycles by taking an ownership-driven approach and leveraging deep local and global market insights. The firm invests in both private and public real estate markets through its strategically integrated platform.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ontario's Bill 17 could help housing supply, but affordability will remain an issue
Developers have welcomed Bill 17, the Ontario government's newly proposed legislation that seeks to make building new homes easier — but affordability, a dominant concern in the province, is likely to remain an issue in the years ahead, experts say. Bill 17, or the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, was announced earlier this week, with measures aiming to accelerate permits and approvals, simplify development charges and fast-track infrastructure projects, especially around transit corridors. The head of real estate development at rental developer Hazelview, Michael Williams, says the bill 'tackles key friction points that have been highlighted that delay purpose-built rental for us,' but adds that nothing will solve Ontario's housing issues all at once. Michael Waters, CEO of developer Minto Group, offers a similar take. 'It's not the silver bullet, it's not going to solve everything, but I think it's a step in the right direction,' he said. Housing affordability has been a hot-button issue in Canada. A major factor driving the problem has been a shortage of supply, with new housing stock failing to keep up with recent population growth. Affordability has been especially bad in Ontario, and the Greater Toronto Area in particular. A report this week from Desjardins Economic Studies found that despite a slight improvement in 2024, 'the benchmark price for all types of housing is highly unaffordable for residents of Ontario.' Bill 17 might help accelerate the addition of housing supply, says Carolyn Whitzman, a senior housing researcher at the University of Toronto School of Cities, but it will do little to help lower-income residents who have been priced out of virtually every market. 'Absolutely there's a need for something, anything to be built, but it needs to be a supply that has some relationship to who needs what housing where, and at what cost,' Whitzman said. 'And I simply haven't seen much evidence that the provincial government understands that in its legislation.' There's actually a lot of uncertainty in those processes, and uncertainty is a killer, from the perspective of allocating or investing Waters, CEO of Minto Group Both Williams and Waters hail Bill 17's measures to standardize processes across municipalities. Williams notes that at present, requirements for planning studies 'change dramatically from municipality to municipality,' requiring adjustments to new frameworks on potentially every submission. Waters calls the current situation around approval processes 'one of the biggest roadblocks or inhibitors for housing supply coming online more quickly. … There's actually a lot of uncertainty in those processes, and uncertainty is a killer, from the perspective of allocating or investing capital.' Additionally, Williams highlights the bill's provisions to fast-track development around transit hubs. 'I think everyone's hyper motivated to build around transit, as municipalities have been somewhat restrictive around existing and future transit nodes and having densified areas,' he said. 'I think that's really good that they address it, but it stands out that they've acknowledged that it's a problem.' The simplifying of development charges would also make a huge difference, Waters says. 'You pay the development charges when you pull the permit, but of course, the project begins months and years and years before, when you acquired the land,' he said. 'And so, accurately forecasting the level of development charges is a challenge, and they won't be levied for years.' Waters and Williams both note other issues not addressed by the bill which could still affect the efficiency and affordability of housing in Ontario, including the ongoing shortage of skilled labour. Waters says approval timelines should also be standardized. "I could give you examples in the city of Toronto where it has taken us over a decade to get an urban redevelopment site rezoned and site plan approved,' he said. 'That does not make sense. It is inconsistent with the state of crisis we have in housing supply." For Whitzman, the chief problem is that the new measures would likely facilitate the supply of housing only 'for the upper middle class and the wealthy.' On the affordability front, she says the Ontario government is ignoring past studies and task forces that offer proven solutions. 'What does work is the Ontario government getting back into financing and supporting and setting targets for non-market housing,' Whitzman said. 'And by non-market housing, I mean public housing, cooperative housing, supportive housing and other forms of housing that are provided by nonprofit organizations.' John MacFarlane is a senior reporter at Yahoo Finance Canada. Follow him on Twitter @jmacf. Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Cision Canada
