Some of you will recall that back in 2012, I led the charge against the mass sell-off of Toronto Community Housing single family homes, keeping a large majority of them in public ownership and helped propose solutions to put TCH on a stronger financial footing than ever before. As part of this work, a 10-year $2.6 billion capital repair plan for TCH was developed and capital repair spending has increased from $70 million in 2013 to $250 million today.

As part of that plan, we requested that the upper levels of government each fund a 1/3 share of capital repairs. Since then, the City has fully committed its 1/3 share and have called on the upper levels of government to also be active partners with the City in addressing this important shared responsibility.

However, addressing the capital repairs backlog is only one of the critically important parts of placing TCH on the path to long-term success. We must also ensure the organisation is more responsive to tenants and ensure the services provided are best equipped to ensure the long term prosperity and sustainability of our communities. Over the past two years, the City has been engaged in extensive work, first through the Mayor's Task Force on TCH and now the Tenants First Implementation Plan, which will be in front of City Council in July.

The Tenants First report proposes changes to transform TCH and bring it closer to the needs of tenants. The report has been informed by the input of tenants who have shared their lived experience, knowledge and advice as part of this plan.

The report recommends the creation of a new Seniors Housing and Services entity that would be responsible for the management of 83 TCH seniors buildings, better connecting long-term care needs with our Local Health Integration Networks and healthcare services.

In addition, there are recommendations around decentralizing TCH, seeking non-profit, co-op and land trust partners to operate TCH's portfolio of single family homes, creating a new TCH focused on providing housing to families, individuals, youth and vulnerable tenants including seniors, a new funding model to address both short and long term needs, and more. You can read the full report and recommendations here.

This work being undertaken is not easy, but it has the potential to place TCH on the path to long-term sustainability and ensure the 110,000 tenants living in TCH buildings are better served for years to come. I look forward to continuing this important transformative work in consultation with tenants, staff, my colleagues and many community stakeholders.

The City is seeking input on the implementation of the final recommendations from the Mayor's Task Force on Toronto Community Housing Final Report, released in January. Throughout April, the City will be hosting public meetings where tenants can share their views on the recommendations. This input will build on the hard work currently underway to improve the living conditions of Toronto Community Housing residents.

On January 21, 2016, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi visited Toronto to give a keynote speech at the Toronto Board of Trade, outlining the Federal Government's strategy to distribute infrastructure spending. For the first two years of their infrastructure program, they will be focusing infrastructure funding towards shovel ready projects that can make a real impact right away - things like repairs to Toronto Community Housing buildings, TTC equipment, and energy retrofits. Another welcome focus is that they will also be distributing funds to municipalities, who are well positioned to make these investments immediately.

Following the Board of Trade speech, Minister Sohi met with Mayor Tory, Toronto Community Housing officials, and I in order for us to highlight the challenges that TCH is facing and the opportunities that could be realized by investing in social housing repairs. We reiterated the fact that the City is looking to the Federal Government to contribute a 1/3 share of TCH's $2.6 billion 10-year capital plan, which aims to drastically increase the state of good repair in TCH buildings. We also toured Regent Park in order to show Minister Sohi the difference between a brand new and old TCH unit to underscore how much we can improve the quality of life for those who live in TCH communities all across Toronto. I am hopeful that the Federal Government understands how important it is to make these repairs and the need to commit federal funding to do so. 

September and October was an exciting time for action on affordable housing in our city. As Toronto's Housing Advocate I have had the opportunity to participate in a variety of different housing related announcements and activities ranging from announcing new public investments and partnerships in Toronto Community Housing to calling on our federal political parties to make affordable housing commitments. I have included a snapshot of some of the activities I took part in during the past two months.

