This is a joint project between Osgoode Hall Law School, the University of Toronto, and Lincoln Alexander
Project Type: Legal Research and Writing
Fields of Law: Municipal law, Housing (landlord and tenant) law
Positions Available: 1 student
About the Don Valley Community Legal Services (DVCLS)
Don Valley Community Legal Services is a community legal resource centre. The Clinic serves persons of modest income in our catchment area on an individual, case-by-case basis. The Clinic also serves the community generally by providing outreach, legal education and community organizing to agencies, individuals and other groups in our community.
Project Details
Demovictions are becoming an increasingly pressing and widespread problem in the city of Toronto. Demovictions happen when a landlord demolishes the residential complex and/or the rental units therein. In addition to displacing (a) tenant(s), demovictions remove affordable rental units from Toronto. To respond to this problem, DVCLS is exploring ways of advocating for the City of Toronto to create new regulations and policies around demovictions. This is especially challenging because regulations must be created via municipal bylaws, since the
authority to change housing laws rests with the province.
Role of Student Volunteer(s)
The student will work with DVCLS’ Housing team to support their advocacy efforts against
demovictions:
- Conduct research and comparative analysis on other jurisdictions (e.g. New Westminster) to see if their policies may be applicable to Toronto.
- Monitor and summarize in an objective way how Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 affects demovictions. The summary will be used by DVCLS for their own advocacy efforts.
- Note: The students will not participate in political or advocacy initiatives. Instead, DVCLS will determine if the deliverables can support their advocacy efforts.
- Work with the Housing Team on deputations to the City of Toronto’s Housing and Planning Committee on Demoviction policy, and public legal education presentations to tenants.
Note: The Student Volunteer will work at all times under the supervision of a Lawyer Supervisor.
At no point will the Student Volunteer provide legal advice or advocate on behalf of DVCLS. All
the project deliverables will be reviewed, revised and approved by the Supervising Lawyer.
Is A Work Plan Required For This Position?
No.
If yes, the student(s) must reach out to the lawyer supervisor, draft a work plan, and submit it by email to the Program Coordinator and the lawyer supervisor by November 1st at the latest. Please note that workplans are required for all legal research and writing projects.
What Type Of Training Will the Organization Provide?
Note: All first year PBSC volunteers and all volunteers working on research projects must also attend a PBSC/Thomson Reuters legal research strategies workshop.
DVCLS will provide background information on renovictions and guidance on research topics.
How Many Hours Per Week Will the Student Volunteer(s) Be Expected to Volunteer?
3-5 hours per week.
Will The Student(s) Be Expected To Show Up For Regular Shifts Each Week?
Schedule is flexible.
Is Workspace Provided For the Student Volunteer(s)?
N/A
Requirements and Expectations
- Some knowledge of housing issues is helpful.
- Computer & technology skills.