Coroner Investigates Toronto Community Housing

The case under review is rather straightforward. An elderly gentleman was evicted from his bachelor apartment because he was behind in his rent.

The Toronto Housing Authority is the agency charged with the responsibility of looking after the poor and managing subsidized housing on behalf of the City.

Al Gosling was 82 years of age. He lived in subsidized housing for years. He didn’t have any family to help him out, so he fell somewhat behind in his paperwork.
You know how much bureaucrats love paperwork. Well, Al was not sending them any. So what did they do?

Very simple, they evicted him. He came home one day in June, and the locks were changed. He had nowhere to go, so he slept in the stairway. His food was in his apartment, so he went without, and grew tired and weary. He was taken to a homeless shelter, but he became gravely ill. He was 97 pounds.

Finally, Al was taken to the hospital in October. He was there for a few days, then he died.

What was the great piece of paper that led to Al’s death? It was a form that said he didn’t have any other sources of income. Therefore, he qualified for the subsidy.

Without that piece of paper the Toronto Community Housing Centre decided to fight. They wanted that piece of paper and he didn’t provide it. So, let’s take him to Court and evict him.

Fortunately, the Coroner believes that something went wrong here. Right now the Coroner is undertaking an investigation. Hopefully, this will lead to a decision to hold an inquest.

Yes, I do have a word of advice:

• Don’t get old
• Don’t get sick
• Don’t be poor

And, the number one thing to remember: fill out your paperwork. They don’t take any excuses!

Brian Madigan LL.B., Realtor is an author and commentator on real estate matters, Royal LePage Innovators Realty
905-796-8888
www.OntarioRealEstateSource.com