Seventy-two years ago West Lodge Apartments rose. Two curved eighteen-story towers stood tall. They were joined at the base by a five-story section. A convenience store thrived on the second floor. This is West Lodge Apartments. Right here in Parkdale Toronto.
From the very beginning West Lodge had problems. Numerous building code violations plagued it. Disrepair became its unfortunate trademark. Tenants organized. They fought for their rights. Their struggles spanned decades.
In the 1970s tenants took their fight to the Supreme Court of Canada. They aimed to buy West Lodge. They dreamed of cooperative housing. Their ambitious bid ultimately failed. A last-minute higher bid from the previous owners dashed their hopes.
Ownership changed hands repeatedly. Wynn Group Bnai Fischel and Timbercreek Asset Management all owned it. Currently Hazelview Properties is the owner. The story of West Lodge is a tale of persistent challenges. It’s also a testament to the enduring spirit of its tenants.
In 2016 West Lodge received the most code violations in the city. The building’s past was undeniably troubled. It was even nicknamed Worst Lodge. A tenant once called it the Harlem of Parkdale.
Yet today a different story unfolds. Hazelview Properties invested over $23 million. They aimed to transform West Lodge into sustainable and resilient apartment buildings.
The revitalization was extensive. It included building improvements. There were upgrades to systems and technology. There were plantings of over 1000 trees and shrubs. New community features appeared. A community hub opened. It offers programs and activities for residents.
A new community garden flourished. Indoor lobby libraries offered quiet spaces. An outdoor fountain provided a place for relaxation. Play spaces for children enhanced family life.
The transformation is ongoing. The goal is to build a welcoming and safe community. West Lodge stands as a symbol of resilience. It’s a testament to the power of community organizing and redevelopment. It is a story of hope amidst past struggles. It’s a story that continues to be written. This is West Lodge Apartments. A place of ongoing transformation. A place of community. A place of hope.