Item - 2010.CD32.2

The Community Development and Recreation Committee recommends that:

1.         City Council consent to the sale by Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) of  20 houses, as listed in Appendix A, to Wigwamen Incorporated, and consequent adjustment to TCHC service level obligations, in accordance with the City’s shareholder direction to TCHC, subject to approval from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

2.         City Council authorize the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to amend the TCHC Operating Agreement to adjust funding and service level obligations as a result of the sale and enter into any agreements and ancillary documentation deemed appropriate in connection with the sale and purchase of the houses on terms and conditions satisfactory to the General Manager and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

3.         City Council request that prior to the disposal of any further units the Toronto Community Housing Corporation:

            a.         continue to pursue options for partnerships to ensure that 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes continue to be part of a social housing portfolio in the City of Toronto; and

            b.         report to the Community Development and Recreation Committee on opportunities, or lack thereof, prior to recommendations to Council for the disposition of units.

4.         City Council request the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, and the Toronto Community Housing Corporation to work with Wigwamen Incorporated to identify if there are any “clusters” of single family homes that may also be suitable for Wigwamen Incorporated.

5.         City Council formally thank the staff of the Affordable Housing Office, the Shelter, Support and Housing Administration Division and the Toronto Community Housing Corporation for their work in making this sale to Wigwamen Incorporated possible.

The Community Development and Recreation Committee requested the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, to report directly to City Council on the following:

-           the market values of the homes proposed to be sold;

-           the remaining balances on the mortgages; and

-           alternative costs which would be avoided, timelines and any other issues associated with replacement of the units, including costs.

The purpose of this report is to request Council consent to the sale by Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) of 20 houses to Wigwamen Incorporated (Wigwamen), in accordance with the City’s Shareholder Direction.

TCHC’s Real Estate Asset Investment Strategy identified 47 houses in the single family portfolio to be sold.  This report deals with the proposed sale of 20 of these single family homes to Wigwamen.  The remaining 27 single family homes are to be subject to a request for expressions of interest to community agencies who deliver housing and support services to low-income or vulnerable populations in Toronto.

The proposed sale of TCHC’s houses to Wigwamen aligns with Council’s ten year affordable housing plan, Housing Opportunities Toronto and provides a unique opportunity to invest in the houses and address homelessness in the Aboriginal community in Toronto.