Tenant LOOP Spring 2026

Spring 2026

You, your community, and your city

Storytelling through design Meet Saretta Khan

P7

E-Device safety starts with you!

P9

Big pitches, bigger possibilities

P14

Your Spring Tenant LOOP In this issue: R-PATH reports: new Accessibility Build Standards

P3

Welcome to 130 Augusta Avenue

P4

Community Safety Unit delivers food kits to families during Ramadan

P6

Saretta Khan: storytelling through design

P7

Spring fire safety tips

P8

E-Device safety starts with you!

P9

Tenant insurance can help when emergencies happen

P10

Our Strategic Plan

P11

Building safer communities together

P12

Contest: your best spring artwork

P13

Big pitches, bigger possibilities

P14

From training to action

P16

LIFT: Local Initiative Funding for Tenants

P17

Your comment, our solution

P18

2

You can reach us any time through the Client Care Centre: • If you need help with daily living needs.

• To request repairs or maintenance in your unit.

• To make an appointment to meet with staff.

Call 416-981-5500 (TRS 7-1-1) or email help@torontohousing.ca.

P4

P14

R-PATH reports: New Accessibility Build Standards

A TCHC ABS kitchen and bathroom at 175 Oak Street

The 2026 edition of the illustrated Toronto Community Housing Corporation Accessibility Build Standards (TCHC ABS) is out! This document guides how your home and community are made accessible. This helps you stay in your home longer, have a better quality of life, and fully participate in your community.

The original TCHC ABS was published in 2015. The R-PATH (Responsible Personal Accessibility in Toronto Housing) Committee worked with staff from the Design & Engineering and Development departments to create these standards.

The standards are used in all new buildings in both TCHC and Toronto Seniors Housing (TSHC). These standards are also used in accessibility projects in existing buildings, making common spaces and units more functional and usable.

The provincial build standards, called the Ontario Building Code (OBC), do include accessibility features, but they are a minimum. They are often not enough for currently used mobility devices. The TCHC Accessibility Build Standards go above and beyond the provincial OBC. The TCHC ABS are based on R-PATH’s feedback about the lived experience of people with disabilities. We also researched current mobility products. Because of these standards, TCHC and TSHC accessibility projects have higher levels of accessibility than many other residential buildings.

Do you want to learn more about the TCHC ABS? You can read or download the PDF on the TCHC website at torontohousing.ca/learn-about-tchc-build-standards.

Toronto Community Housing |

Spring 2026

3

TCHC, Tridel, elected officials and community members prepare to cut the ribbon to open 130 Augusta Avenue (credit: City of Toronto)

Welcome to 130 Augusta Avenue A milestone in the Alexandra Park revitalization

Earlier this year, Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) held a grand opening event at 130 Augusta Avenue—the new Atkinson Co-operative building. Built with developer partner Tridel, this building was constructed as part of TCHC’s ongoing revitalization of Alexandra Park.

Right at the corner of Augusta and Dundas, the building at 130 Augusta has 103 units. This includes 99 replacement Rent-Geared-to-Income units and four net-new affordable rental housing units.

In February, TCHC officially opened the building with Tridel. Mayor Olivia Chow, Councillor Ausma Malik, and Member of Provincial Parliament Chris Glover were also in attendance to mark the milestone.

Later that week, TCHC hosted a community open house. Residents of the Alexandra Park community could walk through the building and check out the amenity space, community kitchen, a fully accessible unit, and a three-bedroom staged suite.

4

“They’re all beautifully designed,” said Dianne Williams after touring the spaces. Dianne has lived in Alexandra Park for 32 years, and the community means a lot to her. “Words can’t describe how I’m feeling right now,” she said.

Fellow community member, Alban Olive, shared his excitement as well. “Walking through the building, it makes me feel energetic,” he said. “It makes me feel that we have achieved our goal as residents of the community.”

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate this event!

130 Augusta Avenue (credit: Tom Arban)

Want a sneak peek of the building? Scan the QR code or visit the link to watch a short video from the community open house. tchc.qrd.by/u79e1n Tours of amenity spaces and a staged suite were provided Toronto Community Housing |

Spring 2026

5

Community Safety Unit delivers food kits to families during Ramadan This past March, as the sun set and families observing Ramadan prepared to break their fast, the Youth Cadets used this opportunity to reach out.