TCH TAF TowerWise Retrofit Announcement

On Tuesday September 22 I had the pleasure in announcing the TowerWise Retrofit Project – a partnership between the Toronto Atmospheric Fund (TAF) and Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCH). TAF is investing $4.2 million to implement energy efficiency upgrades in seven TCH buildings across Toronto. This project will help create local jobs, improve the environment, reduce carbon emissions, save TCH money, and improve the health and comfort of TCH residents. Supporting this partnership is one example of how the City is working hard to improve the quality of life for TCH residents. With further investment from all levels of government, I sincerely hope that we can make these types of projects a reality in all TCH buildings across Toronto.

Big City Mayors' Caucus Meeting

In late September, Toronto hosted a meeting of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Big City Mayors' Caucus to specifically discuss the issue of affordable housing. The Mayors of Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, London, Kitchener, and Halifax came together and urged all federal political party leaders to play a leadership role on the issue. Affordable housing is an issue that is directly related to the issue that all federal political leaders have decided to focus on during this election campaign: the economy and jobs. I was honoured to participate in their meeting, tour the YWCA's Elm Centre and kick off the press conference. Hopefully following October 19, our federal government will have a renewed focus and energy on this very important issue. 

TCH ReSet Announcement
On September 25 I had the pleasure of helping to announce the launch of ReSet, an innovative approach to capital repairs being piloted in three TCH communities with nearly 900 households. The ReSet program will bundle multiple capital repair jobs in each community and deliver them as one project, resulting in cost savings, faster repairs and safer communities. I am excited that the ReSet program will engage Toronto Community Housing residents while providing quicker, less disruptive and significant capital repairs to their communities. With new investment from the provincial and federal governments, I am confident that we can make the ReSet program a reality in Toronto Community Housing buildings across Toronto. To find out more about this program please click here.

World Habitat Day

The first Monday in October is World Habitat Day and I had the opportunity to read the Mayoral proclamation on behalf of Mayor Tory.

"World Habitat Day is a time to reflect on the state of our cities and towns, emphasize everyone's right to adequate shelter and to remind the world that we all have the power and a responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns.

This year's theme, "Public Spaces for All," sheds light on the importance of providing public spaces that enhance community cohesion and promote health, happiness, and the well-being of all citizens.

The City of Toronto's affordable housing and homelessness initiatives are guided by Toronto's Affordable Housing Action Plan, 2010–2020. It is a plan that helps to affirm the City's commitment to continue working with its partners to address housing needs.

This year, with the assistance of the federal and provincial governments and private and non-profit groups, the City of Toronto is opening 217 affordable rental and ownership homes, while assisting more than 2,500 residents with home repairs."

Lawrence Heights Announcement
Earlier this week, I joined my colleagues Mayor John Tory and Councillor Josh Colle in announcing that phase one of the Lawrence Heights Revitalization project will be getting underway. Prior to the announcement I had the pleasure of meeting with some local residents to discuss life in Lawrence Heights, the revitalization, and their future hopes and dreams. I strongly believe that everyone in our city deserves a secure home where they can build their dreams and enjoy a better life and this partnership will help deliver real results for residents in the vibrant Lawrence Heights community with new, clean, safe, and affordable homes. I am particularly excited by the creation of local employment opportunities and scholarships for residents in Lawrence Heights as part of the revitalization. To find out more about the project please read this backgrounder. 

On Tuesday September 22 I had the pleasure in announcing the TowerWise Retrofit Project – a partnership between the Toronto Atmospheric Fund (TAF) and Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCH). TAF is investing $4.2 million to implement energy efficiency upgrades in seven TCH buildings across Toronto. This project will help create local jobs, improve the environment, reduce carbon emissions, save TCH money, and improve the health and comfort of TCH residents.

The wide range of upgrades in the selected TCH buildings will include the installation of low-flow faucets and toilets, high efficiency boilers, double-glazed windows, and LED lighting. This project is also expected to trim utility costs by 20% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30%. Data and results from the TowerWise Retrofit Project will be will be used to help inform the energy efficiency efforts of TCH, Toronto Hydro, the City, and other municipalities.

