Tenant LOOP Summer 2026

Summer 2026

You, your community, and your city

A third space for youth to thrive The KickStart program makes it happen

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Head office relocation

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How to get out and vote!

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Your Summer Tenant LOOP In this issue: Black Thriving Framework update

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Building a community at 100 High Park Avenue

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KickStart gives youth a third space to thrive

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Summer fire safety tips

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Seasonal decorating guidelines

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Head office relocation

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Helping seniors transition from ODSP to pension income

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Get out and vote!

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Stop the Bleed can help save a life

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Contest: your favourite summer sport or activity

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Fueling young minds at 20 New Heights Court

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Your comment, our solution: elections canvassing

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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.

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Black Thriving Framework update What does thriving look and feel like for Black tenants in Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) communities?

As part of TCHC’s commitment to support safe, healthy and inclusive tenant communities, the Centre for Advancing the Interests of Black People (the Centre) is creating a Black Thriving Framework. The framework will be evidenced-based and promote thriving communities that benefit all tenants.

group living in TCHC*. The Black Thriving Framework will build awareness of Black tenants’ diverse needs. It will also help TCHC tailor services and programs using an anti-Black racism lens.

This spring, the Centre hosted different ways for Black tenants to share what thriving means for their communities.

As of July 3, 2026, the Centre: • held focus groups or one-on-one interviews with 69 current and former Black tenants and;

The framework will also help create a new • received 322 completed online surveys 18-month Black Thriving Action Plan. This from Black tenants. will continue the progress made through the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Strategy. Thank you to everyone who has taken the The initial phase will focus on Black seniors time to share their stories, experiences, and Black boys/youth. and ideas. Later this year, the Centre plans to share what we heard from tenants and To develop the framework, the Centre present the Black Thriving Framework to the is partnering with TAIBU Community Board of Directors.

Health Centre and Monumental. Both organizations are experts in health To learn more about the Centre and equity and research. Additional support the Black Thriving Framework, visit is provided by NORC at the University torontohousing.ca/cabr. of Chicago.

About 34 per cent of tenants who responded to TCHC’s 2025 Tenant Survey identified as Black. This suggests Black tenants are the largest racial/ethnic

*Note: Survey demographic data reflects respondents only. It may not be representative of the full tenant population.

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Tenants Samaya Faiola and Snooky Tynes

Building a community at 100 High Park Avenue

Drumming, karate, and an animal food program On the third Monday of every month, you might see some of the tenants of 100 High Park lining up with their furry friends in tow. They’re ready for the building’s animal food program, run by tenant Samaya Faiola.

Samaya has lived at 100 High Park for almost 30 years and has been an animal lover her entire life. “I was born with a love for animals,” she said.

“I know from my background working with shelters that pet stores get returns or food that’s past its shelve-by date, and they don’t want to just throw the food out,” shared Samaya. “They’re happy to give it to good causes like registered rescues, shelters, and food banks.”

“I was born with a love for animals.”

The food program started in January 2025 and there are about 50 animals registered.

They receive items like food, treats, beds, Samaya has extensive training and certifications in animal care. Having worked and toys. at doggie daycares, animal shelters, and being a dog and cat owner herself, Samaya The program relies on donations and a understands the cost associated with small fee to keep running. Donations come having an animal companion. She has also from Pet Valu, Global Pets, and from within witnessed neighbours struggling. the community. “We have a tenant who knits sweaters for the animals. They’re She knows that if they’re having a hard time, their pets might be as well. beautiful,” commented Samaya.

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Other tenants donate their time, like Snooky Tynes. Snooky volunteers at the animal food program and has been a tenant at 100 High Park for 15 years. Samaya and Snooky travel to collect donations and then sort them for the program.

“After a week or two, the animals start to know me. They run up to me, and they’re so happy,” said Snooky. “I’m like, you know me? How do you remember me?”

Along with helping with the food program, Snooky also runs free karate and drumming classes for his community.

beautiful to be able to provide for others in the community?” she reflected.

