New Yorkdale Development Prioritizes Long-Term Renters with Family-Focused Design
Fitzrovia's ambitious three-tower community at Dufferin Street and Highway 401 represents a significant shift in Toronto's rental landscape, specifically targeting households seeking permanent rental solutions rather than transitional housing. The Sloane development's strategic location near Yorkdale Shopping Centre and subway access provides natural appeal, but its comprehensive amenities package and family-oriented layouts distinguish it from conventional purpose-built rental properties.
Spacious Suites Designed for Livability
Approximately 65 percent of the development's 758 suites feature two or three bedrooms, reflecting a deliberate strategy to accommodate larger households. Adrian Rocca, founder and CEO of Fitzrovia, emphasizes that creating genuinely livable spaces was paramount. "We were intentional about not just offering larger units, but ensuring they feel livable," Rocca explains. "With over 900 square feet of open-concept living, oversized kitchen islands, and bedrooms strategically split across suites for enhanced privacy, these units avoid the compressed feeling common in many rental properties."
Phased Occupancy and Market Response
The development's rollout has progressed systematically, with the 22-storey South Tower initiating leasing several months ago, followed by the 28-storey West Tower. The 29-storey East Tower is scheduled to begin occupancy in early 2026. Despite broader softening in Toronto's rental market, leasing activity has remained robust, with 21 percent of units already spoken for as of late December. Interest has been consistently distributed across all three buildings, despite variations in pricing and amenity offerings.
Comprehensive Amenities and Community Programming
Amenities are concentrated within a shared podium connecting the West and East towers, featuring an impressive array of facilities including a full-size indoor basketball court, comprehensive fitness and wellness spaces with spa features, rooftop swimming pools, coworking lounges, private theaters, bowling lanes, and dedicated children's play areas. The community centers around a landscaped public park serving as an outdoor gathering space.
Dedicated on-site staff coordinate regular lifestyle programming and events designed to foster resident interaction. This community-building approach responds directly to demographic trends showing increasing numbers of renters for whom rental housing represents a long-term arrangement rather than a temporary phase.
Innovative Features Supporting Long-Term Residency
The Sloane development incorporates several non-traditional rental features, including a partnership enabling residents to earn Aeroplan points on rent payments and access to virtual healthcare services through Cleveland Clinic, both included in the rental package. The property also hosts Bloomsbury Academy, Fitzrovia's Montessori-inspired early childhood education center for children aged 18 months to six years, plus allocated space for a publicly funded daycare operated jointly by the City of Toronto and Toronto District School Board.
Accessibility considerations include select units with wider doorways and adapted bathrooms, while other suites incorporate features supporting Shabbat observance through kosher kitchens, light timers, and touch-free elevators.
Demographic Alignment and Market Evolution
This comprehensive approach aligns precisely with local demographic patterns. According to Rocca, nearly half of households surrounding Yorkdale mall are renters—significantly exceeding the Greater Toronto Area average—with much existing rental stock predating contemporary quality and accessibility standards. Citywide data reveals renter households with occupants aged 55 to 74 have increased approximately 65 percent over the past two decades, driving demand for professionally managed long-term rental housing.
Rocca characterizes Sloane as a "third-generation" project reflecting Fitzrovia's evolution in amenity programming, interior design, and architectural execution. "The size and scale of this project allowed us to introduce amenities we haven't implemented previously," he notes, highlighting the company's first dedicated spa facility and its largest fitness center to date.
