2016

Our members’ work has the power to change lives and build the foundation for strong, vibrant communities – and that is something worth celebrating.

On behalf of ONPHA and our colleagues in the non-profit housing sector, we would like to congratulate all of our 2016 Awards winners.

From innovative and dedicated housing providers, to passionate and committed leaders, engaged tenants, and some of our sector’s longest-standing professionals, our recipients’ work has made a difference in communities across Ontario.

Your commitment inspires us to continue to advocate for a strong, vibrant affordable housing sector in Ontario. Thank you for your contributions, and congratulations!

Warm regards,

Meg McCallum Sharad KerurPresident, ONPHA Executive Director, ONPHA

CELEBRATING THE difference YOU MAKE

AWARD FOR excellence

ONPHA’s Award for Excellence recognizes innovative non-profit housing corporations that respond to tenant and/or community needs with imagination and insight. These outstanding housing providers demonstrate excellence by going beyond their housing mandates to build strong tenant communities and partnerships, housing populations that have been poorly served, advocating and supporting new development, and demonstrating originality and innovation to manage housing more effectively.

2016 WINNERWIGWAMEN INCORPORATED

Wigwamen Incorporated is Ontario’s oldest and largest urban Aboriginal non-profit housing provider, operating over 600 units in Toronto and 41 units in Ottawa. In operation since 1972, Wigwamen has demonstrated excellence through:

Tenant support and engagement: Wigwamen fosters community and supports its tenants through successful and long-standing events and programs, such as an annual tenant barbeque, Christmas dinners, tenant scholarships and much more.

Strong partnerships: Wigwamen has a strong track record for building partnerships with community agencies, including March of Dimes Canada, Accommodation, Information and Support (AIS), the Malvern Healthy Community Cupboard and more.

High-quality housing: Wigwamen’s strong commitment to high-quality housing, maintenance, accessibility, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability is evident in every one of its buildings.

Commitment to expansion: Through its more than 40-year history, Wigwamen has consistently pursued opportunities to expand its housing portfolio to offer more affordable housing options for Ontario’s Aboriginal community.

Sponsored by:

ONPHA innovation AWARD

The ONPHA Innovation Award recognizes non-profit housing providers that have developed an innovative response to an environmental, operational, or community challenge. These organizations have demonstrated creativity, high-quality and innovation by creating a unique program or service response to a challenge facing their organization, community or tenants. Their initiatives have demonstrated promising outcomes and serve as inspirations and models for other non-profit housing providers.

2016 WINNERHOUSING YORK FOR THE RICHMOND HILL HUB

The Richmond Hill Hub is a shining example of the mixed-use, community hub model in affordable housing – combining a number of uses successfully and harmoniously.

Under one roof, the Hub incorporates 202 units of affordable housing, commercial offices, a social enterprise space and a youth services space – which includes a drop-in centre for at-risk and homeless youth, as well as emergency and transitional housing for homeless youth. The Youth Hub is operated by the Regional Municipality of York’s community partner, 360ºkids.

Developed by the Regional Municipality of York and operated by Housing York Inc., York Region’s non-profit housing corporation, the Richmond Hill Hub was carefully designed to create inviting, safe and functional spaces to meet the diverse needs the building was created to address.

Since its opening in early 2016, the Richmond Hill Hub has become a much-loved community space that supports distinct, yet integrated uses, and strong outcomes for York Region and the Town of Richmond Hill community.

Sponsored by:

SYBIL FRENETTE OUTSTANDING leadership AWARD

The Sybil Frenette Outstanding Leadership Award recognizes individuals whose energy and vision have contributed to the cause of non-profit housing in Ontario. Through the course of their careers, these leaders have created a lasting legacy through significant contributions to their organizations, communities and Ontario’s non-profit housing sector. These individuals have also demonstrated vision, leadership, collaboration and commitment in their efforts to serve the needs of low-income individuals.

2016 WINNERDEBBIE BARTON CENTRETOWN CITIZENS OTTAWA CORPORATION (CCOC)

Debbie Barton began her career in housing in 1989. As CCOC’s Rental Department Manager, Debbie built supportive housing partnerships with nine community agencies to allow CCOC to successfully house tenants who would otherwise not be able to live independently.

Debbie’s collaborative leadership within Ottawa’s housing sector created the Ottawa Social Housing Registry, pioneering the coordinated access model in Ontario’s social housing sector. Debbie also helped to create and chair the Ottawa Social Housing Network, a vibrant and active forum for knowledge sharing and advocacy in the Ottawa housing sector.

