News & Events
Welcome to our News & Events page. Don Valley Community Legal Services actively participates in a variety of community activities, public legal education workshops, and community networking tables. One key component that allows members to be self-empowered is knowledge of what is happening around them. This page will allow us to share what is happening in the communities we serve.
Here we will share legal information articles, local law reform campaigns, news stories, community events and details for our Annual General Meeting.
For community events, workshops, public legal education (PLE) information or membership, please contact our Community Development Worker at 416-441-1764 ext. 22.
Legal Info Articles & News
RentSafeTO Colour Coded Signs Coming June 15, 2026
New: RentSafeTO Colour Coded Sign Requirements Coming into Effect June 15, 2026 Toronto City Council has updated the Apartment Building Standards Bylaw to introduce colour-coded signs for RentSafeTO apartment buildings. Beginning June 15, 2026, all registered buildings must display City-issued green, yellow, or red signs that reflect their most recent building score.
Read moreCanadian Citizenship Rules
The following is legal information and not legal advice. If you need further information or need legal advice, please call our Intake Line at 416-441-1764 ext. 1. This information is up to date as of May 13, 2026. Applying for Canadian citizenship is an important way to protect your rights.
Read moreOntario is increasing ODSP rates by 1.9% effective July 2026
This will be the fifth increase to ODSP rates since September 2022 and rates will have increased by more than 22% since then. ODSP rates are tied to inflation and adjusted annually in July. The 2026 inflation-based increase to ODSP will take effect on July 1, 2026. People receiving ODSP will see an inflation-based increase of 1.9% to: basic needs and shelter maximum amounts for individuals and families board and lodge amounts for individuals and families the amount provided for a couple if both people have disabilities amounts for services provided by a long-term care home or a specialized care residence ODSP website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-disability-support-program
Read moreStanding Up for Tenants at 500 Dawes – City begins $120,000 in repairs
Don Valley Community Legal Services has been assisting the tenants of 500 Dawes Road in East York for several years. We were thrilled to the City of Toronto finally take remedial action at the building. Last summer, we joined the tenants and ACORN when Mayor Olivia Chow visited the building. The tenants showed her the various maintenance and repairs issues in common areas and within units.
Read moreWhy Proper Pay Matters
Article written by: Mahnoor Fatima, Student-at-Law The following is legal information and not legal advice. If you need further information or need legal advice, please call our Intake Line at 416-441-1764 ext. 1. In Ontario, employers have legal obligations regarding how employees are paid. Under the Employment Standards Act,
Read moreLiving on OW/ODSP and turning 65?
This tip sheet was prepared by the Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC). Information and links are accurate and up-to-date as of March 2026. For more helpful tip sheets, updates, and information from ISAC, visit www.incomesecurity.org. Click here to download the PDF Version. Living on OW/ODSP and turning 65?
Read moreAir Conditioner Assistance Program 2026
Applications and support for the 2026 Air Conditioner Assistance Program will be open April 7 to 21. Low-income seniors, pregnant individuals and families with infants are eligible to apply for a free portable AC unit. Supply is limited. Check eligibility and apply at toronto.ca/ACprogram. Toronto continues to experience the effects of climate change,
Read moreNot Alone: Senior Scam Stories
The following is from the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly (ACE). Empowering Seniors against Targeted Scams and Frauds through Storytelling Real Experiences, Legal Guidance & Prevention Tips Fraud and scams are increasingly targeting older adults across Canada. Behind every statistic is a real person — a parent, a neighbour,
Read moreC-12 is now law. Find out how you are affected.
The following is information from the Migrant Rights Network. It is legal information and not legal advice. If you need further information or need legal advice, please call our Intake Line at 416-441-1764 ext. 1. On March 26, 2026, Bill C-12 received royal assent and has become law.
Read moreIntroduction to Work Permits
The following information is current to March 24, 2026. The following is legal information and not legal advice. If you need further information or need legal advice, please call our Intake Line at 416-441-1764 ext. 1. This article is meant to be an introduction to Work Authorization in Canadian Immigration Law.
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