As the GTA condo market faces a prolonged slowdown, developers are pivoting away from the traditional small-unit model to capture a massive, underserved demographic: the ‘grey glacier.’ With one in five Canadians now over 65, builders like Daniels Corporation and Collecdev-Markee are increasingly prioritizing Universal Design—incorporating features like wide hallways, barrier-free suites, and intuitive way-finding.
Projects like the 494-unit rental development on Merton Street are leveraging federal programs like the CMHC’s MLI Select to fund these accessibility-forward designs. By integrating wellness spaces and multi-generational living, developers are finding that building for accessibility is not just a social good—it’s a competitive edge that secures financing and attracts long-term tenants. As high-rise projects stall, this shift toward purpose-built, accessible rentals may finally provide the supply shift Toronto’s aging population has been waiting for. Read the full story at thestar.com to see how developers are reshaping the future of urban living.
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