1. What is the purpose and role of STAC?

• The Senior Tenants Advisory Committee (STAC) provides advice to Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation, so it can create programs and policies that matter to tenants.
• STAC represents the “Citywide” circle of the Community Connect+ engagement approach.
• Tenants who participate in STAC represent the views of the broader tenant population (15,000 tenants in 83 buildings), not just their own or that of their building.

2. What is the length of term for membership?

• Two years, with the option to renew for one additional year.

3. Are there conditions for STAC membership?

• Members must be tenants in one of the 83 TSHC buildings and be 59 years of age or older.
• Members must have an active tenancy in good standing, meaning they are meeting the responsibilities of their tenancy, including paying their rent on time, treating others respectfully, and following the rules and expectations outlined in their tenancy agreement.
• Members may have previous volunteer experience related to building consensus, and/or community advocacy.
• Former STAC members may reapply only if their membership ended at least three years ago
• Participation in STAC is voluntary.
• Participation in STAC will have no impact on the tenant’s lease or relationship with TSHC staff.

4. Who supports STAC?

• TSHC is responsible for supporting STAC.
• Several City of Toronto divisions also participate in STAC meetings and support TSHC staff as required.

5. Are STAC members paid?

• STAC Members receive an honorarium, in the form of a gift card.

6. How have STAC members’ voices influenced change?

STAC was formed in 2020 and has influenced many aspects of work within TSHC. Some examples include:

• implementation of the Integrated Service Model
• transition of the Toronto Community Housing’s Seniors Housing Unit to TSHC
• TSHC’s Strategic Directions
• the Tenant Experience Survey
• policies that affect tenants, such as the Use of Community Space, the Community Activities Fund, and the Translation and Interpretation policies
• the creation of the Tenant Volunteer Code of Conduct
• the creation of the Community Connect+ tenant engagement approach
• several important reports about seniors at TSHC

7. What technology do members need to participate in STAC?

• Access to email and internet is ideal, however not required.
• STAC meetings are offered in a hybrid format. This means you can join either in person or online, depending on what works best for you.
• Materials such as agenda packages can also be printed and delivered to members who do not have technology.

8. In what language are STAC meetings conducted?

• STAC meetings are conducted in English.
• Agendas and materials are sent before meetings in English.

9. For people with a disability, are the meetings accessible?

• We will work with members to accommodate accessibility needs, such as physical disabilities, low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, and mental health.

10. Are there other opportunities to get involved?

• Yes, for example, you can participate in your building’s tenant circle, tenant town halls, and tenant consultations.
• At some of these events, interpretation and translation services may be available.
• For more information, you can reach out to your Community Services Coordinator (CSC).

You can also learn about upcoming events, consultations, and other opportunities to get involved by:

• Looking for posters in your building or view them online by going to TorontoSeniorsHousing.ca and scrolling down the home page
• Subscribing to our tenant e-newsletter, Tenant News, at TorontoSeniorsHousing.ca/Staying-Connected/
• Reading Seniors Speak, our quarterly newsletter, delivered to your building and available online at TorontoSeniorsHousing.ca/Seniors-Speak/