Toronto Community Housing creating compensation program for tenants of 200
Wellesley St. E.

TORONTO, Nov. 5 /CNW/ - Toronto Community Housing is creating a compensation program for tenants of 200 Wellesley St. E. related to the recent fire.

On October 21, 2010, Toronto Community Housing's Board of Directors directed staff to develop a compensation program aimed at compensating tenants quickly for their losses. The goal is to compensate tenants for lost property and the loss of access to their homes while ensuring that all available funds go to tenants.  

"Toronto Community Housing is committed to creating a compensation program to assist tenants affected by the fire at 200 Wellesley St. E. We believe this is the surest and quickest way to ensure all legitimate claims are paid as quickly as possible," said Mitzie Hunter, Chief Administrative Officer of Toronto Community Housing.

Toronto Community Housing is in the process of working together with stakeholders to finalize details of the plan for approval by the Board of Directors with a release of the offer to follow shortly thereafter.

Earlier today, Toronto Community Housing and the City of Toronto announced that on Monday November 8, 2010, financial donations from the public will be distributed to residents of 200 Wellesley St. E., who were displaced by the recent fire. Tenants in the North Tower have received free October and November rent and a one-time clothing allowance ($150 for tenants in bachelor and one-bedroom units, $300 for tenants in larger two-bedroom units). South Tower tenants who are back home received free October rent. All tenants in need have had access to a wide range of supports and services at no charge. This includes temporary housing, food, clothing, toiletries, crisis counseling and medical assistance.

Toronto Community Housing (www.torontohousing.ca) is Canada's largest social housing provider and home to more than 164,000 tenants with low and moderate incomes-about six per cent of the City of Toronto's population. Toronto Community Housing employs 1,400 staff in a broad range of jobs, who deliver its mandate to provide affordable housing, connect tenants to services and opportunities, and work, together to build healthy communities. 

For further information:

Media contacts:
Kyle Rooks, Toronto Community Housing, 416-981-4347