Supporting this partnership is one example of how the City is working hard to improve the quality of life for TCH residents. With further investment from all levels of government, I sincerely hope that we can make these types of projects a reality in all TCH buildings across Toronto.

As Co-Chair of the City of Toronto's Close the Housing Gap Campaign, I am pleased to present our Rally Report and our call to action.

More than 400 people overflowed City Hall Council Chambers on April 28, 2015 in a show of support for the Close the Housing Gap campaign. This report highlights the ideas and suggestions expressed at the rally.

NOW IS THE TIME FOR ACTION

• Help spread the word with campaign buttons and posters.
• Ask your elected officials to support the Close the Housing Gap campaign.
• Organize Close the Housing Gap events in your area; request a speaker to participate in your event.
• Send tweets about the campaign using #CloseTheHousingGap or share this report on social media.
• Sign the petition to receive updates and participate in upcoming activities.

For information on the campaign and how you can become more involved visit the website: putpeoplefirst.ca or contact Nicole Stewart at [email protected]

With Bruce Rivers of Covenant House at the launch of this new joint program with the City of Toronto

With the launch of the city’s first specialized, longer-term housing program, young, female victims of sex trafficking will find critically needed support to rebuild their lives, according to Covenant House Toronto, which will operate the new facility.

The community-based residential program with wraparound services is the first step in the agency’s plan to combat sex trafficking with initiatives, including crisis intervention and prevention through public awareness. As the country’s largest agency for homeless youth, Covenant House has offered help to victims for more than 30 years.

“This is largely a domestic issue and we are now seeing dozens of sex-trafficked victims annually, most of whom are local young women,” Bruce Rivers, Covenant House Executive Director, said. “We also estimate that as many as 1,000 of our youth are involved in some form of the sex trade annually, mostly trading sex for survival. Their desperation makes them highly vulnerable to sexual exploitation for profit.”

“We know that homeless youth are targeted by predators and we also know that unsuspecting young girls in schools, malls and online are also lured into this kind of sex slavery,” Rivers adds. “We are launching our housing program as the first step in a concerted effort to do more to tackle this vicious and unacceptable crime.”

Mayor John Tory, City Councillor Ana Bailão, Toronto Community Housing Interim President and CEO Greg Spearn, Toronto Police Deputy Chief Mark Saunders and Marg Stanowski of The Rotary Club of Toronto’s Women’s Initiatives Committee were among special guests who lent their support to the plan at today’s announcement at the downtown agency.

"I'm proud that the City of Toronto is working with Toronto Community Housing and Covenant House to create a sanctuary for young women who have been victimized by human traffickers," Mayor Tory said. "I particularly want to thank Councillor Ana Bailão, whom I recently appointed the City's Housing Advocate, for her significant efforts in bringing this initiative to life."

 Under the agreement, Toronto Community Housing will lease a property to Covenant House for 15 years at a nominal rent, while Covenant House will fund all ongoing operating and maintenance costs. The city has agreed to provide capital funding for repairs and renovations to the location to be completed in the coming months. To ensure the privacy of residents, the location will remain confidential.The program which will house up to seven residents, aged 16 to 24, at a time is the result of a partnership between Covenant House, The Rotary Club of Toronto’s Women’s Initiatives Committee, Toronto Community Housing and the City of Toronto.

“This partnership is another example of our city building role and how, through partnerships, we are contributing to a greater city,” says Greg Spearn, President and CEO (Interim), Toronto Community Housing. “By working together, we can achieve our vision of better homes, better neighbourhoods, and a better Toronto for all.”

Through the leadership of the Women’s Initiatives Committee, and relying on the extensive expertise of Wendy Leaver, a former Toronto Police Sex Crimes Unit detective, community consultations were held to help develop the plan, including the assessment of programs in other Canadian cities.

