City Council Meeting – Structured Summary

High-level summary - The Housing Rights Advisory Committee focused on reforming tenant supports and housing access, approving interim steps while delaying a full rollout. Notable actions include unanimously approving the item on Tenant Support Services for later presentation and deferring the Housing as a Human Right training program to a future discussion. Public input opportunities were highlighted through ongoing engagement with stakeholders and the engagement consultant.

Five most important topics discussed 1) Interim Tenant Support Services and ongoing access - The committee discussed continuing interim tenant supports via housing planners and leasing agents while the Tenant Support Coordinator role is developed. A key point was ensuring tenants still receive guidance during the transition. Quote: “Right now, the leasing agent does that. And what we’re proposing here is to continue that service until we can get the tenant support coordinator on board.” - Impact: Directly affects how tenants move through replacement housing processes in the near term.

2) Changes to financial compensation for tenants with special needs - The group discussed removing additional financial compensation for tenants with special needs while preserving other supports (rent gap payments, in-kind services). This affects the level and type of monetary supports available to vulnerable tenants. Quote: “We’re only proposing to remove the additional financial compensation specifically for tenants with special needs.” - Impact: Could alter the financial safety net for tenants with special needs during displacement.

3) Interim protections and privacy in tenant support processes - Discussion emphasized ensuring privacy and direct city handling of sensitive information (e.g., victims of violence) to protect tenants. Quote: “There was definitely more concern about privacy and that's why we're introducing the new process where everything goes to the city instead of it used to go to the landlord.” - Impact: Improves tenant safety and data protection in the housing transition process.

4) Standardization and coordination of housing services - The committee stressed standardizing services provided by leasing agents and housing planners, and coordinating with the Housing Secretariat to improve consistency and delivery. Quote: “We also work with the housing secretariat because housing secretariat staff are more aware of what services are available in the community.” - Impact: Aims to reduce confusion and ensure uniform service levels for applicants.

5) Housing as a Human Right training program - An update on developing a human-rights-based training program for city staff, including collaboration with external partners (e.g., the Canadian Center for Housing Rights and Aboriginal Legal Services). The plan envisions online modules, instructor-led sessions, and stakeholder consultations. Quote: “City council had directed the housing secretariat to procure a consultant... to develop a housing as a human rights training program.” - Impact: Long-term capacity-building to embed rights-based housing policy across city divisions.

File numbers or bylaw references - No specific file numbers or bylaw references were cited in this meeting section.

Opportunities for public input - Public input opportunities exist through ongoing engagement with stakeholders and the engagement process led by Public Progress, with residents invited to share feedback on the proposed program and tenant supports. Quote: Christine: “We would really appreciate your thoughts on this, but we’re also happy to answer any questions you may have.”

Motions and outcomes (titles and outcomes) 1) Motion to Receive the Item on Tenant Support Services - Outcome: Passed unanimously. - Next steps: Interim tenant support services to continue through housing planners and leasing agents while the Tenant Support Coordinator is developed.

2) Motion to Proceed with the Housing as a Human Right Training Program - Outcome: Deferred (from prior meeting; under discussion again with updates from the Housing Secretariat). - Next steps: The plan to develop and deliver the training program will continue, with further updates and decisions anticipated.

Councillors present - Joy (council member) is explicitly listed as present. Other councillor attendees are not named in this section.

Additional notes - Next steps include presenting a staff report and engagement summary to the Planning and Housing Committee on January 20, 2026, and continuing stakeholder consultations to refine the housing access system and training program.