Mayor Rob Ford has delayed a controversial debate on selling off hundreds of Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) properties, as the city scrambles to come up with the cash to complete “urgent repairs.”
On Tuesday, the city’s executive committee was scheduled to debate a proposal to sell off 675 scattered TCHC properties that could bring in an estimated $222 million. That cash would be used to make a dent in a $650-million capital repair backlog.
Council has the final say on the potential sale. The matter was supposed to be up for a vote at city council on Feb. 6.
"I meet with people in Toronto Community Housing units every week. Many of the units are absolutely disgusting. The entire system is in desperate need of repairs," Ford said in a statement released Monday night.
In that same statement, the mayor announced debate on the sell-off would be delayed by one month in order to give the TCHC board time to put together a full plan on how address the repair problem.
"I need to ask the board and TCHC to work a little faster,” Ford said. “ I'd like them to accelerate their plans to address the repair problem and care for affected residents so Council can consider them at the same time it reviews the sale of units. That will give Councillors the full picture. And, it will help us get repairs started faster."
Coun. Josh Matlow
tweeted his approval of the mayor's move.
"Thank you Mayor Ford & his office for reaching out to councillors & taking time to find a thoughtful plan for our TCHC homes together," he posted online Monday night.
The group Tenants for Social Housing blasted the timing of the mayor’s decision.
“Confusion over how many homes would be sold, which homes are actually available for sale and how affected tenants would be treated have caused anxiety among social housing residents and concern among many Councillors,” the group said in a statement released shortly after the mayor’s on Monday night.
“This evening’s abrupt decision to cancel the roughly 75 deputations scheduled for tomorrow afternoon have created further concern that there is no real plan and little clarity about the proposed sale, despite its significant impact on tenants.”