Special Reports

Special Reports, News October 1, 2018

How Syrian refugees are adjusting to their new lives in Toronto

As Syria continues to crumble, Syrian refugees in Canada have been quietly settling into their new lives. And although the initial wave of Syrians being processed through Canada’s airports is over, many more are scheduled to arrive in 2018. The Toronto Observer checked in with some of the recent Syrian newcomers to see how they are adjusting to their new lives — and also spoke with some refugees who are still waiting to come to Canada.

Special Reports, Arts & Life, Food April 18, 2018

Cannabis conundrum: edibles and all

The recent announcement of Ontario’s first four pot shop locations is a step forward in Canada making cannabis legal for recreational use — but you won’t find THC-infused gummies, lollipops, chocolate bars or brownies in government-run dispensaries for at least another year.

Gamble Avenue street sign

Special Reports, News June 6, 2017

27 Gamble is getting better

The front steps of the apartment building at 27 Gamble Ave. in East York are crumbling. While residents say that it is not one of the worst buildings in the city, it still has its share of tenant complaints and a history of violations of Toronto municipal licensing and standards bylaws.

165 Cosburn Ave.

Special Reports, News May 24, 2017

165 Cosburn Ave.: garbage in the garage

If you look up the city’s Municipal Licensing & Standings division, there are many buildings around the city being audited because of tenant complaints about building conditions. In 2011 the city audited the apartment building at 165 Cosburn Ave. in East York after residents complained about property standards pertaining to the parking garage. Six years later, the building still has problems.

165 Cosburn Ave.

Special Reports, News May 20, 2017

New tenant bylaws may improve living in East York buildings

Effective July 1, 2017, landlords in Toronto are expected to register with the city for the units they rent out, and pay a $10.60 annual fee for each unit. Landlords are also subject to do cleaning, maintenance and implementing security protocols, and must regularly conduct pest inspections. The bylaws will affect over 3,500 buildings across the city.

streetscape with buildings and cars

Special Reports, News May 11, 2017

Maintenance issues plague Flemingdon Park community housing

Some of the residents in one of Toronto’s oldest community housing complexes have waited as long as seven years for the City of Toronto to make property standards repairs. Data released by the city’s Municipal Licensing and Standards department shows over 100 tenant complaints have been made to the city about Vendome Place, with some dating back to 2010.

Rotting sign advertising rentals at 500 Dawes

Special Reports, News May 11, 2017

Nightmare at 500 Dawes

Jennifer Reid has lived at 500 Dawes Rd. in East York since 2015. For her, it has been nothing but a nightmare. When she first moved in, the screen door to her balcony was broken. It still has yet to be repaired, in 2017.