For the second year in a row, the Community Safety Unit (CSU) launched its Ramadan initiative to support dozens of families who were celebrating. The Ramadan initiative was funded by CSU and the West Region Community Safety and Support team.

The team visited four communities in the West region, delivering food kits ready to be used to prepare fresh, hot meals.

The CSU’s Youth Cadets took the lead on this initiative. Chevon Smith was one of the Youth Cadets responsible for launching this program in 2025. He described how the program shifted focus from cooking meals to providing food kits. “[Last year], we served and cooked Iftar meals across three communities in the West Region,” he said. “This year, we switched to delivering food items for families. This allowed us to serve more tenants and give them the option to cook their own meals.”

In partnership with Danny Durante’s No Frills, CSU collected and delivered 80 food kits across the four communities.

The kits included perishable and nonperishable food items such as flour, sugar, rice, pasta, tomato paste, and juice.

6

The Youth Cadets also used this event as an opportunity to connect with tenants, learn about their needs, and provide support and resources.

“The Ramadan initiative became a networking opportunity for tenants to learn more about CSU and possible career opportunities at TCHC,” said Chevon.

A big part of the Cadets’ work is to find ways to address barriers in communities and to promote tenant thriving and wellbeing. “When tenants feel recognized and supported, they are able to thrive in their communities.”

Following another successful year, the Youth Cadets hope to expand this program across more communities and across all regions in the future.

The Youth Cadet program is a joint initiative between the CSU and the Centre for Advancing the Interests of Black People.

If you would like to learn more about how the Youth Cadet program supports TCHC’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism strategy, visit torontohousing.ca/cabr.

Saretta Khan: Storytelling through design

Artist Saretta Khan

Construction hoardings, like temporary fences around construction sites, line many Toronto streets. In Regent Park, one is being transformed into something meaningful. It will feature photographs from the neighbourhood and illustrations of the people who call it home.

The hoarding is currently being designed

by Saretta Khan, a graphic artist and proud resident of Regent Park. The bright and colourful mural will eventually surround the construction site for Phase 4A. This is the location of a new 26-storey rental building at Gerrard Street East and Dreamers Way, and it marks the next chapter of Regent Park’s ongoing transformation. The project was helped by Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) and development partner Tridel.

As a graphic designer and multidisciplinary artist, Saretta’s work is rooted in storytelling, community, and visual exploration. A graduate of the ArtWorksTO program and George Brown College, Saretta has been passionate about art for as long as she can remember. She says that her mother, an artist herself, has been the biggest influence on her work.

TCHC and Tridel’s Community Benefits Agreement Youth Vote Day in Regent Park.

When describing her artistic approach, Saretta said she’s most attracted to themes of diverse cultures and environments, and using bright colours and patterns in drawing people and places.

For the mural, she wanted to capture everyday scenes in Regent Park. Residents walking their dogs. Construction workers on the job site. Children playing, and seniors exercising in the park. “I wanted to incorporate everything that I’ve seen in the community,” she said.

Her illustrations feature vibrant, diverse characters of all ages, adding visual interest to each of the panels as they frame photos of familiar Regent Park landmarks.

The photos were taken by students from nearby Nelson Mandela Park Public School and Lord Dufferin Public School.

Saretta attended Lord Dufferin as a child before relocating to Scarborough for the revitalization project. Returning to Regent Park many years later, Saretta felt even more connected to the community. Through her art, Saretta wishes for everyone to Most recently, Saretta designed the feel that they belong and to “showcase illustration and branding for Toronto’s 2024–2025 Newcomer Day event, as well as the diversity of which I’m a part.”

Toronto Community Housing |

Spring 2026

7

Please review this section for important updates from TCHC

Spring fire safety tips Lithium-ion battery explosions are unpredictable and volatile. Overcharging batteries and using extension cords produces heat that can lead to a fire. Only use the manufacturer’s charging cables, plug directly into an outlet, and monitor until charging is complete.

Smoking and vaping in stairways, corridors or any common area will activate the fire alarm system and cause a false fire alarm. The Smoke Free Ontario Act prohibits people from smoking in common areas of apartment buildings and within 9 metres of all entrances and exits. Please obey the law and respect others by heading outside for a smoke.