Samaya and Snooky started each of these programs with their own resources. They received some funding from Local Initiative Funding for Tenants (LIFT), a TCHC tenant funding program. If you are interested in running a program in your community, attend your next Tenant Circle or speak to your Engagement Community Services Coordinator.

“I grew up playing music in community centres.”

Snooky grew up in Scadding Court and knows how important it is to have activities in the area that are available for children.

“I grew up playing music in community centres,” said Snooky.

After working as a musician and dancer for over 30 years, Snooky wanted to use his talents for good in his community.

Every Tuesday and Thursday, Snooky runs drumming classes followed by karate classes—both open to community members of all ages. “We have a student who comes in who’s six, and another who is a seventh degree blackbelt and he’s 86,” he said.

The animal food program, karate, and drumming classes are all tenantrun programs that heavily rely on the help of volunteers. Samaya hopes to eventually open the animal food program to community members outside of the building, but says more volunteers and funding are needed first. “Wouldn’t it be

The karate classroom has a great collection of martial arts memorabilia

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Participants enjoying a group activity

The third annual KickStart Community Cup tournament took place this past June at MLSE LaunchPad. Ninety youth from six Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) communities joined 60 other youth from community partners to participate in an afternoon of soccer.

The Community Cup tournament is a part of KickStart. This soccer program runs each year in the spring and summer for children ages 6 to 14 who live in TCHC. It is run in partnership with MLSE Foundation, Toronto FC, and BMO. Last year, more than 500 children from over a dozen TCHC communities took part.

Boys and girls from The Esplanade, Parkdale, Cataraqui, Glendower, Capri, and Islington communities competed against each other.

“Soccer is a hot sport right now because of the FIFA World Cup,” said Tristan Sharma, a program coordinator with TCHC. “With Canada hosting its first ever tournament, the game will continue to grow among young people across the city and country.”

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KickStart gives youth a third space to thrive Tristan grew up in the Greenbrae community in Scarborough. He first got involved with KickStart as a senior program leader. Now working full-time as a staff member, he champions programming for young tenants and their families.

“Kids spend a lot of time at home and at school,” explained Tristan. “Our programs provide that third space where they can learn and excel.”

TCHC youth learn more than just soccer through KickStart. They learn life skills like teamwork and resilience. With guidance from the program’s coaches and mentors, like Tristan, youth have a safe space where they can thrive.

You can learn more about KickStart and other youth programs at torontohousing.ca/youthprograms.

Want to receive updates for upcoming programs and opportunities for youth and children? Sign up for TCHC emails or SMS at torontohousing.ca/email-updates.

The KickStart Community Cup was a big hit with young soccer players Toronto Community Housing |

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Please review this section for important updates from TCHC

Summer fire safety tips Never stack items so high that they may fall over.

Keep a one-metre-wide pathway to your unit door from the kitchen, bedroom and, if applicable, the balcony. This will allow for a safe escape in the event of a fire. Tenants who would like help reducing the clutter in their units can contact the Client Care Centre at 416-981-5500 (TRS 7-1-1) for assistance.

Barbecues are not allowed on balconies.

In some cases, barbecues may be used outside at least 15 feet from the building; check with your superintendent first. When barbecues are used too closely to the building, they can catch fire and spread, putting you and your neighbours in danger.

Your unit door is a fire door. Fire doors are required to fully close and latch. Leaving fire doors open allows smoke and fire to spread into the unit, causing damage to your property.

Check that your door is secure. If it isn’t, notify your superintendent or call the Client Care Centre at 416-981-5500 (TRS 7-1-1).

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

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Seasonal decorating guidelines Keep every season a safe one

Seasonal decorations can bring welcome cheer to your building. At the same time, decorating must be done safely to protect everyone living and working there.

Why decorations can be dangerous

Decorations can increase the risk of fire spreading quickly through your building. They can also get in the way if you’re trying to evacuate the building in an emergency, especially if smoke makes it hard to see.

The updated Fire Code

The Ontario Fire Code has been updated to provide clear guidelines for decorating. Under the Code, Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) staff can remove any items that could feed a fire or block your way out. You will not be reimbursed if your belongings are removed.

