Daniels and Choice Properties partner with Mary Centre and Kerry’s Place to
support independent living for adults with developmental disabilities at Uniti
TORONTO, ON – (July 8, 2024) – The Daniels Corporation (Daniels) and Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (Choice Properties) (TSX: CHP.UN) gathered with Mary Centre and Kerry’s Place to welcome residents to their new homes at Uniti rental residence in Brampton, Ontario. Driven by a shared commitment to building inclusive communities, Daniels and Choice Properties dedicated six accessible homes at Uniti to Mary Centre and Kerry’s Place, not-for-profit organizations supporting individuals with Autism and developmental disabilities. Made possible with support from Peel Region, this is a first-of-its-kind initiative in Peel and represents a meaningful collaboration in providing safe, inclusive housing that empowers individuals to live independently and build the stable foundation they need to thrive.
In Ontario, more than 52,000 people living with a developmental disability are currently on waiting lists for critical supports and services and one of the most urgent needs is safe, affordable housing. This partnership at Uniti underscores the power of cross-sector collaboration in expanding housing opportunities for these communities’ experiencing inequities, and creating vibrant, inclusive communities where everyone is valued and feels a sense of belonging.
This impactful initiative was supported by Peel Region through the Community Agency Subsidy Program (CASP), which aims to expand housing opportunities for vulnerable populations in Peel region. Through this program, Mary Centre and Kerry’s Place gained access to rental supplements, enhancing affordability and allowing them to secure a five-year head lease at Uniti to provide housing for ten adults with developmental disabilities. It’s a major milestone in expanding housing opportunities for the communities they serve, as it’s the first time Mary Centre and Kerry’s Place have acquired accessible homes that exceed Ontario Building Code standards within a purpose-built rental community in Peel. Access to safe, affordable housing allows for stability, security and opportunity that would otherwise have been out of reach for people with disabilities. With this vital foundation, they can now embrace their independence and shift their focus towards achieving their professional and personal goals.
“Peel is proud to celebrate this cross-sector collaboration to bring safe, inclusive homes to our residents. Our goal is to create a community for life where everyone enjoys a sense of belonging and has access to the services and opportunities needed to thrive in each stage of their lives.”
– Nando Iannicca, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Peel Region
Designed under Daniels Accessibility Designed Program (ADP), the homes exceed the accessibility standards outlined in the Ontario Building Code (OBC), incorporating thoughtful and innovative design features that remove barriers to accessibility and encourage independent living. For Mary Centre and Kerry’s Place, these homes offer much more than just a safe place to live. They create a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals with developmental disabilities feel welcomed and respected as full and equal members of the community.
“We’re thankful for the partnership with Daniels and Choice, and the support from Peel Region, in enabling Kerry’s Place to provide safe, welcoming, and affordable homes for the individuals we support, along with greater peace of mind for their families. This initiative is an important step for Kerry’s Place in addressing the growing demand for accessible housing in Ontario and bringing us closer to our goal of expanding our housing capacity by 25% in the next eight years.”
– Susan VanDeVelde-Coke, President and CEO, Kerry’s Place Autism Services
“Mary Centre helps people in Building a Good Life by creating new opportunities for adults who have a developmental disability – helping them work towards personal independence so they can lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. We are very pleased to partner with Daniels, Choice Properties, Peel Region and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to support four people at the Uniti rental residence. This is a great example of partnership, which is improving the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in our society.” – Kevin Finnerty, Board President, Mary Centre
Ensuring the ADP suites within the building reached those who would benefit most was very important for both Daniels and Choice Properties, reflecting their deep commitment to fostering inclusion in the communities they build in. These homes were designed with the vision of creating an inclusive living experience that promotes the well-being of people with disabilities or looking to age in place. By establishing partnerships with Mary Centre and Kerry’s Place, Daniels and Choice Properties are making this vision a reality and setting a new standard for integrating accessible, affordable housing options within our communities. The additional investment from Peel Region provided under CASP, deepened affordability for Mary Centre and Kerry’s Place, creating the opportunity for residents to secure the six homes at below market rate.
