Housing

Striking a Balance: The Case of the Guide Dog and the Taxicab

October 3rd, 2018 by Brynn Leger

What do you do when human rights of one person compete with another’s? Employers, housing providers, and other public service providers have a duty to accommodate those with disabilities under the Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code). Sometimes, however, these obligations lead to conflict between multiple people in need of accommodation. An example of this that has been felt by housing providers and employers is the tension between persons with service animals and other persons with allergies. Some people in need of accommodation rely on service animals to assist them. But people suffering from allergies to dogs can’t be expected to live and work in an environment that does not accommodate their needs. How does an employer or a housing provider address these competing obligations to accommodate these persons in a fair manner that complies with the Code? Continue reading “Striking a Balance: The Case of the Guide Dog and the Taxicab”

Legalization of Cannabis: Important Considerations for Housing Providers & Employers

September 14th, 2018 by Safia Lakhani

With the impending legalization of cannabis, we have received requests from a number of housing providers to assist in developing policies that deal with the use and growth of cannabis in units. We have also received requests from employers around policies that prohibit the use of alcohol and drugs in the workplace. While policies should be crafted to suit a particular workplace or residence, below are a few considerations that employers and housing providers should bear in mind when creating rules around cannabis: Continue reading “Legalization of Cannabis: Important Considerations for Housing Providers & Employers”

Client Profile: Bread and Roses Co-operative Homes

June 27th, 2018 by Iler Campbell

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Bread and Roses Co-op is a non-profit housing co-operative located in downtown Kitchener.

The co-op, established in 1990, includes a provincially designated heritage building that was built in 1879 as a button factory. Before being renovated to house 21 of the co‑op’s 66 units, the building was variously used for shirt manufacturing, as a barracks during the First World War, and for manufacturing felt, mattresses and electrical supplies. It is one of the most significant heritage landmarks in Kitchener and is the only remaining industrial building in Kitchener with a peaked roof. The heritage building is joined to a modern six story building that contains 45 apartments.

Bread and Roses’ founders were ahead of the curve with their vision of converting an old industrial building into housing in downtown Kitchener. In 1990, few people lived downtown by choice. That’s changed. Kitchener’s downtown is now a trendy, upscale address and the co-op is a bulwark against gentrification. Continue reading “Client Profile: Bread and Roses Co-operative Homes”

Think your waiver has you covered? It might not.

May 18th, 2018 by Elliot Fonarev

Chances are your organization has dealt with waivers if your services have the potential to create injury or liability to your clients or customers – for example, if you operate sports facilities or provide access to a physical space with potential hazards. If so, a recent decision of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on the topic of waivers may interest you. It highlights that documents that release liability should be drafted very specifically to make it clear which legal rights are being waived.

Continue reading “Think your waiver has you covered? It might not.”

Cannabis Legalization: What Social Housing Providers Need to Know

April 27th, 2018 by Iler Campbell

Celia Chandler recently participated in a webinar titled “Cannabis Legalization: What Social Housing Providers Need to Know.” A video of the webinar is now up on Housing Services Corporation’s Sustainable Housing Asset Resource Exchange (SHARE) website.  Celia is joined on the webinar by Brian Laur, Housing Services Corporation’s Director of Insurance Services.

Watch the webinar and download the presentation here.
Continue reading “Cannabis Legalization: What Social Housing Providers Need to Know”

Join us Feb 22 for co-ownership speed dating!

February 13th, 2018 by Iler Campbell

Looking for someone to co-buy a house with? Come out on Thursday, February 22 for co-ownership speed dating.

Join us for an evening of co-ownership knowledge, mixing, mingling and even speed dating for co-ownership. You will hear from experts who currently support co-ownership as well meet others interested in co-owning.

Meet at the Duke of York (39 Prince Arthur Ave, Toronto) at 6:30pm. To register visit www.cobuyconnect.com.

We’re teaming up with mortgage broker, Lesley Tenaglia and real estate agent Lesli Gaynor for this event. Iler Campbell lawyers Safia Lakhani and Lauren Blumas will be on hand providing general legal information on co‑ownerships.

Co-buying has been getting lots of press. Check out an article about this event!