Reducing the Risk from COVID-19 for Residents of Multi-Tenanted Buildings - by Councillor Josh Matlow, seconded by Councillor Joe Cressy

In a recent poll, the Federation of Metro Toronto Tenants' Associations found that 55 percent of Landlords had provided any new cleaning practices to address COVID-19. Moreover, in response to COVID-19 concerns in their community, residents of Crescent Town engaged in a building clean-up and posted signage throughout the complex last week encouraging residents to practice social distancing and hygiene. The Landlord took down the signs within a few days. It has become clear that Landlords are not voluntarily complying with the guidelines established by the City to protect tenants. This is particularly concerning in light of recent data released by Toronto Public Health showing that the majority of new "sporadic" or community cases are occurring in low-income neighbourhoods with a significant percentage of racialized people that must work outside of the home in congregate settings. These areas tend to be dominated by high rise apartments. Social distancing is difficult in vertical communities. That's why it's critical that rigorous hygiene and cleaning regimens are in place. That's why this Motion seeks to make the guidelines for health and safety in apartment buildings mandatory to protect tenants.

routinely clean frequently touched surfaces in common areas, including doorknobs, elevator buttons, light switches, toilet handles, counters, hand rails, touch screen surfaces and keypads, with common household cleaners and disinfectants; d. ensure that the building is properly organized to accept deliveries of essential goods like medications and food for residents to avoid non-essential trips outside and facilitate quarantines; e. post Toronto Public Health signage: "what is physical distancing"; "physical distancing on elevators"; and "shared laundry areas" in relevant common areas.; and f. when showing units or suites for sale/lease, keep a safe distance of 2 metres (6 1⁄2 feet) from the resident, wash hands with soap and water, and/or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, before and after the visit.