FAQs
Why can't we give feedback on how properties are purchased?
Feedback from this survey is focused on methods for communicating and engaging, not how properties are selected. Below is an the explanation regarding why purchases occur in closed session rather than publicly:
Section 239(2)(c) of the Municipal Act, 2001 expressly permits a municipal council to discuss proposed or pending property acquisitions in closed session.
In enacting this section of the Municipal Act, 2001, the province has acknowledged that confidentiality is necessary in conducting real estate transactions in order to: (1) protect the buyer/seller (this becomes even more important where a municipality is acquiring a property for a seemingly controversial purpose and the seller may be subjected to pressure or harassment from neighbouring landowners); (2) protect the municipality’s negotiating position, as public disclosure of the municipality as purchaser, of the purchase price that the municipality is willing to pay, or of the importance of the property to the municipally, can affect the purchase price, and (3) avoid speculation (if the public knows about a planned acquisition by the municipality, it can lead to speculation by developers or investors).
Why are neighbours not consulted about locations for housing solutions?
Restricting where people can live is a violation of a municipalities human rights obligations. Read more about the precedence of the Human Rights Code here: In the zone: Housing, human rights and municipal planning | Ontario Human Rights Commission
What criteria must properties meet to be considered for housing solutions?
Properties acquired by the City for a transitional housing, supportive housing, shelter or other housing responses must meet some key criteria including being geographically dispersed, on or near transit routes, appropriately sized to support smaller-scale operation for ease of community integration. Once a property is found that meets these criteria the property is brought to City Council for consideration in closed session. Once the property is selected for acquisition it’s then voted on in open session.
Council has provided specific direction to continue moving emergency shelter and transitional/supportive housing across a broader geography to ensure that the concentration of housing services does not further concentrate and thereby stigmatize vulnerable populations.
Why is community often informed at a later date than the initial sale or property?
Addresses of properties purchased by the City are shared as property transactions close rather than at the initiation of the sale.
This process ensures and respect the confidentiality of the property owners. Information is shared as soon as the property is officially sold and the transaction closed to ensure transparency as the information becomes public.