Creating equitable access
Updating the Use of Space Program to better serve tenants
TCHC’s Use of Space Program was just one of many indoor programs impacted by the pandemic in 2021.
As a public health measure to combat the spread of COVID-19 and help keep tenants safe, we closed non-residential spaces in buildings across our portfolio in 2021 except for essential programs. We continued to use community and recreational spaces to provide essential services like food security programs in many communities. TCHC also repurposed many of the rooms for COVID-19 vaccination clinics.
In 2021, we made necessary updates to the Use of Space Program. The application process was improved to make it easier for tenant-led groups and agencies to apply for spaces. We also created a Use of Space Guide for staff to make documentation and onboarding of occupants more seamless. With restrictions lifted in Ontario, TCHC opened up spaces to partners (agencies and tenant-led groups) on April 1, 2022. Applicants can apply to use a space online at torontohousing.ca/useofspace.
Equitable Common Spaces Workshop (Virtual)
To support our efforts to improve processes and make sure programming better serves tenants by meeting community needs and priorities, we hosted a virtual development workshop for staff and select tenant groups in December. The workshop focused on ways we can work together to better co-create equitable common spaces.
Award-winning placemaker and keynote speaker Jay Pitter, and a panel of guest speakers, addressed a complex range of factors that shape the quality and character of space. Our guest speakers focused on how common rooms in our communities serve as gathering places, resource hubs and recreational spaces for tenants, and on the challenges of creating equitable spaces for Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, women and queer individuals.
This week, #TCHC staff, tenants and partners learned from people across #Toronto about equity in space making. This is the start of a process to make our common spaces more equitable. Thanks @Jay_Pitter for guiding us, also our panelists @JcElijahMB, @tkurdi and others! pic.twitter.com/WorUgr4Y0y
— Toronto Community Housing (@TOHousing) December 4, 2021
In a post-event survey, 94 per cent of respondents rated their experience positively.
In addition to this virtual convening, Jay Pitter Placemaking was also retained to lead the co-creation of an Equitable Common Spaces Terms of Reference. This work included: several common space site audits, a policy review, and participatory workshops with TCHC leaders, staff, residents and community partners.
TCHC’s Use of Space Program was just one of many indoor programs impacted by the pandemic in 2021.
As a public health measure to combat the spread of COVID-19 and help keep tenants safe, we closed non-residential spaces in buildings across our portfolio in 2021 except for essential programs. We continued to use community and recreational spaces to provide essential services like food security programs in many communities. TCHC also repurposed many of the rooms for COVID-19 vaccination clinics.
In 2021, we made necessary updates to the Use of Space Program. The application process was improved to make it easier for tenant-led groups and agencies to apply for spaces. We also created a Use of Space Guide for staff to make documentation and onboarding of occupants more seamless. With restrictions lifted in Ontario, TCHC opened up spaces to partners (agencies and tenant-led groups) on April 1, 2022. Applicants can apply to use a space online at torontohousing.ca/useofspace.
Equitable Common Spaces Workshop (Virtual)
To support our efforts to improve processes and make sure programming better serves tenants by meeting community needs and priorities, we hosted a virtual development workshop for staff and select tenant groups in December. The workshop focused on ways we can work together to better co-create equitable common spaces.
Award-winning placemaker and keynote speaker Jay Pitter, and a panel of guest speakers, addressed a complex range of factors that shape the quality and character of space. Our guest speakers focused on how common rooms in our communities serve as gathering places, resource hubs and recreational spaces for tenants, and on the challenges of creating equitable spaces for Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, women and queer individuals.
This week, #TCHC staff, tenants and partners learned from people across #Toronto about equity in space making. This is the start of a process to make our common spaces more equitable. Thanks @Jay_Pitter for guiding us, also our panelists @JcElijahMB, @tkurdi and others! pic.twitter.com/WorUgr4Y0y
— Toronto Community Housing (@TOHousing) December 4, 2021
In a post-event survey, 94 per cent of respondents rated their experience positively.
In addition to this virtual convening, Jay Pitter Placemaking was also retained to lead the co-creation of an Equitable Common Spaces Terms of Reference. This work included: several common space site audits, a policy review, and participatory workshops with TCHC leaders, staff, residents and community partners.
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