Board meeting deputations
This page contains an overview of the Deputation Policy, process, and how you can get involved.
About deputations
A deputation is a written or verbal presentation made by tenants, staff, or members of the public to the Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) Board of Directors (the Board) or one of its Committees.
Deputants have five minutes to give their feedback on one of the public Agenda items for the meeting. This limit may be shortened to three minutes when the number of deputants at a single meeting exceeds ten.
Deputations focus on:
- highlighting systems that are working well
- presenting solutions to improve services
- sharing new information and explaining issues.
Note: Deputations are not a forum for debate. They are an opportunity to share lived experiences and ideas.
Why you should depute
- Have a say. Deputation gives you the opportunity to have a say in the decisions that impact you and your community.
- Make a difference. When you depute, you help shape policy decisions that can improve services you receive.
- Create change. Your deputation is a way to explain issues and suggest a solution, no matter what topic you speak about.
- Empower others. By speaking up, you can inspire others to get involved in deputation.
How you can depute
You can depute in one of three ways:
- in writing
- in person
- virtually online
Meetings are hybrid and take place at City Hall or online. There may be some meetings that take place at 931 Yonge Street. Meeting details will be listed in our online calendar.
Timelines and submission deadlines
- Seven days before the meeting: Public agenda and meeting materials are posted online.
- Three p.m. the day before the meeting: The deadline to confirm that you want to depute or to submit a written deputation to a Board or Committee meeting.
To see the agenda for an upcoming public meeting, scroll to the “Upcoming Meetings" section of this page. Click or tap on your preferred meeting to view the agenda.
Register to depute
- Online: Fill out this registration form.
- Phone: Contact Sonia Fung, Committee Secretary, at 416-981-4286.
- Email: deputations@torontohousing.ca.
Please provide your full name, phone number, and the item(s) you wish to depute on. The Governance team will contact you within one business day to confirm your registration.
Your voice can help influence decisions at TCHC
Deputations have helped guide our policies on security cameras, accessibility, human rights, community gardens, and more.
Register to deputeFrequently asked questions
Why is it important that I depute?
When you depute, you connect directly with decision-makers at TCHC. Your lived experience provides invaluable insights that can lead to meaningful changes in how services are delivered.
How does the deputation process work?
- Research upcoming public Board and Committee meetings.
- Register to depute on an Agenda item that interests you.
- Prepare your deputation.
- Submit your written deputation, or attend the meeting in person or online.
- Share your feedback with the Board or Committee members when called on.
- Answer any clarifying questions they may have.
- The Board will consider your point of view when making decisions.
What is the Deputation Policy?
The Deputation Policy gives guidelines for the way tenants, staff, or members of the public can present their feedback and insights on service successes and solutions to the Board of Directors. It supports those parts of TCHC’s Rules of Procedure about deputations.
What are some topics that have been deputed on in the past?
Deputations must be made about a public Agenda item. They can cover a wide range of topics, including accountability of TCHC to their tenants, quality of service, feedback on policies, highlighting programs and services, corporate investment, community investment, and more.
Where can I find the upcoming dates of Board and Committee meetings?
You can find upcoming dates of Board and Committee meetings at torontohousing.ca/events or by navigating to the “Upcoming meetings."
Are the meetings recorded?
Public Board and Committee meetings are streamed and archived to TCHC’s Board Live YouTube channel. We encourage you to subscribe to get notified about upcoming meetings and to watch live.
Who can I contact if I still have questions about the Deputation Policy, process, or getting involved?
If you still have questions about the Deputation Policy, process, or getting involved, contact Sonia Fung, Committee Secretary, at 416-981-4286 or deputations@torontohousing.ca.
Important links
- Discovering Deputation brochure (PDF)
- Board of Directors Meeting Procedures
- Deputation Policy for Stakeholders
- Tenant complaint process
- Building Investment, Finance and Audit Committee (BIFAC)
- Governance, Communications & Human Resource Committee (GCHRC)
- Tenant Service Committee (TSC)
- Board of Directors
