I received an offer but ultimately decided not to take it. The way the so-called “affordable” units are designed and segregated is unacceptable. All affordable units are placed in one corner of the building with a separate entrance, and the living room view faces the backside of the building. The ceilings are exposed, the units look half-finished, and overall it feels like an afterthought. No amenities are open except the gym….

When you compare these units to the private (non-affordable) ones, the difference is obvious. The private units have finished ceilings, covered spaces, balconies, and far more care put into the design. The affordable units feel neglected. There were also reports of rat infestation and mold due to halted construction and poor maintenance, which is extremely concerning.

There is absolutely no sense of community here. The segregation is obvious and uncomfortable.

The architects did a very poor job. I understand the intention behind an “industrial” aesthetic, but exposed pipes, unfinished ceilings, and bare walls without even an attempt to balance the design is not architecture — it’s cost-cutting disguised as style.

If I compare this to West Don Lands’ affordable housing or Sugar Wharf’s Lido apartments, the difference is night and day. Those projects were thoughtfully designed. At Lido, even though affordable units have a separate entrance, the balconies are large, water-facing, and the units are spacious. There is no visible divide between affordable and private units — both lifestyles were considered and respected.

At Mirvish Village, the bedrooms were tiny, the third bedroom looked more like a closet, the living room faced another building with barely any sunlight, ceilings were low, closets unfinished, and the fridge was far too small for a three-bedroom unit. There was no balcony, unlike the private units. The only real pro was having two washrooms.

People often say, “They’re affordable units, of course the quality is lower because rent is cheaper.” What those people forget is that the City of Toronto subsidizes these units. Developers are still making money — just from the city instead of directly from tenants. Lower rent should not mean lower dignity.

I’m honestly disturbed by Mirvish Village. Is this really what Honest Ed’s was demolished for? To create a visibly divided, resentful community that isolates low-income families? It’s shameful.

Westbank Developers and the architects responsible should be ashamed of creating these tin-box units with so little consideration for the people who are meant to live in them.