“This is a very proud day for The Rotary Club of Toronto’s Women’s Initiatives Committee,” says Marg Stanowski, who provided early leadership on the Committee in prioritizing this complex and often-neglected community issue. “Over the past four years, we remained steadfast in our commitment to help build the awareness, support and partnerships to establish this facility for sexually exploited, young female victims. Standing here with Covenant House Toronto, Toronto Community Housing and the City of Toronto reinforces how local collaborations like these can turn a vision into a true reality.” 

Program residents, who can stay for up to two years, will receive transformational support, including trauma and addiction counselling, life skills training and educational and vocational support. Free legal assistance will also be available from the firm of Baker & McKenzie and legal aid through Justice for Children and Youth for those who choose to seek justice through the courts.

As Canada's largest homeless youth agency, Covenant House Toronto changes lives by providing the widest range of services and support under one roof. More than a place to stay, it provides 24/7 crisis shelter and transitional housing on-site and in the community along with comprehensive services, including education, counselling, health care, employment assistance, job training and aftercare. Last year, the agency served almost 3,000 youth.

With Bruce Rivers of Covenant House at the launch of this new joint program with the City of Toronto

With the launch of the city’s first specialized, longer-term housing program, young, female victims of sex trafficking will find critically needed support to rebuild their lives, according to Covenant House Toronto, which will operate the new facility.

The community-based residential program with wraparound services is the first step in the agency’s plan to combat sex trafficking with initiatives, including crisis intervention and prevention through public awareness. As the country’s largest agency for homeless youth, Covenant House has offered help to victims for more than 30 years.

“This is largely a domestic issue and we are now seeing dozens of sex-trafficked victims annually, most of whom are local young women,” Bruce Rivers, Covenant House Executive Director, said. “We also estimate that as many as 1,000 of our youth are involved in some form of the sex trade annually, mostly trading sex for survival. Their desperation makes them highly vulnerable to sexual exploitation for profit.”

“We know that homeless youth are targeted by predators and we also know that unsuspecting young girls in schools, malls and online are also lured into this kind of sex slavery,” Rivers adds. “We are launching our housing program as the first step in a concerted effort to do more to tackle this vicious and unacceptable crime.”

Mayor John Tory, City Councillor Ana Bailão, Toronto Community Housing Interim President and CEO Greg Spearn, Toronto Police Deputy Chief Mark Saunders and Marg Stanowski of The Rotary Club of Toronto’s Women’s Initiatives Committee were among special guests who lent their support to the plan at today’s announcement at the downtown agency.

"I'm proud that the City of Toronto is working with Toronto Community Housing and Covenant House to create a sanctuary for young women who have been victimized by human traffickers," Mayor Tory said. "I particularly want to thank Councillor Ana Bailão, whom I recently appointed the City's Housing Advocate, for her significant efforts in bringing this initiative to life."

 Under the agreement, Toronto Community Housing will lease a property to Covenant House for 15 years at a nominal rent, while Covenant House will fund all ongoing operating and maintenance costs. The city has agreed to provide capital funding for repairs and renovations to the location to be completed in the coming months. To ensure the privacy of residents, the location will remain confidential.The program which will house up to seven residents, aged 16 to 24, at a time is the result of a partnership between Covenant House, The Rotary Club of Toronto’s Women’s Initiatives Committee, Toronto Community Housing and the City of Toronto.

“This partnership is another example of our city building role and how, through partnerships, we are contributing to a greater city,” says Greg Spearn, President and CEO (Interim), Toronto Community Housing. “By working together, we can achieve our vision of better homes, better neighbourhoods, and a better Toronto for all.”

Through the leadership of the Women’s Initiatives Committee, and relying on the extensive expertise of Wendy Leaver, a former Toronto Police Sex Crimes Unit detective, community consultations were held to help develop the plan, including the assessment of programs in other Canadian cities.

“This is a very proud day for The Rotary Club of Toronto’s Women’s Initiatives Committee,” says Marg Stanowski, who provided early leadership on the Committee in prioritizing this complex and often-neglected community issue. “Over the past four years, we remained steadfast in our commitment to help build the awareness, support and partnerships to establish this facility for sexually exploited, young female victims. Standing here with Covenant House Toronto, Toronto Community Housing and the City of Toronto reinforces how local collaborations like these can turn a vision into a true reality.” 

