Tenant Engagement System Review
Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) recently completed a review of the Tenant Engagement System. This review included input from tenants and other stakeholders.
Why we are reviewing the Tenant Engagement System
Over the past few years, tenants and stakeholders have shared their concerns about the current tenant engagement system—its structure and how it operates. This feedback guided the review that Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) launched in Spring 2023 to make sure the system better serves your needs and pushes forward your community priorities.
Tenants were at the heart of this review. Whether through one-on-one conversations, meetings, or regional Tenant Community Action Tables (TCATs), we made sure your voices were heard.
One key message was clear: tenants want a more open, fair and flexible tenant engagement system.
Over the past few months, staff have worked closely with tenant leaders, the Tenant Advisory Committee, and other stakeholders to design a new model for tenant engagement. This model is built on four core components: Tenant Circle, Tenant Council, Tenant Community Action Tables and the Citywide Tenant Committee. It is designed to encourage and strengthen participation at every level to make a real impact.
We are committed to continuously improving this system to make sure it gives you the tools to drive positive change in your community.
The Engage Together model.
How tenants can get involved in the proposed model
Tenant Circles: All tenants will be invited to join their building or townhouse community's Tenant Circle. These groups will focus on your community’s development priorities and decide how tenant funding is spent on projects and initiatives.
Tenant Councils: Elected tenant leaders from each building or townhouse, would participate in Tenant Councils. These councils will focus on leadership development, community development priorities, and initiatives.
Tenant Community Action Tables (TCATs): Every tenant is invited to participate in the transformed TCATs that will be co-designed by tenant and staff input. There will be spaces for tenants to share knowledge, discuss what is working well, and learn from each other. These Tables will give tenants more opportunities to engage with subject matter experts like TCHC staff, community partners, and service providers. You will also be able to give feedback on tenant-related processes and policies.
City-Wide Tenant Committee: A group of tenants will represent the broader tenant community and provide input on the overall tenant engagement system, as well as corporate policies and initiatives. These tenants will be selected through an open-call application process.
Tenant FAQs
We are postponing tenant elections so that we can develop a thorough implementation plan. This plan will include an updated model to reflect what tenant leaders have shared about the future of the Tenant Engagement System.
We developed this resource to answer common questions.
Why was the Tenant Engagement System reviewed?
Tenants and stakeholders expressed concerns about the current Tenant Engagement System and its implementation. This feedback came to TCHC through various channels, including board committee meetings, Tenant Community Action Table meetings, and other local community meetings.
In response to these concerns, TCHC hired a dedicated staff to work with stakeholders to review the current system and make recommendations on amendments.
How was the review done?
Tenants and stakeholders shared ideas to improve the current Tenant Engagement System and its implementation. Feedback channels included one-on-one conversations and small group discussions with different tenant groups, TCHC staff, other public housing providers across Canada, and experts in community best practices. These consultations were held both online and in-person.
Information was also pulled from surveys, including the 2021 Tenant Survey.
The review has taken a complete approach to evaluate the current state of tenant engagement in TCHC programs. It is not just focusing on the system of elected tenant leadership.
What are the 10 recommendations from this review?
- Empower tenant representation
- Inclusive decision-making and prioritize tenant voices in stakeholder engagements
- Prioritize assistance for tenants to secure funding
- Enhance communications
- Improve customer service
- Share best practices
- Performance measurement and accountability
- Tenant and staff training surveys & diverse trainers
- Strengthen CSC teams
- Board of Directors—reports and visits
Why do we have to postpone elections?
We are postponing Building Committee and Community Representative elections because we are still reviewing the governance model. Once we have the approved model, we will know what kind of roles we will hold elections for.
It is important to keep tenant leaders in place to help us effectively communicate to our communities about the recommended changes to the engagement system. Delaying elections also gives us time to develop and start timely implementation of the ten (10) recommendations from this review.
What happens to current Community Representatives and Building Committee Members?
We are asking current Community Representatives and Building Committee Members to continue in their roles until the updated Tenant Engagement System is implemented in early 2025.
What happens to existing vacancies in our buildings?
Vacancies will remain open until the new system is implemented. We encourage interested tenants to continue participating in ongoing engagement activities and programs.
What if I want to step down from my current position?
Please let your local Community Service Coordinator know. You will need to give them your resignation in writing.
What happens if a Community Representative steps down from their position?
This role will become a vacancy. All vacancies will stay open until the new system is implemented. We encourage interested tenants to continue participating in ongoing engagement activities and programs. You can contact your local Community Services Coordinator for more information.
When will the changes to the Tenant Engagement System be implemented?
We are currently finalizing the implementation plan. This plan includes an updated Tenant Engagement System Model. We will share more information and a timeline in early 2025.
How can I stay informed about the Tenant Engagement System update?
We will send out updates through emails and meetings. You can also go to the Tenant Engagement System page for information or contact your Community Services Coordinator, Engagement. Stay tuned for announcements and opportunities to participate.