Debbie is known for taking a systems approach and always looking at the big picture. She has a strong sense of social justice, a commitment to mentoring and knowledge-sharing with her sector peers, and an ability to build strong, meaningful relationships, putting people at the centre of everything she does. Sponsored by:

TENANT achievement AWARD

ONPHA’s Tenant Achievement Award honours up to four tenants or tenant groups who help make their non-profit housing communities better places to live. These tenants have fostered community connections, contributed to the well-being of their neighbourhoods and made meaningful contributions to their communities that can serve as models to tenants across Ontario.

LISA BURTON At City Housing Hamilton’s Vanier Towers, Lisa Burton has volunteered for more than eight years, having a hand in improving safety and food security, creating community gardens, and founding a community arts program to foster peer support for tenants with mental health and addictions challenges.

ROBERT HUFFAt Ecuhome in Toronto, Robert Huff works to make his community a better place to live. As a resident decorator, Robert designs and creates some of Ecuhome’s best-loved community gardens and spaces. As a member of Ecuhome’s GLOBE program, Robert helped tenants to make changes to reduce their energy use.

RHEA RYCKMANAt Turtle Creek Manor in Mississauga, Rhea Ryckman makes tenants feel taken care of and part of the community. A superintendent since 2008, Rhea makes herself approachable, and organizes monthly dinners, weekly bingo tournaments and card games, and an annual Christmas Party to keep the community together.

TORONTO COMMUNITY HOUSING CORPORATION’S (TCHC)RESET LOCAL DESIGN TEAMSTCHC’s ReSet Local Design Teams take resident-led community development to the next level. At three sites, the teams engaged their neighbours in conversations on how to build vibrant, equitable, safe and beautiful communities, developing core design principles to guide community development for years to come. The results have included new or upgraded community spaces, tenant outings and events, and resident-led support programs for their communities. Each team continues to meet monthly to guide and evaluate the community development process.

2016 WINNERSSponsored by:

For the past 20 years, Ron Alltree has dedicated his time and enthusiasm to administering and promoting the non-profit housing sector at both the sector and provider level. Ron’s involvement in the sector began with his more than 10 years of service on the board of Old York Tower Seniors Non-Profit Housing in Toronto, serving in various capacities including Treasurer, Vice-President and President.

From 2005 to 2010, Ron served on ONPHA’s Board as a tenant representative, contributing to many committees. Ron also presented at ONPHA’s Conference every year from 2003 to 2011.

Ron continues to work closely with the City of Toronto. Recently, he played a critical role as a member of the Raising the Bar Governance Working Group, bringing his sense of humour, strategic thinking and openness to new ideas to the group.

As a current director and previous president at Mary Lambert Swale Non-Profit Homes (MLS), Ron has consistently demonstrated his passion to strive for change and continuous improvement. Drawing on his engineering background, he conducted an assessment of MLS’ building systems and developed a proposal to inject much-needed funds to return the building to a good state of repair. Ron’s openness and understanding of the issues facing MLS residents helped foster a healthier and more trusting relationship between residents and the Board.

Ron’s abundant energy and passion for serving the non-profit housing sector is contagious, and through his training, encouragement and support, he has provided his Board with the knowledge and enthusiasm they need to continue to contribute to affordable housing.

MARY LAMBERT SWALE NON-PROFIT HOMESRon Alltree

LIFETIME OF service AWARD

ONPHA’s Lifetime of Service Award recognizes the people who have dedicated their careers and talents to Ontario’s non-profit housing sector. Representing some of our sector’s longest-standing contributors, these non-profit housing professionals and volunteers are retiring after 20 or more years of dedication.

Sponsored by

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2016 WINNERS

As CEO of the Haldimand Norfolk Housing Corporation (HNHC), Christine has managed the HNHC and four other non-profit housing corporations and enjoyed a career of over 29 years. It was through Christine’s leadership that the HNHC has grown successfully from the days prior to and through devolution, to its evolution into the accomplished and strong business it is today. Christine has navigated the many changes in social housing while keeping an eye on the future as the corporation plans and prepares for regeneration, amalgamation and integration opportunities.

Christine is an Accredited Member with the Institute of Housing Management, a Charter Member of the Chartered Institute of Housing (Canada) and achieved her

CMMIII in 2016 as a Housing Management and HR Professional. In 2000, she was one of the team recipients of the Amethyst Award for Outstanding Achievement by Ontario Public Servants for her work on local housing authority benchmarking and best practices initiatives.