What the Fire Code says about decorations

• Seasonal decorations are always permitted inside residential units.

• Decorations are only allowed in lobbies with sprinkler systems. They are not allowed in common areas that do not have sprinkler systems.

• Decorations are not allowed in hallways or corridors.

• Decorations must be non-combustible. Non-combustible materials are fire resistant and retardant, meaning they don’t ignite, burn, or contribute to the spread of fire.

For more information about what type of decorations are permitted, visit torontohousing.ca/seasonal-decorations.

These rules help lower fire risks and keep exits clear. TCHC will post signs in each building letting you know if you are allowed to decorate in your lobby or other common areas.

If you aren’t sure if an area is safe to decorate in, contact your superintendent. If you have more questions about seasonal decorations and the Ontario Fire Code, contact the Client Care Centre at 416-981-5500 (TRS 7-1-1) or help@torontohousing.ca.

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Head office relocation What tenants need to know

Toronto Community Housing’s (TCHC) head office will relocate from 931 Yonge Street in the fall of 2026. The new location will be 55 John Street, also known as Metro Hall. The move is part of the City of Toronto’s Workplace Modernization Program, which aims to make better use of City-owned spaces for its agencies.

Contact information

There are no changes to main phone numbers. You can continue to reach the Client Care Centre at 416-981-5500 (TRS 7-1-1). Staff phone numbers will also stay the same.

Document drop-off

You will be able to drop documents off at the City of Toronto mailroom. It is located on Level P1 of Metro Hall, and is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• To access the mailroom, use Metro Hall’s John Street entrance. Go to the single elevator #14 (elevator to basement) located on the south side of the lobby, between Security and the main elevator banks.

• Take the elevator to P1. Exit the elevator and turn right, then go through the set of double doors, and follow the posted mailroom signage.

• Mail will be transferred internally to TCHC for processing and pickup

In-person service

Metro Hall staff will not be able to check documents or provide photocopying and printing. If you need help with this or, for day-to-day tenancy matters, please visit your local Hub or Regional Office for in-person support. Staff there can also help address escalations, provide paperwork, and more. Go to torontohousing.ca/hubs to find the location and hours of operation for your local Hub or Regional Office.

Mailing address

Toronto Community Housing Metro Hall, 55 John Street, 21st Floor Toronto, ON M5V 3C6 Attn: [Recipient’s full name] [Department (if you know it)] We are committed to a smooth transition with minimal disruption to tenants. If you have any questions, please reach out to your Tenant Services Coordinator.

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Helping seniors transition from ODSP to pension income As tenants approach retirement age, moving from ODSP benefits to pension programs like Old Age Security and the Canada Pension Plan can be confusing. Delays in applying for benefits or misunderstanding how income changes affect rent can create financial challenges and uncertainty.

To help address these concerns, Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) is partnering with the Office of the Commissioner of Housing Equity (OCHE), the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), and Service Canada. Representatives from all four organizations have come together to offer on-site support sessions for tenants.

At these sessions, tenants can learn about available benefits, get help with pension applications, and see how changes in income may affect rent calculations.

The pilot program launched in April 2026 at 275 Shuter Street and will continue weekly through the end of the year.

Since launching, many tenants have been participating in information workshops and receiving one-on-one support.

in pension applications, and lowers the risk of unexpected, retroactive rent charges.

Most importantly, it helps tenants maintain housing stability during an important time in their lives.

The positive response from tenants shows the value of collaborative, communitybased support. As a result, TCHC and OCHE are exploring opportunities to expand the program to more communities.

Together, these organizations are making sure senior tenants have the information, resources, and support they need to confidently plan for the next stage of life.

Want to learn about income reporting?

Visit torontohousing.ca for more information about reporting income changes, rent-geared-to-income reviews, and other resources available to support tenants.

By bringing services directly to tenants, the partnership helps remove barriers to accessing support. It helps prevent delays Toronto Community Housing |

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Get out and vote!

What you need to know about Toronto’s municipal election The next general election to vote for Toronto’s mayor, councillors, and school trustees will be held on Monday, October 26. Here are some key dates and things to know so you can be ready.

