Item - 2023.EC8.12

The Economic and Community Development Committee:

1. Received the report (November 14, 2023) from the Executive Director, Housing Secretariat, for information.

The HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan ("HousingTO Plan") provides a blueprint for actions and investments across the full housing spectrum to enhance access to affordable housing options for Toronto residents. As part of the HousingTO Plan, the City of Toronto (“the City”) adopted a Housing Charter, Opportunity for All, which considers how the City will support the progressive realization of the right to housing and the specific needs of historically disadvantaged and marginalized groups in accessing housing options.

In 2022, the City launched the Choice-Based Housing Access System (“the system”), a modernized and updated system for allocating rent-geared-to-income (RGI) units. In alignment with the City of Toronto’s Digital Infrastructure Strategic Framework, the City recognizes the importance of an equity-focused approach in developing, deploying and maintaining a digital infrastructure. This includes uncovering and learning from digital connectivity gaps to better target equity-seeking, marginalized and vulnerable groups to ensure all people in Toronto can access the system and maximize participation with the necessary supports.

This report provides an overview and progress update on the Choice-Based Housing Access System and responds to City Council’s request to establish a plan, informed by applicants and community agency partners, to explore options, in alignment with the Human Rights Code, to increase applicant participation in the system. City staff will report to the Economic and Community Development Committee in February 2024 with an evidence-based, targeted implementation plan to further improve and increase applicant participation in the system.