The fire alarm should only be pulled during an emergency. TCHC is charged over $1,600 for each false fire alarm incident. This money could be saved and used for community safety improvements. If you see anyone misusing the fire alarm system, please notify the Community Safety Unit at 416-921-2323 (TRS 7-1-1).

Visit torontohousing.ca/firesafety for more fire safety tips.

8

E-Device safety starts with you!

Safe devices. Safe use. Safe charging.

Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) is committed to making sure Electric Mobility Devices (E-Devices) are used safely and accessibly on our property. Our E-Device Policy provides clear guidelines for the responsible use, charging, and storage of E-Devices. It also addresses potential hazards and what happens if your E-Device(s) or actions go against the policy.

This policy went into effect on Monday, March 2, 2026. It is designed to support tenants who use electric mobility devices to go to work, access essential services, or get through areas with limited public transit.

Are you wondering if your device is allowed or not allowed?

• E-Bikes: allowed on TCHC property, in designated parking and buildings, and in units • E-Motor scooters: allowed on TCHC property and in designated parking, but not inside buildings or units • Moped/motorcycles: allowed on TCHC property and in designated parking, but not inside buildings or units • Electric kick scooters (like skateboards, unicycles, hoverboards): not allowed on TCHC property, in parking, inside buildings or units

Mobility devices identified for a disability-related need as defined by the Human Rights Code are excluded from the E-Device policy.

Let’s keep our homes and communities safe from battery fires and hazards.

Read the full policy and get E-Device safety tips: • E-DevicePolicyQuestions@torontohousing.ca • torontohousing.ca/EDevice-policy

Toronto Community Housing |

Spring 2026

9

Tenant insurance can help when emergencies happen

No one wants to think about fires or floods in their home, but they can happen to anyone.

Look around your home. Think about your couch, bed, TV, and phone. Your coats, shoes, and work clothes. The food in your fridge and all your dishes. If you use medical equipment or take medication, think about those too.

Now ask yourself one question: “If a fire or flood damaged my personal belongings, how much would it cost to replace everything?”

Emergencies don’t always start in your unit.

A pipe bursting in the unit above you or a kitchen fire next door can force you out of your home while repairs are made. Your belongings can still be damaged by smoke, water, or leaks.

Tenant insurance can protect you in these situations. It can help replace your 10

belongings and cover temporary housing or meals while you’re away.

Your insurance costs may be covered. If you get income from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program, speak with your case worker to learn more.

To learn more about tenant insurance, why it’s important, and how to find affordable insurance options, scan the QR code or visit torontohousing.ca/insurance.

Our Strategic Plan A year ago, Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) officially launched its 2025–2029 Strategic Plan. The plan is called “Foundations for the Future” and it contains 18 strategic objectives. These objectives tell TCHC what to focus on in our work.

When developing the plan, TCHC engaged with over 1,000 tenants through surveys, consultations, and workshops. This also included focused outreach to youth and seniors, Black tenants, and tenants with disabilities. This feedback, along with feedback from TCHC staff and partners, shaped the Strategic Plan.

Last fall, we reconnected with tenants about how we are bringing the new plan to life.

In November, we invited tenants who had participated in the 2024 Confronting AntiBlack Racism tenant engagement to an update meeting. The Strategy team and the Centre for Advancing the Interests of Black People (the Centre) shared how this group’s input helped shape the Strategic Plan. The Centre also shared their new mandate to achieve a vision of thriving for Black tenants and staff in TCHC communities.

We asked tenants to share their ideas of what this could look like.

Tenants shared ideas and feedback with TCHC’s Strategy team and the Centre

In December, we also attended two Tenant Community Action Tables. Tenants could stop by our marketplace booth to talk with TCHC’s Strategy team. They could also share ideas about what each of TCHC’s strategic objectives could look like in their communities.

Look out for more updates as we continue working towards our Strategic Plan objectives.

Follow along on social media, TCHC’s website, or in our monthly email newsletter “Community Corner”!

