Toronto’s Ombudsman reports on first year of office’s new Housing Unit, underscores human right to housing

Toronto’s Ombudsman Kwame Addo released an update today on the work his office’s new Housing Unit has done during its first year of operation.

Established in July of 2023, the Housing Unit at Ombudsman Toronto investigates and reviews the planning and delivery of the City of Toronto’s housing services, policies, and programs to make sure they are fair and uphold Torontonians’ human right to adequate housing.

In less than one year, Addo and the unit have:

• Hired Toronto’s first Deputy Ombudsman (Housing) and fully staffed the unit.

• Met with more than 170 people to better understand the housing-related challenges they face, including individuals who are or have been precariously housed and those who support them.

• Launched two investigations into issues of significant public concern: the City’s decision to deny refugee claimants access to space in its shelter system and how the City responded to months-long utility outages at a rooming house following a fire.

• Recommended numerous systemic fixes to improve the City’s housing services. This included working with the City to update its procedures for repaying tax arrears.

The development of a Housing Rights Framework was a notable accomplishment, says Addo. It is the first of its kind for an Ombudsman organization in Canada and is now guiding the unit’s work.

As Addo notes in his report, international law states that adequate housing — housing that is safe, secure, and affordable — is a fundamental human right. The City has recognized this right and has pledged in its Toronto Housing Charter to uphold it. The new Housing Rights Framework developed by Ombudsman Toronto will be a key tool in its work holding the City accountable to this pledge and will help ensure those most affected by housing precarity and homelessness are the central focus of the City’s actions.

Quotes:

“I am grateful to the many community leaders, organizations, and individuals who shared their stories, insights, and expertise with us, especially those facing housing precarity. This work is for you.” – Kwame Addo, Ombudsman

“The housing crisis is one of the most pressing issues facing the City and Torontonians. Recognizing this, Ombudsman Toronto’s Housing Unit hit the ground running, and that momentum enabled us to accomplish a great deal in the unit’s first year. We are committed to building on this momentum as we hold the City accountable in its work to ensure all people have a safe, secure, and affordable place to call home.” – Kwame Addo, Ombudsman

An Ombudsman Toronto backgrounder and further information about its Housing Unit are available at ombudsmantoronto.ca.

For more information, contact:

Alex Kruger
Ombudsman Toronto
Office: 416-338-3023
Cell: 647-472-0873
alex.kruger@toronto.ca

Ombudsman Toronto listens to and investigates people’s complaints and concerns about City of Toronto administration and the fairness of City services. We are a free and impartial office that operates independently from the City, holding it accountable to the people it serves.