Affordable Housing For Black Creatives Opens At Cherry House In Canary Landing
In a city where rising rents continue to push artists and cultural workers to the margins, a new housing opportunity is offering something rare in Toronto: stability, affordability, and community; designed with Black creatives in mind.
The Blackhurst Cultural Centre has officially opened applications for 12 affordable rental units at Cherry House, a newly built residential development in Canary Landing. The units were secured through a partnership with Tricon Residential and WoodGreen Community Services, with the shared goal of creating long-term, accessible housing for Black artists, cultural workers, and community members.
Applications are now open for Phase 1 of the selection process.
Housing as Cultural Infrastructure
As a Black-led cultural organization, Blackhurst has long understood housing as more than shelter; it’s infrastructure for creativity, family life, and generational stability. This initiative reflects a growing movement across the city to treat housing as a cultural necessity, not a luxury.
The 12 units include a mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites, offered at 40% and 80% of Average Market Rent (AMR). All units are rent-controlled under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act and are fully integrated throughout the Cherry House building, with the same finishes and design as market-rate apartments.
“Your presence to live, work, and play will help build legacies into the future footprint of this iconic neighbourhood,” Blackhurst shared in its call to applicants.
A Neighbourhood Designed for Living and Creating
Cherry House sits at the centre of one of Toronto’s fastest-growing communities. Residents will have access to extensive amenities that support both daily life and creative practice, including:
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Fitness centres and wellness spaces
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Community lounges and co-working areas
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Outdoor terraces and gathering spaces
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Smoke-free, purpose-built rental suites
Beyond the building, the neighbourhood offers direct access to streetcar and bus routes, bike lanes, and quick connections to Union Station. Cultural landmarks such as the Distillery District and St. Lawrence Market are just steps away, along with Corktown Common, schools, childcare centres, grocery stores, and community hubs.
Who Can Apply?
Blackhurst is seeking applicants who align with its broader mission of fostering an inclusive, engaged cultural community.
Eligible applicants include:
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Professional artists, defined through a range of criteria such as public presentation of work, professional recognition, compensation, training, or association membership
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Emerging artists, including those early in their careers who are building practice, skills, and visibility
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Non-profit arts professionals with a minimum of five years of full-time employment in the sector
Applicants do not need to meet every listed criterion. Instead, the Tenant Selection Committee uses the guidelines holistically to assess eligibility and fit.
Importantly, the quality of an artist’s work is not evaluated during the selection process; only eligibility, alignment, and capacity.
Application Process
The application process is divided into two phases and is assessed jointly by Blackhurst and WoodGreen Community Services, alongside an independent Tenant Selection Committee.
Phase 1 requires:
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General personal information
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An artist CV, bio, or portfolio
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A 350–500 word Statement of Interest, outlining why the opportunity matters to you, how the space will support your work, and how you hope to contribute to the community
Applicants selected for Phase 2 will be asked to provide financial documentation and additional eligibility materials. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews, and unit tours will be available.
How to Apply
Applications must be emailed to:
affordablehousing@blackhurstcc.org
Full eligibility details, unit information, and application instructions are available here.
Photo Credits: Tricon Residential