Beginning Tuesday, September 1, visit toronto.ca/elections to:

Advance voting

• Find out about the candidates running in your ward.

Tuesday, October 6 to Sunday, October 11 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Election day

Monday, October 26 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

You can vote if you are: • a Canadian citizen; and

• at least 18 years old; and • a resident in the city of Toronto; or • a non-resident of Toronto, but you or your spouse own or rent property in the city of Toronto; and • not prohibited from voting under any law.

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• Request to vote by mail.

• Find out when and where to vote.

• Get voting place accessibility information.

• Confirm, add, or update your information on the voters’ list.

• Print or download your digital Voter Information Card.

Kids Vote Weekend Kids Vote Weekend encourages young people under 18 to learn about elections.

What: Kids can vote for Toronto’s 2027 Tree of the Year!

When: Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: All 50 advance voting places

Meet the Kids Vote Weekend candidates!

To learn more about the tree candidates, find fun activities, and more, visit toronto.ca/KidsVote.

TCHC recently updated our Elections Policy The policy provides details on things like: • Where election signs can and can’t go • What election activities can take place on TCHC property • What TCHC staff can and can’t do during an election period The updates to the policy include: • TCHC’s right to decline requests from candidates or remove materials when they promote hatred, violence, discrimination or violate human rights.

• Allowing election signs on balconies during election periods.

You can find the policy at torontohousing.ca/elections-policy.

If you want to know who is running for an elected position in your ward, or even what ward you vote in, go to toronto.ca/elections.

This is your trusted source for municipal election information.

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Stop the Bleed can help you save a life Youth learn how to use a tourniquet during Stop the Bleed Workshop

In partnership with Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) offers free training for tenants interested in learning life-saving techniques.

Hospital to deliver this training to tenants across the city.

Dozens of youth from the Flemingdon Park community gathered at a nearby community centre to get firsthand training on how to control bleeding in emergencies. Engaged and empowered, it was clear that the youth were ready to learn how to save a life.

Community Navigator Kristie Oroma made the connection between STB and the Flemingdon Park community. According to Kristie, a lot of youth access support and resources through the local iHelp centre. “I felt that it was important for them to have the tools and resources to save another life in case of an incident,” she said.

Stop the Bleed (STB) is a program designed to teach bystanders how to control severe bleeding. It also prepares them with the skills to help keep an injured person alive while waiting for first responders. Since 2021, TCHC has partnered with Sunnybrook 14

“A life-threatening bleed can lead to death in as little as three to five minutes.”

Omer, a youth from the Flemingdon Park community, said that he signed up to get the certification that he can add to his résumé. “I recommend this workshop to my

friends because it’s a great way to develop skills that they can [apply] in their lives,” he said.

Shaelyn Fitzpatrick, an Injury Prevention Educator at Sunnybrook Hospital, shared why tenants should take this workshop.

“A life-threatening bleed can lead to death in as little as three to five minutes,” she said. “It’s critical that members of the public understand what they can do in those immediate moments before first responders arrive on scene. It can be the difference between life and death.”

During the two-hour workshop, youth learned how to stop the bleed through three life-saving techniques: how to use their hands to apply pressure, how to pack a wound, and how to use a tourniquet.

Participants then practiced these skills on mannequins.

kits into communities so they can be accessible to tenants.”

“...if something should happen in the community, I will know how to deal with it.”

A few days after the STB workshop, two youth put their skills to the test. They applied what they learned in the workshop to help an injured youth from their community—ultimately saving his life.

To learn more about STB, or if you want a workshop in your community, visit torontohousing.ca/stb or send an email to VRP@torontohousing.ca.

One participant, Joseph, enjoyed the hands-on section of the workshop. “It really showed me that if something should happen in the community, I will know how to deal with it.”

Communities that take part in the STB workshops receive bleeding control kits.

They are placed in a public area in buildings for tenants to use. Each kit has tourniquets, gauze, gloves, scissors, and bandages.

