The federal government, City of London, and Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) have jointly revealed a $10 million investment for a supportive housing initiative in SoHo, London. The funding aims to augment the efforts of non-profit organization Indwell in converting the abandoned War Memorial Children’s Hospital at 392 South Street into a community with 42 affordable units, support services, and communal spaces.
Of the total funding, $8.6 million will be provided by the federal government’s Affordable Housing Fund, $2.6 million by the City of London, and $120,000 by CMHC’s seed funding program. Mayor Josh Morgan, accompanied by Liberal Members of Parliament Arielle Kayabaga and Peter Fragiskatos, expressed optimism about the impact of this support on individuals facing housing challenges in the SoHo area.
The project is part of the multi-phase redevelopment of the old Victoria Hospital lands led by the Vision SoHo Alliance, a consortium of six non-profit developers. The alliance envisions approximately 690 units, including 410 affordable units and 280 market-rate units upon completion.
Work on the Hilda Stewart Lofts, the former children’s hospital building, began in 2023 and is slated for tenant occupancy in 2026, slightly delayed from the initial target of 2025. Mayor Morgan emphasized the significance of long-term housing solutions over temporary shelters, highlighting the ongoing redevelopment efforts in SoHo as vital for sustainable housing solutions.
Transforming a century-old hospital into modern housing poses challenges, as project manager David Kupp from Flourish, an affordable housing consultancy under Indwell, explained. While some aspects of the building’s layout are conducive to housing, significant adaptations are required to meet current standards, such as mechanical, plumbing, and electrical upgrades.
Heritage features of the building, including terrazzo floors and masonry, are being preserved, showcasing a blend of restoration and modernization for future sustainability. Lessons learned from renovating the former children’s hospital will inform the conversion of the nearby Victoria Health Services Building, enhancing the efficiency of future restoration projects.
The project reflects a step towards addressing housing affordability and homelessness in London, underlining the importance of sustainable housing solutions for the community’s well-being.