Nov 13, 2025
Brampton is taking another important step forward in tackling the housing crisis as the Labourers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), together with development partners Fengate and the Hi-Rise Group, officially breaks ground on a 35-storey, 400-unit purpose-built rental building at Church and Main. The project is one of the largest private rental housing investments underway in the city, and demonstrates the powerful role labour, industry and development partners can play in building more homes for Ontarians.
The announcement brought together leaders from across the housing and construction sectors, including Matt Stainton, President of SG Constructors, and the Honourable John Zerucelli, Canada’s Secretary of State (Labour). Their presence highlighted the importance of public, private, and labour collaboration to fast-track the supply of rental housing.
When complete, the new tower will deliver 400 modern rental homes in a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units, meeting the needs of newcomers, students, young professionals and families. Located in the heart of Brampton’s rapidly growing downtown, the development will add much-needed supply in a city that continues to experience some of the fastest population growth in Canada. Brampton’s population is projected to grow by 41% by 2051, intensifying the need for attainable, high-quality rental housing.
Fengate, a key partner in the project, emphasized the significance of advancing construction at a time when many developments across the country have been delayed. In the words of Jaime McKenna, President of Fengate Real Estate, the groundbreaking represents “more than a ceremonial turning of soil.” She noted that, while many others have paused projects due to economic pressures, this development shows a continued commitment to “building and closing Canada’s housing gap” through strong partnerships and long-term investment.
Housing experts agree on the urgency of building more rental homes. The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) recently warned that the Greater Toronto Area could face a shortfall of over 120,000 rental units within the next decade unless construction accelerates. Similarly, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) reports that rental vacancy rates across major urban centres sit at around 2%, far below what a healthy market requires. These figures underline why purpose-built rental projects like Church & Main matter now more than ever.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown praised LIUNA for putting real solutions on the ground.
“LIUNA isn’t just talking about housing — they’re taking action. Their investment in building the homes we need today is exactly the kind of leadership that helps Brampton families find attainable, high-quality places to live.”
Joseph Mancinelli, LIUNA International Vice President and Regional Manager for Central and Eastern Canada, highlighted the union’s commitment to building strong communities.
“Today’s groundbreaking at Church & Main is an important step toward bringing 400 much-needed rental homes to the heart of Brampton. It reflects LiUNA’s ongoing commitment to practical housing solutions, strong communities and responsible investment on behalf of our Members. As Brampton continues to grow, projects like this help meet the demand for attainable, quality rentals while creating good union jobs and supporting local economic development. I want to thank Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, Secretary of State for Labour Joseph Zerucelli, and our project partners for their collaboration. And most importantly, I want to recognize the Members of LiUNA, whose skill and dedication make projects like this possible. We remain firmly focused on building for today and for the future.”
The groundbreaking of Church & Main marks the fourth residential community to advance to construction this year within the LIUNA–Fengate partnership, reinforcing their shared commitment to delivering a stronger, more resilient housing market across Canada. With shovels now in the ground, the 400-unit tower will soon rise in downtown Brampton — a tangible example of what can be achieved when labour, development partners and municipalities work together with urgency and purpose.