As part of an effort to standardize and regulate rental apartment buildings, the City of Toronto is calling for public input to guide the creation of a new licensing framework for multi-unit properties. Building on the guidelines established in the Multi-Residential Apartment Building Audit Program, the new licensing standards are being drafted to ensure best practices in building maintenance, strengthen enforcement of property standards violations, and improve tenant engagement while simplifying access to information.
An apartment-rich skyline, image by Jack Landau
Following June's Council vote to move forward with the proposed licensing program, some 3,300 of Toronto's rental apartment buildings could soon be subject to new regulations. The licensing program would be mandatory for buildings with three or more storeys and 10 or more units, with the proposed regulatory framework set to be funded via an annual license fee of $12 to $15 per unit.
Over the next two weeks, seven consultations will be held across the city to gather public and stakeholder input. Participants will be able to submit their recommendations and critique the established goals and objectives of the program. Beginning on Wednesday, August 17th, the meetings will run to Wednesday, August 31st:
• Wednesday, August 17: Metro Hall, 55 John St., Room 308/309, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
• Saturday, August 20: Broadlands Community Centre, 19 Castlegrove Blvd., 11 AM to 1 PM
• Tuesday, August 23: Jenner Jean-Marie Community Centre, 48 Thorncliffe Park Dr., 6:30 to 8:30 PM
• Wednesday, August 24: Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall, Meeting Room 1/2/3, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
• Thursday, August 25: East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Ave., 6:30 to 8:30 PM
• Tuesday, August 30: Domenico Di Luca Community Recreation Centre, 25 Stanley Rd., 6:30 to 8:30 PM
• Wednesday, August 31: Scarborough Village Recreation Centre, 3600 Kingston Rd., 6:30 to 8:30 PM
More information about the program is available via the City of Toronto's official website.