The City of Toronto has issued a cease and desist order to Ryan Donais, founder of Tiny Tiny Homes, demanding the removal of several tiny homes he constructed on city property to provide temporary shelter for people experiencing homelessness. Donais argues that the city's inaction in addressing homelessness necessitates his initiative and that he is willing to cooperate with finding alternative locations for the shelters.
The City of Toronto has issued a cease and desist letter to Ryan Donais, founder of Tiny Tiny Homes, ordering him to remove several tiny mobile homes he has erected on city property. These homes were intended to provide temporary shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. Donais, who started building the modular homes last summer, incorporated Tiny Tiny Homes as a non-profit organization to expand his initiative.
To address potential safety concerns, he equipped the homes with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a fire extinguisher, and designed them to be easily transported by attaching them to the back of a bicycle. However, the City of Toronto contends that the structures constitute an unlawful occupation of city property and violate municipal code. The letter, issued last Friday, states that the homes interfere with the public's right to use and access city parks and present health and safety concerns. Donais expressed surprise at the letter, particularly as it arrived a week after a meeting with city officials where discussions about the homes had seemed positive. Prior to that meeting, Donais had been attempting to connect with city officials to secure an approved location for the structures. He emphasized that their current presence in the park was a direct result of the city's inaction in providing adequate housing options. He stated, 'Give us a place to put them, and let's get them out of the park,' underscoring his willingness to cooperate with the city. Each tiny home features heating, electricity, running water, and safety features like a smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm.A city spokesperson confirmed that officials had informed Donais during the meeting that the structures were not permitted on city-owned properties. While acknowledging the city's potential to consider micro shelters in future initiatives, the spokesperson clarified that they are currently not allowed on any city-owned properties in Toronto. Tiny Tiny Homes responded to the cease and desist letter, arguing that the shelters are mobile and not permanently installed. They also stated their commitment to refrain from constructing any additional shelters until the issue is resolved. Brent Blake, a resident of one of the shelters for approximately three weeks, shared his perspective. He expressed gratitude for the shelter's provision of a safe space while he copes with throat cancer and awaits subsidized housing. Blake highlighted the peace of mind the shelter offers, eliminating the constant worry about finding a place to stay. He emphasized the city's obligation to address the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly when they are unable to provide adequate housing options
HOMELESSNESS HOUSING CRISIS TINY HOMES CITY OF TORONTO SOCIAL SERVICES COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
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