Last week, I attended a safety town hall at a Toronto Community Housing complex at 415 Willowdale. Some may be surprised to know that Willowdale has community housing. This vibrant community has been part of Willowdale’s unique landscape for many decades and is one of the few in Toronto with a low violent-incident count. Despite this, many safety concerns are still being raised with our office. I decided to ask staff to join me in a safety-focused meeting, where we can meet directly with tenants to hear their concerns and discuss practical steps to improve safety in the building and the surrounding area. 

Residents shared a range of issues, highlighting the importance of feeling secure in their homes and common spaces. It was heartbreaking to hear of the fear and anxiety several residents face due to challenging neighbour relations. TCHC staff are committed to reviewing their respective cases to determine how concerns can be resolved. The challenge for these residents is that it is incredibly difficult to have someone moved or evicted from TCHC, as it would likely lead to homelessness. However, funding to support those with complex needs is limited, leaving many residents vulnerable to challenges for which clear solutions are lacking.

A Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) assessment of the complex is in process. This assessment identifies opportunities to enhance safety through design and infrastructure improvements. As a result, additional lights and cameras are being installed, and the trimming of bushes and trees is being added to the community work order.  

A Community Safety Unit coordinator was also on site. This unit works to ensure tenants are informed about where and how to report concerns and access available support. The Community Safety Officer emphasized the critical role of reporting in improving community safety, noting that documented incidents help build the data needed to guide operations and inform resource allocation. While some tenants expressed that the reporting process can feel cumbersome, the officer encouraged residents to document and report as much as possible, reinforcing this as a key step in driving meaningful action and long-term improvements.