Toronto Community Housing to get hundreds of millions in repairs
CBC News | Posted: July 15, 2015 12:06 PM | Last Updated: July 15, 2015
Senator Art Eggleton tasked by Mayor John Tory to find solutions to $1.7B repair backlog
The City of Toronto has freed up hundreds of millions of dollars to take a bite out of the huge repair backlog facing Toronto Community Housing.
CBC's Jamie Strashin reported Wednesday that new city money from renegotiating mortgage rates on TCH buildings will mean $171 million in funds this year and $200 million next year.
There's still a major funding shortfall, as the backlog totals $1.7 billion over the next decade.
More than 50,000 people live in the housing provider's 2,200 buildings.
Mayor John Tory has asked Senator Art Eggleton, a former Toronto mayor, to head up the six-person panel that is looking into the $1.7-billion repairs backlog as well as improvements to services and safety.
The task force's interim report, released Wednesday, makes 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.