Toronto Community Housing |

Spring 2026

11

Building safer communities together

The new Community Safety and Wellbeing Strategy has tenant voices at the centre of change Feeling safe at home is very important to wellbeing. It affects how people experience their building, how they connect with neighbours, and whether they feel supported in their community.

Last year, tenants across Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) shared their experiences, concerns, and ideas through the Stronger Together survey and community conversations. Their feedback helped shape TCHC’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Strategy, which was approved by the Board of Directors in December 2025.

In 2026, TCHC will focus on putting that strategy into action in communities where the need is greatest. The strategy has five goals: • Improving coordination across TCHC services • Strengthening tenant engagement in community safety • Advancing equity in how safety and wellbeing supports are designed and delivered • Building stronger partnerships and pathways to community-based supports • Improving the systems, practices, and operational effectiveness needed to keep this work going over time

12

This approach recognizes that safer communities are built through more than enforcement alone. It requires coordinated action, meaningful tenant involvement, stronger relationships with service partners, and supports that respond to the needs of each community.

You can read the full strategy at torontohousing.ca/communitysafety.

This year, TCHC is putting the strategy into action through early community-based work, ongoing planning, and continued engagement with tenants and partners.

That work will help shape how the strategy grows over time and how progress is measured.

Thank you to everyone who shared their voice and experience. Your input helped shape this strategy and continues to inform the work ahead. TCHC will continue to provide updates as progress moves forward.

Contest: your best spring artwork

The milder temperatures, abundant sunshine, and gardens in full bloom that arrive with spring tend to get our creative juices flowing. We often express this creativity through paintings, drawings, sculptures, or other works both pleasing to the eye and relaxing to the mind.

Send us your best spring artwork and you could win a $50 Amazon gift card. The winning entry will be featured in our Summer 2026 issue. This contest is only open to tenants of Toronto Community Housing.

Contest entries can be sent via:

• Email to TenantLOOP@torontohousing.ca • Direct message to our Facebook page at facebook.com/TorontoCommunityHousing • Mail to 931 Yonge St., 7th floor, Toronto, ON M4W 2H2 (Attn: Tenant LOOP)

Please submit your entries by Friday, June 26.

Congratulations to Mellisa, the winner of the “Favourite Holiday Traditions” contest from our Fall/Winter issue.

Mellisa values staying connected with family as one of the greatest traditions of all. “No matter where we are in the world, I believe family should always stay connected. Thanks to WhatsApp video calls, I make it a priority to keep in touch with my loved ones on both my mother’s and father’s sides. I consider myself a people person—very family-oriented, loving, and committed to keeping those bonds strong. My mother was the heart of

her family growing up in Jamaica, always bringing cousins together, and I proudly carry that same spirit with me today,” she writes.

Mellisa also enjoys her family’s Christmas dinner, complete with oxtail, jerk chicken, steak, rice and peas, and so much more.

Toronto Community Housing |

Spring 2026

13

Big pitches, bigger possibilities

A high-energy tenant pitch competition and three cash prizes

B3 participants and TCHC staff celebrate a successful event

When walking into the Be.Build.

Brand. (B3) pitch event at 150 Dan Leckie Way, we could sense the excitement. Tables lined the walls, each carefully set up with samples, banners, and display boards. Entrepreneurs stood beside their booths, adjusting flyers and rehearsing their opening lines.

Friends, family, and supporters settled in, finding seats and offering last-minute words of encouragement.

On February 3, those same entrepreneurs had just minutes to pitch their business to a panel of judges from Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) and past B3 Program winners. Participants had the chance to win prize money to help support their businesses, including a $5,000 grand prize.

The B3 pitch event for the 2025 class marked the final milestone in a 10-weeklong entrepreneurship program designed to help tenants build, refine, and expand their business ventures.

The grand prize went to a sister duo, Makiya Alexander and Kadiya Martell from the Scarborough community. Their event business—Inflatables R Us, launched in 2023—arose from a personal need. As mothers to young children, sourcing items for events became costly. They wanted a reliable event rental service.

Delivered in partnership with the City of Toronto, the program offered weekly training and skill-building sessions, access to industry guest speakers, and space for meaningful networking.

14

The variety of businesses in the room reflected the talent and creativity across TCHC communities.

Through the B3 program, they formalized their operations, created a business plan, and registered their company officially.