Program residents, who can stay for up to two years, will receive transformational support, including trauma and addiction counselling, life skills training and educational and vocational support. Free legal assistance will also be available from the firm of Baker & McKenzie and legal aid through Justice for Children and Youth for those who choose to seek justice through the courts.

As Canada's largest homeless youth agency, Covenant House Toronto changes lives by providing the widest range of services and support under one roof. More than a place to stay, it provides 24/7 crisis shelter and transitional housing on-site and in the community along with comprehensive services, including education, counselling, health care, employment assistance, job training and aftercare. Last year, the agency served almost 3,000 youth.

Mayor John Tory Takes Action on Community Housing: Appoints Independent Housing Task Force

Mayor John Tory has appointed an independent six-person Housing Task Force to take a hard look at how Toronto Community Housing serves the people of Toronto and how it is governed.

"It’s our responsibility to provide safe, affordable housing for the people of Toronto who need it,” said Mayor Tory. “We have to do better on most aspects of the housing file, continuing on as we are is neither sensible nor acceptable. While some recent progress has been made, we need fresh eyes on how we tackle this challenge, and I have full confidence this diverse group of individuals will bring real solutions to the table on how we can bring better governance, service and value for money to Toronto Community Housing.”

The Task Force will be led by Senator Art Eggleton and include experts from the social housing, finance, real estate development and social policy fields.

They are:
• Edmund Clark, former CEO of TD Bank,
• Blake Hutcheson, CEO Oxford Properties Group,
• Janet Mason, Public Policy Professor at the University of Toronto, formerly a senior provincial housing official,
• Muna Mohamed, Toronto Community Housing tenant representative, and
• Brian F.C. Smith, former President of WoodGreen Community Services.

The Task Force will focus on:
• Toronto Community Housing's current operations and how they serve tenants
• Partnerships and innovation
• Capital revitalization and new development
• Governance

"Toronto Community Housing is key to providing safe, decent, affordable housing for the tens of thousands of people who live there," Sen. Eggleton said. “Our job is to conduct a strategic review of Toronto Community Housing's operations and how we can do better. Given the urgency of this issue, I intend to provide the Mayor with an interim report by mid-to-late summer."

The Task Force will deliver an interim report to the Mayor by late summer with a final report coming at the end of the year. The Task Force will consult with Toronto Community Housing residents, the public, the City and Toronto Community Housing staff and outside housing professionals.

The Mayor also announced the appointment of Councillor Ana Bailão (Ward 18 Davenport) as the City of Toronto's new Housing Advocate. 

Toronto Community Housing is the largest social housing provider in Canada and the second largest in North America. TCHC manages a portfolio of 58,500 units in 2,300 buildings across the city. It serves a diverse group of tenants with different needs, the vast majority of whom live under the poverty line.

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Media Contacts:    

Amanda Galbraith

Director of Communications                                 

Office of Mayor John Tory

[email protected]

647-459-2387

Sara Goldvine

Toronto Community Housing

[email protected]

416-981-4252

The Close the Housing Gap campaign is bringing its message to Queen's Park tomorrow. Supporters will attend question period and meet with MPPs to urge the Ontario government to pay its fair share for social housing repairs, provide equity to Toronto in rent subsidies and enter into a funding partnership with the federal government to address the impact of expiring social housing agreements.

Campaign co-chair Councillor Ana Bailão (Ward 18 Davenport), Toronto Community Housing President and CEO Gene Jones, and Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto Executive Director Tom Clement will brief media at 1 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, March 19
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Queen's Park Media Studio

The day of advocacy is a partnership between the City of Toronto, Toronto Community Housing, the Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto and the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada Ontario Region.

More information about Close the Housing Gap is available at http://www.toronto.ca/putpeoplefirst