Options for Homes named an Affordable Housing Champion by the City of Toronto

Options for Homes (Options) has been delivering affordable homeownership housing for over 24 years, and now we’ve been recognized as an Affordable Housing Champion by the City of Toronto. We couldn’t be prouder! 

On Friday, March 2, the City’s Affordable Housing Committee bestowed 18 companies with a Champion award. Together, the group of honourees represented 1,094 affordable homes in 20 developments across 12 city wards, which will be ready for occupancy between 2018 and 2020. 

Options’ CEO Heather Tremain, who was honoured alongside Paul Connelly, longtime president of the Options Board, said, “I am grateful to work with the amazing team at Options, all of whom are dedicated to making a more vibrant and equitable city. We are honoured to be recognized for the work we do at Options.”

Heather’s commitment to her team was evident when she invited the 10 staff members in the committee chambers to join her and Paul in accepting the award.

Affordable Housing Committee chair and Deputy Mayor Ana Bailão thanked the non-profit and private sector partners in attendance for their dedication to building quality, affordable housing in Toronto, and called on councillors to support their efforts. "It is only through these strong and ongoing partnerships that the City can succeed in providing new affordable rental and ownership housing for Torontonians,” she said.  

As Mayor John Tory congratulated all the honourees, he added that he viewed this as a muted celebration because its celebrating getting back on track and that even the targets set by the city are woefully short of the demand for affordable housing in this city.

“There is still much to do,” said Tory. “I’m very impatient about this. This is the single biggest component in closing the gap between those who are comfortable and those who are struggling.”

The challenge, he said, it to take all the efforts made by this group and scale them up. 

The 18 organizations recognized at the Affordable Housing Committee meeting were: 

• Artscape 
• CollecDev 
• Daniels Corporation 
• Egale Canada Human Rights Trust 
• Habitat for Humanity GTA
• Hines Interests Limited Partnership 
• Humewood House 
• Madison View Homes Inc. 
• Malibu Investments 
• Native Men's Residence 
• Options for Homes 
• Rockport Group 
• St. Clare's Multifaith Housing Society 
• Toronto Community Housing Corporation 
• Tridel 
• Trillium Housing 
• Westbank Corporation 
• WoodGreen Community Services Corporation 

CITY OF COLOUR

At Options, we pick the neighbourhoods we build developments in knowing that there is something special about each. We respect the character of these communities, and the lifestyles of the neighbours. With any new condo development, the construction process can take up to two or more years. That’s two years of big machines, holes in the ground, beams, bricks, and piles of dirt. Let’s be honest, it can be disruptive. But at Options, we feel it’s important for us to honour communities. While we build, we don’t want to undermine the appearance of the neighbourhood – we want to enhance it! That is why we decided to partner with The PATCH Project (Public Art Through Construction Hoarding), and East York-based artist, Monica Wickeler, to create an art piece on the hoarding of #TheVillageByMainStation.  In Monica’s words, “the piece, [“City of Colour”] intends to showcase hope and optimism, and the transformation of homeownership: the progression of feelings towards joy and success.” This piece of community art will cover the construction behind it, and for the next year will make Trent Ave. a more vibrant, attractive street in the vibrant, attractive East York community. Thanks to the community members and everyone who came together to make this happen.

For more info, check out:  http://thepatchproject.com/projects/city-of-color/

Top 5 Tips for Downsizing

Whether it’s because the kids have all moved-out, or you’re preparing for retirement, we know moving from a larger home with lots of stuff into a condo can be tricky. However, for many people, one of the advantages of condo-living is it provides the opportunity to streamline your space and live a more organized life. Knowing this is one thing, actually doing it may seem daunting.

Don’t worry, Options for Homes has got you covered - here's how to make the transition as smooth as possible.

5 simple steps to make downsizing easier:

1.    Carefully consider your new space

Not only are you entering a new physical space, but you’re coming into a new mental space as well. If you are simply too overwhelmed at the time of your move to make hundreds of small decisions, just make one: rent a storage unit for 6 months to keep things you’re just not sure about. This gives you time to emotionally detach from items so that you can give careful consideration to what you want, and what you’ve found you don’t need. Access Storage has facilities near every new Options development. Mention Options and you will get a 10% discount at Access Storage. Contact reception@optionsforhomes.ca for more details.

2.    Start packing early

Start packing up one room at a time, and give yourself the time to go through all your things. Remember that you’re not only downsizing, but also trying to simplify your life.

3.    Be decisive

For starters, if you haven’t used something in over a year, it’s time for that item to find a new home. Also, look for items that serve the same function. Did you know that the kitchen is the room where we tend to have the most overlap? You probably have multiples of the same exact utensils. Why keep so many? Choose. Be decisive about what stays and what goes.

4.    Recycle wisely

Now that you’ve decided what you really want, what should you do with what you won’t be keeping? You can certainly sell what you don’t need at a garage sale, or you can donate your items to a worthwhile charity or non-profit! Here’s a list to help you choose an organization:

-          Canadian Diabetes Association has been around since 1985, and leads the fight against diabetes through prevention and awareness, helping those affected by diabetes, and by increasing research funding for a cure. One hundred per cent of the proceeds raised by Clotheslines goes towards supporting the Canadian Diabetes Association with diabetes research, education and advocacy. Clothing, footwear, blankets, pillows, sleeping bags, toys books and household items can be donated to them. To arrange a free pickup, call 1-800-505-5525 or visit http://www.diabetes.ca/how-you-can-help/clothesline

-          Children’s Book Bank  provides free books and literacy support to children in low-income neighbourhoods in the Toronto area. Children’s books for newborns up to age 12 can be donated and dropped off at 350 Berkeley Street, near Gerrard Street East.

-          Furniture Bank  helps transform empty spaces into homes and provides furniture to families in need. To get a pickup quote, visit http://www.furniturebank.org/furniture-pickup-request/ or call 416-934-1229 Ext. 2.

-          New Circles is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing clothing and skill building opportunities to individuals. Clean, gently worn clothing can be donated at 161 Bartley Drive or call 416-422-2591.

-          Oasis Clothing Bank is a non-profit that helps individuals that are on the road to recovery and accepts gently used clothing and houseware items. To find the closest location near you, visit http://www.clothingbank.ca/fnsec_locations.inc.

-          Pegasus Thrift Store is dedicated to supporting adults with developmental disabilities and autism. Clothing, jewelry, antiques, books and household items are accepted. To donate, please contact info@pegasustoronto.ca or visit their store located at 931 Kingston Road.

5.    Be selective

Once you’ve settled into your condo, be mindful of what you continue to bring into your new space. You want to break the habit of bringing things home just for the sake of having things. Why add clutter to your space and life? If you don’t have the space to store large quantities of products, first, limit how much you buy. Secondly, you can join a lending library where you can share everything from tools to musical instruments. Also, there are many great blogs and books about living minimally. One that we personally like is: “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo.

Try any of these tips and we’re sure it’ll make you love your new clutter-free condo even more!