08-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Hazelview Investments Secures One of the Largest CMHC Loans to Deliver 856 Purpose-Built Rental Homes in Toronto's West End
TORONTO, May 8, 2025 /CNW/ - Hazelview Investments has secured one of the largest CMHC-insured loans ever issued under the MLI Select program. The funding will advance the development of 856 new purpose-built rental homes in one of Toronto's most ambitious and community-oriented master-planned sites, located at the intersection of Bloor St. West and Dufferin Ave. Financing for this construction loan was provided by First National Financial LP. This financing reflects Hazelview's disciplined approach to capital structuring. By aligning our development strategy with housing priorities at every level, we are able to access high-quality financing solutions that enhance project performance and reduce long-term risk. This CMHC-insured loan is a clear example of how thoughtful engagement with government programs can unlock value for both investors and communities. "Securing this financing reflects our belief that doing the right thing for communities also delivers long-term value for investors," said Michael Williams, Head of Development at Hazelview Investments. "The scale and structure of this loan allow us to move forward confidently with a project that meets high standards for livability, sustainability, and financial performance." Exceeding MLI Select Requirements Hazelview's application to CMHC qualified under both the energy efficiency and accessibility categories of the MLI Select program. The development surpassed baseline requirements, resulting in a total of 120 points, above the program's maximum benefits threshold. Energy Efficiency The project earned the full 100-point energy efficiency incentive by achieving ~40 percent improvement over the National Energy Code for Buildings (2017), driving meaningful reductions in both energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while also providing enhanced indoor comfort, better air quality, and reduced utility costs for future residents. Accessibility Hazelview achieved an additional 20 points through Rick Hansen Foundation Level 1 certification. The building complies with CSA B651:23, meaning all homes are 100 percent visitable and all common areas are barrier-free. A share of units will meet full accessibility standards under the Rick Hansen framework. These features offer meaningful benefits to residents, including those with permanent or temporary disabilities, older adults, and families with young children. The design enables safe, independent movement throughout the building and supports more inclusive urban living. Designed as a Complete Community The overall project is part of a broader vision to deliver long-term community value. A historic $79.8 million community benefits package is included as part of the development of this site, including a $12.5 million cash contribution to establish land trusts that will acquire affordable housing. The community benefits package includes: a new City-owned community hub and daycare on the first two floors of the former Kent School building an 8-storey building with 56 purpose-built units to be conveyed to the City, exclusively for public affordable rental housing a new bus-accessible public road that prioritizes the safe and convenient transportation for students and visitors alike a new public park an underground pedestrian connection to the Dufferin TTC subway station Each of these elements was designed with the surrounding neighbourhood in mind. By integrating housing, amenities, and infrastructure into one connected plan, Hazelview is contributing to the long-term social and economic health of the area. "Bloor Street is one of those centrepieces of Toronto. It's a historic street that defines the east-west spine of the city. Hazelview's vision for this landmark corner of Bloor St. W and Dufferin Ave., helps raise the standard for apartment living in our city, one that we have yet to see at this quality and scale. They are helping create a true vertical neighbourhood, that is accessible, sustainable, and family-oriented. It's the kind of multi-unit housing Toronto needs very badly, and we are thrilled that we were able to help support that vision," says Barry Gidney, AVP, Commercial, First National Financial LP. Hazelview's integrated investment and development platform allows us to execute large-scale projects with alignment from concept through operations. With over two decades of experience and a deep understanding of local markets, we continue to invest with discipline, insight, and an ownership mindset. For more information, visit: Bloor & Dufferin – Hazelview. About Hazelview: Hazelview is a global real estate investment, development, and property management firm. Since 1999, Hazelview has delivered strong, risk-adjusted returns across all market cycles by taking an ownership-driven approach and leveraging deep local and global market insights. The firm invests in both private and public real estate markets through its strategically integrated platform. With a focus on purpose-built rental communities, Hazelview develops and manages high-quality residential properties that prioritize resident wellbeing and fosters community connection. To learn more, visit and