Christine led HNHC in the implementation of a number of innovative I.T. initiatives across all five housing corporations, including building automation systems, property management systems, asset management, talent management and implementing the CRM software system Salesforce© to manage landlord/tenant relationships. With Christine’s philosophy to provide her co-workers with the best tools to improve their customer service agility and to streamline changing business processes and services, the HNHC was featured in 2015 as one of 14 Innovative Housing Providers in Canada in a report prepared for Housing Partnership Canada by the Centre for Urban Research and Education of Carleton University.

HALDIMAND NORFOLK HOUSING CORPORATIONChristine Brutin

Linda began her career with the then Peterborough Housing Authority in 1981. She has had an amazing career in housing, starting as a Receptionist, Tenant Placement Clerk and Tenant Placement Coordinator. She finally settled into the position of Property Management Assistant in 1986, where she remained until retirement. Linda has always expressed care and concern for the residents, from adoring their children and newborn babies to making a point of knowing everyone’s name – including their pets! Residents adore Linda because she takes the time to listen, and shows genuine care and concern for their well-being.

Linda has seen many changes during her career, and yet she still knows every property code by memory, and probably every resident who has ever lived in a Peterborough Housing Corporation property! Linda is a role model to both residents and co-workers by being a wonderful example of how to work hard, always be on time (or better yet, early), and show a phenomenal amount of respect for everyone. She is a shining example of the “perfect employee.”

Linda has been an inspiration and mentor to both new and long-standing staff (including her managers), offering unconditional support and the occasional plate of fudge. Her passion, selflessness and dedication to the housing sector are undeniable. Throughout her 35-year career, she has touched the lives of so many residents, co-workers, contractors and community partners. Peterborough Housing Corporation is a better place because of Linda, and she will truly be missed!

PETERBOROUGH HOUSING CORPORATIONLinda Bertrand

Jane Edwards began her career in non-profit housing in 1975 at the Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto (CHFT) as a Receptionist and Typist. Through the years, she moved up to become an Administrative Assistant, then Project Bookkeeper and finally to Senior Project Bookkeeper where she stayed until 1990. For the past 41 years, Jane also served as a member in various capacities of the Bain Co-op. This included maintenance, member involvement, finance and the pet committee.

When Chris Lawrence (former Director of Finance and Administration) was hired by the Supportive Housing Coalition (now Mainstay Housing), she knew she needed help, and went looking for Jane Edwards. Having worked with Jane both at CFHT and

Inner City Land Trust, she knew that Jane would be able to hit the ground running. At the time, Jane was working as a veterinary hospital animal attendant. Jane later learned that among her patients was Mainstay Housing’s Executive Director Brigitte Witkowski’s dog, Sophie. Jane couldn’t help but wonder if Sophie had given her a good reference!

In 1998, Jane accepted the position of Bookkeeper at Mainstay Housing, where she gave 18 years of exemplary service managing the accounts payable and accounts receivable systems. A strong member of the finance and administration team, Jane always brought forward ways to strengthen department functions. Not only was Jane meticulous, but while crunching numbers she brought vivid humour to the scene. You could usually find a savage cat of the stuffed variety guarding her desk. There is no doubt the sector has been richly blessed by Jane’s dedication throughout her career.

MAINSTAY HOUSINGJane Edwards

Lee Farnworth has been an invaluable member of the Nepean Housing Corporation (NHC) team for well over 20 years, serving as President and Past President. Lee’s contribution to improving the lives of individuals and families is substantial.

As a Nepean City Councillor, she recognized that a safe affordable home was a requirement for building healthy communities. She encouraged council to sponsor Nepean Housing Corporation, which, as a municipal non-profit, built and operated 387 rental units for people of low to moderate income. She led the corporation through challenging times of changing from a municipal to a private non-profit housing provider. In recognition of her significant impact, Nepean Housing

Corporation’s 2002 Barrhaven community was named Farnworth Manor Homes (Phases I and II).

Lee worked with the staff and board to secure community development funding to assist with the delivery of programs and housing loss prevention services. Connecting housing with services became an integral tool for improving the lives of residents and a model for other housing providers. During Lee’s tenure on the board, Nepean Housing received ONPHA’s Award of Excellence and the Tenant Achievement Award, as well as awards from CMHC for development, in no small part because of her leadership.

Lee’s experience with community-based boards and her ability to connect with all members of society is a key component of her leadership. She has been a role model for all staff and volunteer board members who have had the privilege to work with her.