When reflecting on the 10-week learning journey they had embarked on, the people stood out most to Makiya. “They supported me even when I didn’t believe in myself. The networking and community really helped,” she said. “We never had a business plan; we’d just write it down in a pen-to-paper statement. So, all the little things that you don’t really think about helped me in the program.”

The second place $3,000 prize went to Her Black Health: an online holistic health service focused on strengthening Black women’s health and advocacy. It was founded by Casandra London—a wellness coach, health educator, and speaker. The Scarborough-based tenant created the business to serve Black women like her, who must navigate chronic pain, burnout, and systems built without diverse experiences in mind. “Creating Her Black Health came from my own trauma of not being believed by the medical system and being told my pain was in my head,” said Casandra. “In my experience, so many other Black women I encountered went through the same thing.

That’s when I said I needed to do something that can help us and provide education on what’s going on with our bodies and mental health.”

To address these issues, Her Black Health provides trauma-informed workshops for equity-driven organizations on the topics of mental health, public health, and disability justice. The service also offers private coaching for Black women.

In third place was Rela Lumis, founded by Ishaq Ali and Semir Abdulsemed from the Atkinson Co-op community. The company

uses advanced scanning technology to make moving in and out of homes an easier experience.

Ishaq was the 3D photographer for the Don Summerville and Alexandra Park revitalizations, helping document spaces through digital imaging. Rela Lumis won the $2,000 pitch funding to continue growing this momentum.

Left to right: Grand prize winners Makiya Alexander and Kadiya Martell

Over the last few months, this group of emerging business owners gained knowledge, confidence, and a network of support that will continue long after pitch night.

The competition may have ended, but for these entrepreneurs, the work of building and growing their businesses is just getting started.

For more information on the Be.Build.Brand.

Program, visit torontohousing.ca/bebuildbrand or email the Community Economic Development team at economic.opportunities@torontohousing.ca.

Toronto Community Housing |

Spring 2026

15

From training to action

3Rs conservation training

TCHC tenants come together to conserve It started with a simple idea.

Could small changes at home make a sustainable impact across our communities? Early this year, more than 100 Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) tenants showed that the answer is “yes”.

Tenants from across the East, West, and Central regions came together for the annual Conservation training in March. For the third year in a row, the training created space for tenants to learn, share, and take action on sustainability in their communities.

Curiosity drew people in, but practical tips kept them engaged.

Participants learned new ways to reduce energy and water use at home, improve recycling and waste habits, and make simple changes that support healthier, more sustainable communities. These changes can lower bills, reduce waste, and make a visible difference. They can also support wellbeing and make everyday life more comfortable.

One of the standout moments came from guest speakers from the City of Toronto’s 3Rs (Reduce, Re-use, Recycle) Ambassador 16

team. They broke down recycling and waste reduction in a way that made it easy to understand and act on. For many tenants, it sparked a new interest in getting more involved, and they could sign up for the 3Rs Ambassador program at the training.

By the end of the event, what had started as training became a shared commitment.

Now is the time to keep that momentum going. Every action counts, so take the next step by leading or joining clean-up activities in your communities.

If you are interested, contact conservation@torontohousing.ca. TCHC Conservation staff will be happy to support you with tools, guidance, and resources to help you get started.

Is it too warm in your home? If you have an adjustable thermostat, adjust one number lower at a time, every 30 minutes until comfortable. If you have reached the lowest thermostat setting and you still feel warm, please call Client Care Centre at 416-981-5500 (TRS 7-1-1) or talk to your superintendent. TCHC’s cooling season is from mid-May to the end of September.

LIFT: Local Initiative Funding for Tenants Do you have a great idea to improve your community but aren’t sure how to make it happen? With LIFT community funds, tenants come together to decide what matters most in their neighbourhoods and how funding is spent.

Your community.

Your ideas.

Your funds.

peer connections. In 2025, the organization successfully advocated at Tenant Circle meetings for a ski trip for 25 youth. This project strengthened belonging, teamwork, and community pride.

West

Tenants and TCHC staff partnered with a Every Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) Toronto Caribbean Carnival band to run a community receives an amount (no less cultural arts program. Using LIFT funds, tenants purchased supplies for 40 children than $1,000) to invest in local programs and initiatives. and youth to create their own costumes.

