John Tory blasts Toronto Community Housing security

Mayor John Tory warned the head of Toronto Community Housing that he has six months to fix the security situation in the organization's buildings, but some residents aren't sure that's possible.

"Having drug dealers gone by the end of the year, I don't think that is possible," said Muna Mohammed, a TCH tenant representative who sits on a six-person panel looking into the issues.

"I live it. I see it. And I don't think it's possible."

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Tory's demands come after Senator Art Eggleton, who is also a former mayor, released an interim report on the conditions within TCH buildings that focused heavily on crime.

If you used a precious public housing as a base for drug dealing you forfeit the right to live there- John Tory, Toronto Mayor

Eggleton's report said the "turf conflicts" that spring from gang activity in the buildings make residents fear for their own safety and that of their children.

More than 50,000 people live in the housing provider's 2,200 buildings.

Tory said "thugs are engaged in criminal acts," within TCH buildings and it's up to the corporation, as landlord, to kick those people out.

"I think most people would conclude that if you used precious public housing as a base for drug dealing you forfeit the right to live there," Tory said.

The mayor, admitting it can be hard to remove problem tenants, said he'll push for rule changes to make life easier for the agency.

Tory also said he wouldn't hesitate to change the leadership at TCH if change doesn't happen, even though there has already been plenty of turnover within the organization.

"The way you deal with things in life is if you don't get satisfaction or improved results, you get new people," Tory said.

So far, Interim TCH President Greg Spearn has offered few details about potential changes.

TCH is also struggling with a massive capital repair backlog, estimated at around $1.7 billion. The city announced nearly $400 million in funding for the next two years on Wednesday, but with no new money coming from the province or Ottawa, it's possible TCH will be forced to sell off some of its properties.

The task force's interim report also contained the following seven recommendations:

• Secure additional funding to move forward on the 10-year capital repair program.
• Create an action plan to increase safety and security.
• Create an action plan to improve building conditions.
• Create an action plan to provide more jobs and opportunities for residents.
• Create an action plan for more effective training for TCH staff and contractors.
• Work with residents to create a 'resident charter' and review the tenant engagement system.
• Hire a chief operating officer.