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Durham Region Housing Program Closure Affects Hundreds

November 3, 2025
Updated November 3, 2025 at 06:20 a.m.
3 min read
CBC | Toronto News
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The Salvation Army building in Durham Region, symbolizing the ending of a housing program due to funding cuts.

The Salvation Army building in Durham Region, symbolizing the ending of a housing program due to funding cuts.

In Durham Region, the Salvation Army has announced the end of its rental housing program, which has been a lifeline for over 200 people since 2017. This development follows the region's decision to withdraw funding in May, affecting 88 adults and 114 children across the area. With the program's termination, landlords in the region, including those in Oshawa and Whitby, are now claiming that they are owed significant sums by the charity, highlighting a complex situation that leaves both tenants and property owners in limbo.

"The sudden closure of such essential programs highlights the vulnerabilities in our social support systems and the potential legal complexities that can arise."

Legal Perspective: Understanding the legal implications is crucial for both tenants and landlords to protect their interests in such scenarios.

Key Takeaways

The Salvation Army's housing program in Durham Region ends due to funding cuts.

Over 200 individuals, including 88 adults and 114 children, are impacted.

Landlords allege unpaid dues, complicating the situation further.

What This Means for Ontario Residents

For residents of Ontario, particularly those in Durham Region, this closure underscores the fragility of housing programs dependent on government funding. The abrupt halt in support not only jeopardizes housing stability for vulnerable tenants but also poses financial challenges for landlords relying on guaranteed payments. This situation reflects broader issues in the province's social support systems, emphasizing the need for robust legal frameworks to protect both tenants and landlords from similar disruptions. The potential legal disputes arising from this situation could set precedents affecting landlord-tenant relationships across Ontario.

What You Should Do

1

Review your lease agreement Urgent

Understand your rights and obligations under current terms.

2

Document all communications regarding unpaid dues Urgent

Preserve evidence for potential legal actions.

3

Contact local housing advocacy groups

Seek support and resources for housing stability.

4

Consult with a litigation lawyer Urgent

Explore legal options for resolving disputes over unpaid dues.

5

Stay informed about local housing laws

Ensure compliance with current tenant protections and obligations.

Your Rights and Options

Ontario residents affected by the termination of housing programs have several rights and options. Tenants should be aware of their rights under the Residential Tenancies Act, which offers protections against sudden eviction. They may also seek support from local housing advocacy groups. Landlords, on the other hand, should document all unpaid dues and communications with the program to preserve their rights to file claims if necessary. Consulting with litigation lawyers can provide guidance on how to navigate potential disputes and seek compensation.

Common Questions Answered

How UL Lawyers Can Help

We understand the stress and uncertainty that comes with sudden changes in housing support. At UL Lawyers, we are committed to helping both tenants and landlords understand their rights and explore their legal options. Our team can provide advice on how to address unpaid dues or potential eviction notices stemming from program closures. Reach out to us for a free consultation to discuss your situation and learn how we can help protect your housing rights or property interests. Our legal team will make space to hear what happened, answer your questions in plain language, and offer a free consultation when you feel ready.

Facing uncertainty due to housing program changes? Let's discuss how UL Lawyers can support your rights.

Important Legal Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with legal professionals for specific guidance related to their situation.