As Toronto faces unprecedented population growth fueling housing market demand, Fitzrovia has opened Elm-Ledbury at Queen and Church St. in Toronto: a purpose-built rental community designed to offer not just a place to live, but a space where residents, including newcomers to Canada, can build a life. To be clear: purpose-built rentals like Elm-Ledbury aren’t condos for rent by individual owners, they are vibrant rental communities designed from the ground up to meet the unique needs of families, young professionals and downsizers—think long-term stability, tailored amenities and high-quality craftsmanship. This thoughtfully designed, two-tower development includes Bloomsbury Academy, a Montessori-inspired early childhood education centre and access to digital healthcare through the Cleveland Clinic, providing seamless convenience and resources for busy families. Plus, Fitzrovia’s approach to rental living prioritizes wellness and social connection with amenities like a state-of-the art commercial-grade gym, professional basketball court, rooftop pools, 10 DEAN café—and even a pet spa. We sat down with Jenna Chick, Director of Leasing, and Tara Silver, Director of Bloomsbury Academy, to discover how this incredible development is challenging how we think about rental living, and why this approach is a true trailblazer for Toronto’s housing market. —Vita Daily
With Toronto’s housing demand at record levels, how does Fitzrovia balance supply with quality?
At Fitzrovia, we invest for the long-term and focus on building communities that last. Purpose-built rental communities like Elm-Ledbury add 542 much needed rental suites to the market. Elm-Ledbury opened this summer and was designed using high-quality materials and layouts that meet real needs—such as a larger number of family-sized 2- and 3-bedroom suites. These aren’t condos turned into rentals; they’re exclusively rental homes built with a focus on quality. By doing this, we address housing demand while providing spaces where people can live well and put down roots.
With homeownership out of reach for many, how do purpose-built rentals offer a solution?
Purpose-built rental communities offer an alternative to homeownership. Elm-Ledbury is located in a prime downtown location complemented with amenities that outpace what one might own, making renting a practical and elevated lifestyle choice for today’s families, professionals and downsizers. Purpose-built rentals like Elm-Ledbury provide a stable living option where residents never have to worry about their unit being sold in order for an owner to move in.
Elm-Ledbury is described as redefining rental living. What does that mean, and who does it serve?
Redefining rental living means creating communities where people can genuinely put down roots and build their lives, whether they’re families, young professionals or downsizers. For families, it’s about access to resources like schools, healthcare, outdoor play areas and parenting workshops — all just an elevator ride away. For young professionals, it’s spaces that encourage balance, such as co-working hubs and amenities focused on wellness and balance. And for downsizers, it’s effortless living with thoughtfully designed suites and exceptional service. Elm-Ledbury shows that renting is an elevated lifestyle choice, an alternative to homeownership.
Social infrastructure is a focus for Fitzrovia. How does Elm-Ledbury reflect this, and why is it important?
Social infrastructure—like education, healthcare and resources for social connection—is essential to creating communities that will truly thrive. At Elm-Ledbury, Bloomsbury Academy offers young families seamless access to quality education right in the building, while Cleveland Clinic virtual healthcare is included in monthly rent to ensure every resident can access health services. This is especially important for new Canadians, who often face challenges navigating health and education systems. We’re easing that burden by integrating these services into the living experience, making life simpler, healthier and more connected.
How does Elm-Ledbury support families in building a full life in the city?
We designed Elm-Ledbury to ease the pressures of city living for families, especially when 70 per cent of parents report stress from juggling work, childcare, and commuting. At its heart is Bloomsbury Academy, our in-house Montessori-inspired early education centre for children aged 18 months to six years. We are offering high-quality childcare just steps from home, eliminating the need for long commutes and offering parents much-needed time and convenience. The curriculum blends self-regulation, creativity and modern parenting approaches for a post-COVID world, while also helping new Canadian families adjust and thrive in Toronto.
The amenities at Elm-Ledbury aren’t your average pool and gym. What inspired this design?
Our approach is simple: we listen to what people want and visit the best properties around the world for inspiration. The North Court basketball court aligns with our role as the Official Rental Housing Provider of the Toronto Raptors. It’s also an open play space for our Bloomsbury students. Our commercial-grade gym was designed by an NHL strength coach and integrates both a Peloton and Pilates studios. Features like the Formula 1 and ski and snowboard simulators let residents experience tracks and slopes from around the world without leaving home. Our rooftop pools and terraces with a pizza oven from Italy lets our residents unwind and enjoy. We’ve designed amenities like these to bring people together, foster connection and make everyday life more rewarding right where you live.
Does Elm-Ledbury also have an integrated retail experience?
Absolutely. We integrated 10 DEAN, our in-house third-wave café across Fitzrovia Collection communities, as a gathering spot where residents and locals alike can walk in, grab coffee, enjoy a cocktail or even host a casual event. Beauty for the Beast caters to pet owners, offering professional-grade grooming equipment and pet-friendly soaps, as well as an outdoor dog run. These services aren’t just about conveniences—they’re part of building a community where people feel cared for in every aspect of their lives.
As property owners and managers, how does Fitzrovia approach the resident experience?
Hospitality is in our DNA. Our team of onsite hospitality professionals are trained by The Ritz-Carlton and Disney Institute and they focus on anticipating residents’ needs. Whether it’s personalized attention, assisting with a move in, or maintaining impeccably curated spaces, we want residents to feel like they’re living in a boutique hotel, with all the ease and care that comes with it. It’s about creating a level of service that feels exceptional yet natural—where residents feel truly at home.
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