NEPEAN HOUSING CORPORATIONLee Farnworth

Sandra Hutts began her career with Peterborough Housing Authority in 1987 in a temporary position as a Receptionist. This position eventually turned into a permanent position in 1988, and from that time forward she never looked back.

Sandra took advantage of opportunities that presented themselves within the organization, gaining new skills and experience by taking on several temporary assignments, including Maintenance Clerk and Tenant Placement positions. Sandra’s hard work and dedication paid off, landing her a permanent Maintenance Clerk position in 1995 and eventually her current position of property administrative assistant in 1996.

It was in this position where Sandra found her passion and remained for the past 20 years. Sandra excelled by building a rapport with her clients, offering them her devoted attention, either on the phone or in person. Sandra’s colleagues and clients acknowledge her as a dedicated individual, always available to provide support and guidance to ensure client satisfaction.

Sandra has been described as compassionate and focused on her work, always taking into consideration the best interest of the clients she serves. Her passion has periodically been measured by her requirement for Kleenex as she relates to the hardships that some of her clients have endured. After 28 years of service, Sandra’s presence will be greatly missed by her clients and colleagues.

PETERBOROUGH HOUSING CORPORATIONSandra Hutts

Charles Laurin’s journey with Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) began in 1989 when he was hired as Pest Control Manager. Two years later he became Pest Control and Contract Manager, a position he held for the next seven years. In this role, Charles was able to introduce needed practices to help improve pest management.

For the past 18 years, Charles served as a Property Manager. With his conscientious attitude, managers have always known that they had to mention something only once and he was ‘on it.’

Charles is well-regarded for his dedication to serving as a trainer and mentor. Over the years, many OCH employees have been promoted after graduating from the ‘Laurin School of Property Management.’ Well-known around the properties he managed, Charles maintained exceptionally positive relationships with tenants. He is a good listener, compassionate and empathetic with his clients and had a special soft spot for seniors. In 2010 and 2012, Charles had the distinction of receiving OCH’s Tenant Service Award.

Charles frequently took on extra responsibilities on committees with a view to improving the safety and efficiency of the organization and achieving service excellence. He rarely missed a chance to volunteer at community events, giving up personal time and often bringing his partner along to provide an extra pair of willing hands.

In addition to his wealth of knowledge and expertise, OCH will miss Charles’ flair for fun. He is known for his great sense of humour and love for telling jokes, traits that have contributed significantly to office morale. Charles is the quintessential property manager and leaves behind a legacy of excellence for those who follow in his footsteps.

OTTAWA COMMUNITY HOUSINGCharles Laurin

Kevin started his career in social housing in 1975 as a management trainee with the Ontario Housing Corporation. Initially, he worked as a Property Manager in Toronto and in 1977 moved to the Simcoe County and Orillia Housing Authority, where he was promoted to the position of Housing Authority Manager in 1979. At that time, he was one of the youngest housing authority managers in the province.

In 1985, Kevin transferred to the Ministry’s CRHPO, where he held a number of positions involving housing administration and development. In 1989, Kevin left the Ministry to work as a consultant, assisting non-profit groups with the development of new social housing in central Ontario. In 1992, he started his career with the

former Region of York Housing Corporation, initially serving as the Director of Housing Operations and after devolution, with Housing York as Manager of Technical Services.

During the course of his career, Kevin has also served on the boards of several non-profit and charitable groups. One of the housing providers named their recreation room, the “McCann Room” in recognition of the significant contributions made by Kevin and his wife, Tina. Kevin also taught property management courses on a part-time basis at Humber College for a number of years and encouraged professionalism within the field.

REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORKKevin McCann

Michelle joined Durham Region Non-Profit Housing as Manager of Finance in 1992. By 1994, she had risen to General Manager, and oversaw the corporation’s expansion to 1,128 units in 19 locations. Michelle was also a Board Member and Treasurer of the Durham Family Court Clinic. She received national attention when she testified at the inquest of a woman who was killed by her husband while waiting for non-profit housing, leading the jury to vigorously call for more social housing.

An advocate for affordable housing, Michelle’s voice had impact both federally and provincially. She was also an Executive Member of the CHRA, a member of the National Housing Policy Options Team, and ONPHA’s President from 1997 to 1999.

When Michelle was awarded ONPHA’s 2002 Sybil Frenette Award for Outstanding Leadership, her untiring commitment to Ontario’s non-profit housing sector was widely acknowledged.

