Toronto Community Housing to get hundreds of millions in repairs

The City of Toronto has freed up hundreds of millions of dollars to take a bite out of the huge repair backlog facing Toronto Community Housing.

CBC's Jamie Strashin reported Wednesday thatnew city money from renegotiating mortgage rates on TCH buildings will mean $171 million in fundsthis year and $200 million next year.

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There's still a major funding shortfall, as the backlog totals $1.7 billion over the next decade.

More than 50,000people live in the housing provider's 2,200buildings.

Mayor John Tory hasasked Senator Art Eggleton, a former Toronto mayor,to head up the six-person panel that is looking into the $1.7-billion repairs backlogas well asimprovements toservices and safety.

The task force's interim report, released Wednesday, makes seven recommendations:

• Secure additional funding to move forward on the 10-year capital repair program.
• Create an action plan toincreasesafety and security.
• Create anaction plan toimprovebuilding conditions.
• Create an action plan toprovidemore jobs and opportunities for residents.
• Create an action plan formore effective training for TCHstaff and contractors.
• Work with residents to create a 'resident charter' and review the tenant engagement system.
• Hire a chief operating officer.