Important Changes to
RGI Eligibility Requirements
Issued: November, 2023
The Province of Ontario has recently changed the
requirements of the Housing Services Act, 2011. As a
result, the City of Toronto must implement an asset limit
for rent geared-to-income (RGI) assistance eligibility, click below
City Guideline – 2023-10: Changes to the Local Priority
Rules for Rent-Geared-to-Income Housing...click below
The Hispanic Fiesta in Toronto was initiated in 1982 by Las Flores, marking the beginning of a cultural project for the Hispanic community in the city. This event, initially a three-day affair and now extended to four, showcases the diverse artistic expressions of the Spanish-speaking world, including film, dance, music, and cuisine.
The festival is a vibrant celebration filled with the splendid sounds, tempting treats, and colorful culture that Hispanic heritage is known for. It features performances by 300 local, national, and international Hispanic performers from over 20 different Spanish-speaking countries.
The event aligns with Hispanic Heritage Month in Canada, celebrated with activities such as the Latin Fall Fiesta. This event includes a parade that traditionally starts from Bloor Street West and proceeds to Dundas Square, engaging the community with music, dance, handcrafts, food, arts, and culture.
Las Flores Non-Profit Housing Corporation has been associated with the Hispanic Fiesta, indicating a collaborative relationship in celebrating Hispanic culture and assisting in housing initiatives within the community.
These festivities not only honor the heritage but also celebrate the daily contributions of the Hispanic-Latino-Canadian community in Toronto, fostering a sense of pride and cultural unity.
A meaningful exchange with Eddie Lok, Manuel Rodriguez, and Christina Wong at the ONPHA Conference 2023 in Toronto.
The ONPHA Conference 2023 was indeed a rich source of knowledge and networking. As the President of Las Flores, I was eager to immerse myself in the collective knowledge that the event promised, and it lived up to my expectations.
The Opening Plenary with Paul Calandra, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, was insightful. His clear assertion that the challenge isn't immigration, but rather the pressing need for more housing, struck a chord, he is an immigrant as well. He highlighted the crucial role immigrants play in our economy, underscoring the necessity of expanding our housing infrastructure.
The session "Whose stories are you telling? Lessons in equity-informed storytelling" on Friday, steered by Sara Goldvine, VP Equity, BC Housing, was particularly impactful. Sara, drawing from her political background, emphasized the compelling power of storytelling, mentioning that some stories resonate more and deserve to be brought to the forefront. This session provided a deeper understanding of how we, as housing board members or providers, can utilize storytelling effectively to represent diverse experiences and realities.
Among the enlightening discussions, the chatting with our property manager, Eddie Lok and Christina Wong from Community First Development Inc., stood out. Conversing with Eddie reinforced that we at Las Flores, indeed partnered with one of the best property management firms in Toronto. Our conversation was a testament to the stellar work Eddie and his team have been executing.
The delightful Spanish dialogue with Christina Wong was both enjoyable and a great opportunity to finally meet her in person. Our conversation was a warm reminder of the human connections that enrich the professional realm and our Spanish connection.
I would extend my heartfelt recommendation to fellow Presidents to attend this event in the future. The breadth of insights and connections garnered is invaluable. A special shoutout to Alena and Fernando for encouraging me to participate this year. The ONPHA Conference 2023 not only broadened my understanding but also underscored the importance of strong partnerships, continuous learning, and the power of community in navigating the housing sector landscape.