Michelle moved across the pond in 2005, where she spent time as the Executive Director for Neighbourhoods for one of the largest metropolitan housing authorities in the U.K., and Director of Communities for Midland Heart. Michelle returned to Canada in 2015 as a Director of Community Housing for Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC), where she helped rethink how TCHC managed single family homes around the city. In May 2015, Michelle was hired as the Director of Operations for Housing York, where she spearheaded a performance management framework, a tenant engagement strategy and a policy and procedure manual.

Michelle was diagnosed with cancer in early 2013, shortly after the birth of her twins, Frank and Ellie. After a long battle, she passed away on July 21st, 2016. Michelle Musgrave will be missed both here in Canada and the U.K. by all whose people she impacted both within and outside the sector.

HOUSING YORKMichelle Musgrave

Ledger McKellar was a valuable member of the Keewatin Municipal Non-Profit Housing Corporation. He joined the board in 1987, and was elected to the position of Vice Chairman in 1997 – a post he held until his retirement in 2015.

His participation on the committee responsible for the planning and accessing of funding for the construction of Park Place, the second seniors’ complex constructed by the Board, was most invaluable.

As a lifetime resident of the Town of Keewatin, the welfare of the people in the community is foremost in Ledger’s mind. He has demonstrated his dedication as a

long-time member of the Building and Property Committee and these seniors’ homes have been exceptionally well-maintained to keep our seniors secure and comfortable.

KEEWATIN MUNICIPAL NON-PROFIT HOUSING CORP.Ledger McKellar

Brigitte began her housing career with the Homes First Society in 1987, moving on to a number of successive roles at WoodGreen beginning in 1989. In 1997, she took over as Executive Director of Mainstay Housing, where she has distinguished herself over 19 years – leading a team of more than 50 staff to deliver support and housing to 1,000 people in more than 850 units across the city of Toronto.

Under Brigitte’s leadership, Mainstay evolved into a sophisticated and comprehensive supportive housing provider. As Executive Director, Brigitte led Mainstay’s restructuring into three functional departments, and strengthened and expanded partnerships with community agencies to provide support in the areas of mental

health, homelessness, substance abuse, and veterans’ services.

Brigitte was also a co-founder of the HomeComing Community Choice Coalition, addressing NIMBYism and discrimination in housing. She also created Beyond the Key to the Front Door, a guide to successful tenancy for the “hard-to-house homeless.” In 2009, Brigitte spearheaded a cross-agency partnership known as Tech Accord Partners, consolidating I.T. resources with a number of housing partners to improve stability, performance and security and to reduce operating costs.

Under Brigitte’s leadership, Mainstay has become known nationally and internationally for its supportive housing approach, earning a “Program Innovation” distinction in integrated housing, support and case management in 2015 at the International Conference on Integrated Care.

Brigitte has served on a number of boards and tables in the wider community mental health and housing sectors. Her impact and leadership have been recognized with a number of awards, including the Toronto Constance Hamilton Award and ONPHA’s Sybil Frenette Outstanding Leadership Award. Brigitte has contributed a great deal to the community mental health and housing sectors, and has done so with drive, energy and passion.

MAINSTAY HOUSINGBrigitte Witkowski

We’re proud of our members and the work they’re doing to build strong, vibrant communities across Ontario.

Each year, we celebrate and showcase our members’ work, dedication and accomplishments through the ONPHA Awards.

The awards celebrate the achievements of the individuals and teams that contribute to the vibrancy of the non-profit housing sector. The program also furthers our mission to promote affordable housing excellence for communities across Ontario.

ONPHA welcomes all nominations from members across the sector, whether it be small or large providers, urban or rural, long-standing or emerging sector leaders, or tenants.

2017 NOMINATIONSThe nominations process for our 2017 Awards program will open in the spring of 2017. Don’t miss your chance to help us recognize the individuals and organizations that are making a difference in Ontario’s non-profit housing sector.

FIND OUT MOREWant to learn more about ONPHA’s Awards program? Visit www.onpha.on.ca/awards, or contact us at:

400-489 College Street Toronto, ON M6G 1A5Email: awards@onpha.orgTelephone: 1-800-297-6660 Fax: 416-927-8401

ONTARIO NON-PROFIT HOUSING ASSOCIATION400-489 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6G 1A5

(416) 927-9144 | 1-800-297-6660 | Fax: (416) 927-8401awards@onpha.org | www.onpha.on.ca/awards