Franke calls for audit to uncover what went wrong at Tolpuddle Housing Co-op as bail-out plan takes shape

Skylar Franke believes an independent audit could expose gaps in housing oversight amid Tolpuddle crisis.

Coun. Skylar Franke says an independent audit of the Tolpuddle Housing Co-op could help identify problems the municipality and other public housing providers should avoid in future.

On Monday, the Community and Protective Services Committee considered a staff report recommending the co-op’s building be declared a project in difficulty, a designation that would allow the city to step in and fund a transition plan for essential repairs and improved governance.

Board president Jo Dee Phoenix told the committee the current situation could have been avoided with earlier intervention from city officials.

“Eighteen months ago, when we were begging city staff for help, it didn’t happen,” Phoenix said. “Earlier intervention, as requested, could have prevented much of the current situation.”

The co-op’s apartment building and three townhouse blocks include 109 rent-geared-to-income units and 23 market-rent units.

Twenty units are currently vacant and awaiting repair. The property has also been dealing with drug activity, trespassers, vandalism and a series of fires.

Conditions inside the buildings include deficiencies identified through orders issued under the property standards bylaw and the Ontario Fire Code.

Franke told the committee an independent audit could provide lessons for future decisions.

“This is an opportunity for us to learn from whatever has occurred,” she said. “Obviously, we need to move forward at this point and address the ongoing issues at Tolpuddle.”

Following the meeting, Franke said an external review could lead to policy changes.

“We see that there’s been some issues and perhaps different policies and procedures are needed,” she said. “That, to me, is an opportunity to have an audit. I think it’s important to have a third-party external firm do the audit because they bring a fresh set of eyes and can review the policies and recommend changes.”

The staff report states that intervention and corrective action are required “to prevent further deterioration and to stabilize the organization.”

Phoenix argued the report fails to address rising operating costs, an outdated funding model and challenges faced by other public housing providers.

“Funding has not changed. Supports have not been added. Service models remain outdated,” she said. “Housing providers are being asked to manage complex health and social issues without health and social resources.”

City staff acknowledged housing providers are under financial pressure.

“We have a funding model and associated benchmarks that lag behind some of the economic realities,” said Matt Feldberg, director of municipal housing and industrial development. “Items like utilities, insurance, security costs and contracted services often escalate faster than what our benchmarks reflect.”

Franke is not a member of the committee, but said she is considering bringing a motion to council at its April 28 meeting.