“Our partnership with Mary’s Centre and Kerry’s Place demonstrates the impact we can achieve when all sectors come together under a shared vision of building healthy, inclusive communities for everyone. From the onset, our vision at Uniti was to create a community where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. By prioritizing accessibility and working closely with dedicated partners like Choice, we’re providing more than just housing opportunities. We’re creating real impact and demonstrating the value of building communities where inclusion is the standard, not the exception.”
– Adam Molson, Vice President, The Daniels Corporation. “
“Our collaboration with Daniels, Mary Centre and Kerry’s Place embodies our purpose of creating places where everyone can thrive. By infusing accessible and affordable housing options within Uniti, we are not merely constructing residences but nurturing an environment that supports the well-being and independence of all individuals. This partnership underscores our dedication to strengthening communities, and ensuring our developments positively contribute to the social and economic vitality of Brampton.”- Orit Sarfaty, Vice President, Sustainability and Placemaking, Choice Properties.
Built in partnership with Choice Properties, Uniti is a 26-storey rental residence within the award-winning Daniels Mount Pleasant Village (MPV) master-planned community in Brampton. As one of Brampton’s first purpose-built rental residences in over a decade, it sets a new standard for urban living, providing residents with seamless access to nature, local amenities
and the convenience of Mount Pleasant GO Station.
For more information about Uniti rental residence in Brampton, please visit: https://www.liveatuniti.ca/
About The Daniels Corporation (Daniels)
The Daniels Corporation, named the 2025 BILD Home Builder of the Year, is one of Canada’s pre-eminent builders and developers, with nearly 40,000 new homes built across the Greater Toronto Area for over 40 years. Daniels is the developer of TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto’s Entertainment District and the City of the Arts community on Toronto’s East Bayfront. Among its many initiatives, Daniels partnered with Toronto Community Housing to revitalize 53 of the 69-acre Regent Park community in Toronto — now home to the World Urban Pavilion, a collaboration between the Urban Economy Forum, UN-Habitat, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and Daniels. Recognized for its leadership, professionalism, and commitment to design excellence, construction quality, and customer care, Daniels goes beyond building homes. With a deep understanding that quality of life is created by more than physical structures, it integrates building excellence with opportunities for social, cultural, and economic well-being.
About Choice Properties
Choice Properties is a leading Real Estate Investment Trust that creates enduring value through places where people thrive. Choice Properties is more than a national owner, operator and developer of high-quality commercial and residential real estate. It believes in creating spaces that enhance how its tenants and communities come together to live, work, and connect. This includes Choice Properties’ industry leadership in integrating environmental, social and economic sustainability practices into all aspects of its business. In everything it does, Choice Properties is guided by a shared set of values grounded in Care, Ownership, Respect and Excellence.
For more information, visit Choice Properties’ website at www.choicereit.ca and Choice Properties’ issuer profile at www.sedarplus.ca.
About Kerry’s Place Autism Services
Kerry’s Place is Canada’s largest Autism services provider and the only one supporting the lifespan of kids, youth, adults, and their families. Over our 50 years, we’ve built homes, locations, and partnerships across southeastern Ontario to help Autistic individuals of every age and ability build skills, gain independence, make friends, and achieve their goals. For regular updates about our services, follow us on Instagram @kerrysplaceautismservices and LinkedIn.
About Mary Centre
Mary Centre strives to meet the needs of people with a developmental disability by providing a variety of community-based residential and community-focused support services in the Greater Toronto Area. We welcome people of all faiths, while reflecting Catholic values.
People with developmental disabilities are vital and integral members of our community life. At Mary Centre, we believe that focusing on the strengths and contributions of those who have a developmental disability enriches the lives of everyone.
About Peel Region
Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon. Peel’s services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information, explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