The project gave young people a hands‑on Since its launch in July 2025, LIFT has way to learn about the history of carnival, supported over 400 tenant-led projects.

Black cultural traditions, and the artistry Here’s how communities across our regions behind costume making. are bringing these funds to life: If you’re interested in learning more about East LIFT, visit torontohousing.ca/Lift or talk Through the Community Together program to your Community Services Coordinator, at Adanac, tenants identified safety, Engagement. communication, and pride in shared spaces as neighbourhood priorities. This Did you participate in last year’s LIFT led to using LIFT funds for activities like a funding? We’d love to hear from you to tenant-led safety audit, safety walks, and improve what’s next. Share your feedback training support to help keep the building at tchc.qrd.by/liftsurvey. and surrounding areas clean.

Central

The 150 Dan Leckie community is home to the D-Way Youth Organization. It is a youthled initiative creating safe, supportive spaces for young people to build confidence, leadership skills, and strong Toronto Community Housing |

Spring 2026

17

Your comment Our solution Your comment: “It’s almost summer

air conditioners. This is offered directly through the City, so you will need to speak with your case worker to find out how to apply.

Our solution: While we enjoy the warm

Heating and cooling in your building TCHC switches each building from the heating system to the cooling system for the summer. If you are having issues with the temperature in your unit, contact the Client Care Centre at 416-981-5500 (TRS 7-1-1) or help@torontohousing.ca.

and my apartment can get really hot.

Am I allowed to have my own air conditioning unit?”

weather, extreme heat can also impact our health and comfort. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and cool.

You are encouraged to safely use fans or air conditioners. Please remember, only floormounted air conditioners are allowed in your unit. Air conditioners in windows are not allowed. If Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) staff see that you have a window air conditioning (AC) unit, it will be removed and disposed of.

Do you receive assistance from Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program? The City of Toronto may cover the cost of some medical devices, including

How to get in touch You can call these numbers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or reach us by email at help@torontohousing.ca.

• Client Care Centre 416-981-5500 (TRS 7-1-1) • Community Safety Unit 416-921-2323 (TRS 7-1-1) 18

• Crime Stoppers 416-222-8477 (TRS 7-1-1)

Tenant LOOP is available in many languages

Call

416-981-5500 (TRS 7-1-1) to request a translated copy

Thank you!

This issue was made possible by the incredibly inspiring community members featured in our stories.

Thanks also to everyone else who has helped us put a spotlight on our communities and city.

@torontohousing

Tenant LOOP

We welcome editorial tips and comments. Contact us at TenantLOOP@torontohousing.ca © 2026 Toronto Community Housing Corporation

in TorontoCommunityHousing

To request this newsletter in an accessible format, please contact the Client Care Centre at help@torontohousing.ca or 416-981-5500 (TRS 7-1-1).

Toronto Community Housing |

Spring 2026

19

931 Yonge Street 7th Floor Toronto, ON M4W 2H2

Cooling rooms near you As the weather warms up, we want to make sure you are comfortable and safe. We are providing designated cooling spaces in our buildings for your safety and convenience during the 2026 summer season. Toronto City Council recently updated the Indoor Temperature Bylaw to better protect residents from the health risks of extreme heat. Here is what to expect:

• Cooled amenity spaces: For buildings where individual units do not have air conditioning, we provide a cooled indoor amenity space (like a community room).

• Safe temperatures: These communal spaces are maintained at or below 26°C to help you find relief from the heat.

• Extended hours: During official Heat Alerts issued

by Environment Canada, our building cooling spaces will offer extended hours. This may include evenings and weekends, for your convenience.

• Information access: You can find the specific location, hours of operation, and capacity limits for your building’s cooling space posted on a bulletin board in the lobby. These details will also be posted at the entrance to the cooling space.

Visit torontohousing.ca/rentsafeTO to learn more about the cooling room program.

Our priority is your comfort and safety.

If you have any concerns regarding the temperature in your building, please reach out to your superintendent. You can also • Maximum indoor temperature: From June report concerns to the Client Care Centre 1 to September 30, building temperatures at 416-981-5500 (TRS 7-1-1) must be maintained at 26°C or below. or help@torontohousing.ca.