“A common thing that comes up in the training is how to access tools to stop a life-threatening bleed,” said Shaelyn. “[Sunnybrook] has developed a bleeding control kit that provides the tools that will help stop a critical bleed. In partnership with TCHC, we have been able to get these

Omer is all smiles at the STB workshop

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Contest: your favourite summer sport or activity

This year, the FIFA World Cup brought soccer fever to Toronto, leading to many happy fans both old and new. Of course, soccer is only one of many sports and activities Torontonians enjoy during the summer months. It’s a great time of year to be outdoors and active.

Tell us about your favourite summer sport or activity, and why it’s your favourite, and you could win a $50 Amazon gift card. The winning entry will be featured in our Fall/Winter 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, October 2.

Congratulations to Denise, a self-taught artist and the winner of our “Best Spring Artwork” contest from the spring issue. Denise’s watercolour and oil submission, entitled “Breakfast,” really captured that spring vibe with it’s beautiful outdoor blooms peeking in from a sunlit window into a cozy tea and breakfast setting.

Denise is a watercolour and oil painter with more than 30 years of professional experience 16

Fueling young minds at 20 New Heights Court Jozanne serves up fresh breakfast for kids

Every Monday and Wednesday morning, the community room at 20 New Heights comes alive with the smell of fresh breakfast and the sound of neighbours gathering before the day begins.

During March Break, participants enjoyed movies, educational activities, homework support, and arts and crafts.

For Jozanne, the program shows the power of community.

For tenant volunteer and Food Service Coordinator Jozanne Charles, the program addresses a challenge many families face. “Some children go to school without breakfast,” she said. “You can’t learn on an empty stomach. We want children, ages two to 24 years old, to have a good meal so they can focus, learn, and have a successful day.”

“When people work together, we can accomplish so much more,” she said.

“This program shows what is possible when neighbours support one another.”

The program has also created opportunities for tenants to take on leadership roles.

Volunteers help prepare meals, welcome participants, and support activities. This helps create a strong sense of ownership and pride.

The program serves children and youth from kindergarten to post-secondary age.

It provides healthy meals before school and during school breaks. Since launching in February, dozens of tenants have participated each week. Parents, youth, and volunteers work together to make the program a success.

The program’s success is made possible through the dedication of tenant volunteers, and the support of TCHC’s Violence Reduction Program and Tenant Engagement teams. The program couldn’t happen without the partnership of the Black Action Defense Committee, as they lead the program’s day-to-day operations.

But the impact goes beyond food.

Tenants gather around tables to share meals, children build friendships, and families spend time together in a safe and welcoming environment. Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) staff also use these opportunities to connect and engage with them.

As another school year ends, the program is leaving a lasting impact—one meal, one conversation and one act of neighbourly support at a time. At 20 New Heights Court, breakfast is doing more than filling plates.

It’s helping build a stronger, safer, and more connected community for the future.

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Your comment Our solution Your comment: “The Toronto Municipal election is

coming up. Are candidates allowed to canvas on TCHC property?”

Our solution: Yes! Candidates, their volunteers,

or staff have the right to be able to access potential constituents for the purpose of canvassing. This includes knocking on doors, talking to tenants, and leaving flyers behind with those tenants.

If you want to put up an election sign, you can do this inside your home, like in your window or on your wall.

You cannot put election signs up in common areas of your building.

Remember: TCHC will not share tenant lists with candidates or political parties. We respect tenant privacy.

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

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).

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Bill 97 and air conditioning

What does it mean for you?

Effective July 1, 2026, Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act was amended under Bill 97. This permits tenants to install their own window or portable air conditioning (AC) units in buildings where the landlord does not supply AC.

How this affects you

Since 2018, window ACs have not been allowed on Toronto Community Housing property for safety reasons. In 2019, we removed window air conditioners that were not over a balcony or on the ground floor.

We maintain our position on window ACs as it does align with Bill 97. You can only install window ACs over a balcony or if your unit is on the ground floor. Otherwise use a floor unit AC to cool your home.

It is also important to use windows safely, even if part of an AC unit is allowed to be installed. Windows should not open further than 10 cm (four inches). Do not force windows open, remove window screens, or bypass locks. This puts your safety at risk.