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Rooming House Licensing Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner

The Rooming House Licensing Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner are quasi-judicial positions which consider applications for new licences and the renewal of existing licences for rooming houses located within the geographic area of the former City of Toronto. Currently there are more than 500 rooming house licences in effect in the former City of Toronto.

Responsibilities

The Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner are outlined in the former City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 285, Rooming Houses. They have been delegated the powers of Council with respect to licence issuing, suspension, renewal or revocation of any rooming house licence in the former City of Toronto, including the imposition of conditions upon the owner prior to and as a condition of, the issuance, suspension, renewal or revocation of the license.

Term of office

The term of office for the Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner is four years.

Composition

Two members of the public are appointed as Rooming House Licensing Commissioner and Deputy Rooming House Licensing Commissioner.

Qualifications

In addition to the general eligibility requirements set out in the Public Appointments Policy, appointees are to have:

• a good understanding of the Rooming House Licensing By-law, other relevant by-laws and provincial legislation and the Statutory Powers Procedure Act
• familiarity with the concepts of natural justice/fairness
• excellent listening skills, open-mindedness, sound judgement, and tact
• ability to mediate
• ability to organize and analyze evidence (written and oral)
• demonstrated ability to write a clear, well-reasoned decision that takes into account the evidence, the submissions, the law and policy
• a commitment to public service and to uphold a high standard of ethics
• good interpersonal skills, including the ability to work in a team
• the ability to work under time pressures
• flexible work schedule to allow attendance at hearings
• willing and available to attend training programs once appointed

Meetings

Approximately 10 to 12 hearings are held per year. Hearing are held at City Hall and usually take place in the afternoon or evening.

Remuneration

• Commissioner: $2,500 annually, plus full-day per diem of $460 and half-day remuneration (3.5 hours or less) of $275 for hearings, business meetings or training sessions.
• Deputy Commissioner: $1,500 annually, plus full-day per diem of $460 and half-day remuneration (3.5 hours or less) of $275 for hearings, business meetings or training sessions.