To:
Mayor Olivia Chow – City of Toronto
Premier Doug Ford – Province of Ontario
Prime Minister Mark Carney – Government of Canada

From:
Regent Park Tenant Rights Association (RPTRA)
Regent Park Neighbourhood Association (RPNA)
Residents and Supporters of Inclusive Housing Development

Background

Toronto is in the midst of a housing crisis. The dream of home ownership is increasingly out of reach for low- and moderate-income renters across the city. In communities like Regent Park, where revitalization has rapidly transformed the landscape, long-standing tenants are at risk of being priced out of the neighbourhood they helped build.

In response to these challenges, Daniels Corporation introduced the BOOST program—a pioneering Rent-to-Own initiative designed to help first-time buyers (including TCHC tenants) purchase homes in Regent Park and remain rooted in their community. The program provided a 10% down payment in the form of a forgivable second mortgage, with no interest and no payments required for up to 20 years.

But despite its success, BOOST remains limited in scope and reach. As the City of Toronto assumes responsibility for affordable ownership programs, residents are calling on all levels of government to act boldly and equitably.

The Community Demand

We, the undersigned, call on the City of Toronto, Province of Ontario, and Government of Canada to:

1. Expand Rent-to-Own Programs Citywide

Adopt a city-supported, provincially and federally funded Rent-to-Own model—informed by the Daniels BOOST program—that offers:

• A 10% down payment assistance loan, forgivable after 20 years of ownership
• No interest and no payments for the first 20 years
• Income-tested eligibility with priority for first-time buyers, long-term renters, and TCHC tenants
• Integration with CMHC-backed mortgage qualification
  

2. Ensure Equity in Home Ownership Access

Target affordability by:

• Capping eligible household incomes
• Prioritizing racialized residents, newcomers, seniors, and essential workers
• Supporting those most impacted by gentrification and displacement in revitalizing communities like Regent Park
  

3. Prevent Displacement through Localized Housing Options

Offer rent-to-own opportunities within revitalizing neighbourhoods, ensuring existing renters and TCHC tenants can stay and build equity where they live.

4. Build Transparency and Accountability

Publicly report on uptake, access, and equity outcomes to ensure the program meets its goals and serves the communities most in need.

Why This Matters

Displacement is not revitalization.
Equity is not achieved through market units alone.
Affordable home ownership is a pathway to community stability, wealth-building, and long-term housing security.

Programs like BOOST have shown what’s possible. It’s time to take that vision citywide—with bold investment from all levels of government.

We Call on You to Act

Mayor Chow, Premier Ford, and Prime Minister Carney:
Support rent-to-own and affordable ownership programs now.
Give low- and moderate-income renters a real chance to own a home in the communities they helped build.

✍️ Sign the petition to demand action on equitable, community-rooted home ownership.