Author: Laura Anonen

Investigating a rise in ‘own-use’ evictions

Watch this segment from CBC’s The National on own-use evictions where Karly Wilson, lead of our Housing Law Team, was interviewed.
“Own-use evictions are up 85 per cent in Ontario, pitting angry tenants against landlords who say they need their properties back. CBC’s Ioanna Roumeliotis investigates what’s behind the increase and talks to tenants who worry they could soon be living on the streets.”

Information for Tenants on Air Conditioners

Now that we’re in the hot days of summer, we are receiving more calls from tenants about air conditioner rules. Check below or click here to view a PDF of our air conditioner fact sheet.
Can I have an air conditioner (AC) in my unit?
Check your lease!

Celebrating Canada Day in the Community

Each year DVCLS participates in community events on Canada Day. We are a proud supporter of the Neighbours Together on Canada Day celebration that takes place in Riverdale Park East within our catchment area. Our staff and volunteers had a wonderful time engaging with community members and handing out free resources.

How to Apply for a Visitor Visa

Do you want to visit Canada, whether it is to see a relative or go sight-seeing? While visitor visa applications are generally handled by private lawyers, we are happy to provide you with the following information.
Whether you need a visa depends on which country you come from. US citizens can generally enter Canada with just their passports.

Key Toronto committee endorses plan to prevent renovictions

Policy could be designed later this year, pending council vote

Shawn Jeffords · CBC News · Posted: Jun 16, 2024 4:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: June 16

The City of Toronto has taken a step toward cracking down on illegal renovictions after a committee of councillors approved a plan to regulate how landlords renovate their properties.

Media Release – Time for Action on Renovictions

June 13, 2024
Time for Action on Renovictions
Tenants and housing advocates urge city to enact renovictions by-law at City Hall today
TORONTO – Tenants, housing advocates and legal clinic representatives are calling on the city to move forward with its proposed renovictions by-law.
Profit-driven renovictions continue to significantly reduce Toronto’s already limited affordable housing stock and force many tenants out of their long-time homes and communities.

The Wait is Over: Toronto’s New Rooming House Bylaw

By Bhavin Bilimoria, Director of Legal Services, Don Valley Community Legal Services
In December 2022, Toronto City Council amended its Municipal Code to add a new chapter called Multi-Tenant Houses. This new chapter legalizes multi-unit dwellings, known as rooming houses, across Toronto. It came into effect on March 31, 2024 and with it the City of Toronto ushered in a new regulatory framework for rooming houses.

DVCLS Staff Support Blood Donation Event

DVCLS staff have been getting more involved in community initiatives and events. A few of our staff donated blood at a recent event at Sunnybrook Hospital. Learn more about donating here. Big thanks to our staff!

DVCLS Sends Letter to Minister on Personal Long-Term Illness Leave under the ESA

The Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development offered a consultation on a proposed personal long-term illness leave. DVCLS’ Employment Law Team sent in the following submission.
Dear Minister Piccini:
Re: Consultation on Personal Long-Term Illness Leave under the Employment Standards Act, 2000
We are writing to provide our feedback to the Ministry of Labour,

Immigration Update: 2024 Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship Program

*Note: This information is current to May 30, 2024
At the beginning of May, the Canadian Government announced that the Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship Program (PGP) would be opening again for 2024 on May 21, 2024.
It is important to note that this does not mean anyone interested in sponsoring their parents or grandparents to become Permanent Residents in Canada can now apply.