Toronto Community Housing takes over management of 200 Wellesley St. E.

TORONTO, Oct 5 /CNW/ - Toronto Community Housing has taken over management of 200 Wellesley St. E. to improve client service and better meet tenant needs.

Prior to a six-alarm fire at the 711-unit building on Sept. 24th that displaced 1,200 residents, Greenwin Property Management managed the building on Toronto Community Housing's behalf. Now, in the aftermath of the fire, Toronto Community Housing has exercised its right to take over property management. The transition took effect on October 2, 2010.

"Toronto Community Housing has made a clear commitment to the residents of 200 Wellesley St. E. that we will support them during this time of transition and adjustment. By taking over management of the building, and assuming a more direct role in the building's day-to-day operations, we are taking action to ensure we are best able to respond appropriately to tenant concerns and meet tenant needs," said Mitzie Hunter, chief administrative officer of Toronto Community Housing.

Tenants will now have Toronto Community Housing superintendents and cleaning crews on site to oversee building maintenance, repairs and answer questions. There will be a Superintendent's Office for Tenant Service Requests set up on the first floor at 200 Wellesley St. E. in the coming weeks for tenant convenience. Until then, tenants are asked to pick up and drop off Tenant Service Request Forms at the security desk in the lobby.

The transition does not impact the management of other Toronto Community Housing buildings in St. James Town. Greenwin Property Management will continue to provide property management services at 275, 325 and 375 Bleecker St. The same housing service policies and standards apply in all Toronto Community Housing buildings, whether the building is managed directly by staff or an outside property management company.

Tenants who have questions or need an update about the fire are asked to call The Wellesley Tenant Information Hotline: [phone]. Tenants will also continue to receive the Tenant Bulletin and can get information online by visiting www.torontohousing.ca and www.toronto.ca.

Toronto Community Housing is Canada's largest social housing provider and home to more than 164,000 tenants, about 6% of the city's population, with low and moderate incomes. Toronto Community Housing employs 1,400 staff in a broad range of jobs who deliver its mandate to provide quality housing and build great neighbourhoods. Toronto Community Housing is one of Canada's 2010 Top 100 Employers.

For further information:

Media contact:  
Sinead Canavan, Toronto Community Housing, 416-891-8665