Traditional Land Acknowledgement Emphasizing Reconciliation
We acknowledge that Toronto Community Housing is on the traditional territory of many Nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg [AH-nish-NAW-bay], the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee [HUD-ne-SHOW-knee], and the Wendat and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit.
We respectfully acknowledge those First Peoples who have been stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters, and that today remain vigilant over their health and integrity for generations to come.
In the spirit of truth and reconciliation, we acknowledge that these treaties have not always been honoured, and often they have been broken. We also acknowledge that we are all a part of building good relations. We endeavour to go beyond land acknowledgments to material support and advocacy to forward Indigenous people's interests.
We are all a Treaty people.
African Ancestral Acknowledgement
Toronto Community Housing acknowledges all Treaty peoples –including those who came here as settlers – as migrants either in this generation or in generations past – and those of us who came here involuntarily, particularly those brought to these lands as a result of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and Slavery.
We pay tribute to those ancestors of African origin and descent.
Time Activity
6:30 to 6:40 p.m. Welcome, Land and African
Ancestral Acknowledgement
Speaker
Tenant Participation Coordinator
6:40 to 7 p.m. Election – Members of Tenant Council Christine/ Pablo
7 to 8 p.m. Q&A/ Next steps All
What are Tenant Councils
• One (1) Tenant Council in every district, with three (3) councils per region and nine (9) across the City.
• Approx. thirty (30) members per Council:
one (1) Member per community with less than 700 bedrooms
two (2) Members for community with more than 700 bedrooms
What are Tenant Councils
Purpose of Tenant Councils:
• A forum for Tenant Council Members to raise issues impacting communities.
• Build tenant capacity through leadership development and shared learning.
• Strengthen community development initiatives, collaboration between communities and sharing of information and practices.
• Link between TCHC and tenants to support community-wide engagement and tenant priorities.
What are Tenant Councils
Mandate
• Identify and elevate community-wide needs, priorities and solutions that go beyond sitespecific concerns.
• Strengthen collaboration with staff and other tenants to support the tenant engagement system.
• Strengthen local tenant engagement through sharing best practices, encouraging communication between communities.
• Provide input on:
• Tenant communications
• Tenant Engagement System and Tenant Directed Funding
• Programs and policies that impact tenants across multiple communities.
Member of Tenant Council
Term length: 2 years
Expectations
• Consistent attendance (honoraria are only provided for meetings attended).
• Review materials in advance to prepare for discussion.
• Respond to staff communication, confirm attendance (notify staff in advance if you cannot attend)
• Actively engage in discussion, bring forward community-wide perspectives.
• Stay focused on the agenda and support the Council in completing its work.
Member of Tenant Council
Term length: 2 years
Expectations
• Encourage a respectful and inclusive space where all voices are heard.
• Bring updates and ideas from your community to share with the Council.
• Take back information to your community to support ongoing engagement.
• Support local community initiatives and act as a connector between tenants and the broader engagement system through the tenant circles.
Why Run
Develop your leadership skills and resume
Connect and network with other tenant leaders
Help shape and improve TCHC
Work alongside your neighbours and TCHC staff to build vibrant communities
Get an honoraria for meeting attendance
Eligibility to Nominate
Who qualifies as a candidate?
• A tenant, co-tenant or dependent of a tenant in the building or townhouse community where they are running.
• 16 years of age or older by the time the nomination form is submitted, or to nominate a candidate.
• Registered on the TCHC household lease or an occupant
• Seconded by another TCHC tenant (ideally living in the same building/townhouse community as candidate)
• In good standing in relation to the Tenant Engagement Volunteer Policy
serious laws on or near TCHC property by candidate or connected to household
documented, ongoing or unresolved complaints
written notice removing tenant from the Tenant Engagement System
• Not a permanent, full-time staff of TCHC or engaged in a part-time/ casual position that would provide undue advantage (for example: Senior Program Leader – Tenant Engagement).
Eligibility to Nominate
How to become a candidate ?
• Submit a nomination form during period - Tuesday, August 5 to September 4, 2025
• Each application must be signed by you the candidate, which will indicate your acceptance.
• TCHC staff will confirm your candidacy and seconder.
• You will receive confirmation indicating whether your nomination was accepted, and you are eligible.
Campaigning
What you can do to campaign
• Create campaign materials flyers-posters
• Connect with tenants in person (door to door, Host a candidate meeting)
• Social Media content
• Get volunteers
• Attend a training
Campaigning
What support will TCHC provide
• Poster template
• Providing copies (if you make a poster)
• Training sessions
• candidate meetings**
Campaigning
What is not allowed
• Inappropriate language or content in materials or while campaigning
• damaging or vandalizing other candidates’ materials
• untrue or disparaging statements
• addressing or speaking about other candidates, TCHC staff
• harassing or threatening other candidates, supporters, TCHC staff or public
• other conduct that would be considered a breach of the Code of Conduct
Election Dates
Nominations: August 5 – September 4
Campaigning: September 9 – October 13
Tenant / Candidate Training:
o East: August 13 | West: August 14 | Central: August 19
o September 9, 11, 15
Election Dates
Advance voting:
October 2 – 9 (During work and days/ house, one location per region)
Election days (one per region):
oTuesday, October 14 (East)
oWednesday, October 15 (West)
oThursday, October 16 (Central)
Polling station locations and further instructions will be provided closer to the voting dates.
Help & Contact Info
Tenant Participation Coordinators
Central Region:
Jermaine McLean
Telephone: 437-882-5756
Email: Jermaine.Mclean@torontohousing.ca
East Region:
Natalia Williams
Telephone: 647-297-5718
Email: natalia.williams@torontohousing.ca
West Region:
Nadein Girgis
Telephone: 416-981-4162
Email: Nadein.girgis@torontohousing.ca
Or speak with your Local Community Services Coordinator, Engagement
Next steps
Get Involved!
• Nominate yourself to be a member of Tenant Council
• Attend Capacity Building Workshop led by Social Planning Toronto
oAugust 13 (East)
oAugust 14 (West)
oAugust 19 (Central)
• Talk to your Community Services Coordinator, Engagement.
Help shape your community!