Housing

Is co-ownership the solution to the housing affordability crisis?

April 10th, 2023 by Ken Farrell

We can’t address the housing affordability crisis without talking about the failures of the wealth redistribution system.

Frame of a roof with a white sign that has ‘Housing Now’ painted in black. Credit: Cathy Crowe / Cathy Crowe

Continue reading “Is co-ownership the solution to the housing affordability crisis?”

Neighbourhood Land Trust and Circle Community LandTrust

February 15th, 2023 by Iler Campbell LLP

Iler Campbell LLP is proud to have supported the transfer of 756 units from Toronto Community Housing Corporation to the Neighbourhood Land Trust (NLT) and Circle Community LandTrust (CCLT). This large-scale transaction, which included corporate, real estate, municipal, and financing components, is part of the City of Toronto’s “Tenant’s First” program which is focused on improving access to services and housing for tenants.

NLT and CCLT are focused on ensuring they are successful in maintaining custody of these homes and ensuring perpetual affordability. Their work, however, has just started.

We continue to support NLT and CCLT as they embark on their ambitious repair programs supported by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. The land trusts are leveraging their repair program plans to generate even more community benefits, including supporting local trades and social enterprises. Notably, NLT is committed to increasing employment and training opportunities for community members and those who experience barriers to employment in the construction industry. We also continue to assist the land trusts with the implementation of their social housing programs, tenancy matters, governance, and more.

Read more about the transaction, and those behind it, in this blog post by Heather Tremain, the Chair of the CCLT board of directors and CEO of Options for Homes.

Congratulations to Celia!

February 1st, 2023 by Iler Campbell LLP

Iler Campbell LLP congratulates Celia on her appointment as deputy executive director of CHFT. Celia’s long-standing commitment to the co-operative housing sector make her an excellent choice for this role! We are so pleased that Celia will be continuing her work in housing and look forward to continuing our relationship with her in this new capacity.

Ontario Extends Virtual Meeting Provisions for Co-ops and Non Profits

August 26th, 2022 by Hunter Stone

The Government of Ontario has further amended the Co‑operative Corporations Act, Ontario Not‑for‑Profit Corporations Act and Condominium Act, 1998, by permitting electronic meetings until September 30, 2023. Continue reading “Ontario Extends Virtual Meeting Provisions for Co-ops and Non Profits”

The right to an emotional support animal in housing

August 25th, 2022 by Safia Lakhani

Despite the positive impact emotional support animals have on the lives of their humans, keeping them in certain housing situations, like condominiums and no-pet residences, can be an uphill battle.

Dogs make great emotional support animals. Credit: Richard Brutyo / Unsplash

Continue reading “The right to an emotional support animal in housing”

Tenants now more vulnerable than ever – eviction at the Superior Court of Justice

August 24th, 2022 by Hunter Stone

The Landlord and Tenant Board (the LTB) is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O (the RTA), C.17, and hears matters brought by landlords and tenants regarding the rental property.

In March 2020, the world‑wide COVID‑19 pandemic hit the LTB like a ton of bricks, causing extreme backlog at the tribunal. The LTB responded by adopting an electronic approach to filing materials and hearing matters, eliminating in person hearings entirely. This electronic approach was an attempt to deliver service in a time conscious manner. Despite these efforts, the LTB was and is still experiencing backlog due to the pandemic, leaving many landlords feeling frustrated about the delayed hearing process and issuance of orders. With few avenues to turn to, landlords are utilizing the Superior Court of Justice (the Superior Court) to evict their tenants living in condo units. Continue reading “Tenants now more vulnerable than ever – eviction at the Superior Court of Justice”