A rental property in Toronto’s Midtown area has received a special accreditation for its allyship, inclusivity, and people-first framework centering the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
Hazelview properties, located near the intersection of Yonge and Eglinton at 73 and 75 Broadway Ave., has announced that one of its developments is now Canada’s first Rainbow Registered Rental building.
The significant accreditation was awarded to the rental property by Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) and Tourism HR Canada, which recognizes the building’s commitment to fostering an inclusive living environment for all of its residents, including the queer community.
“Earning the Rainbow Registered accreditation for Story of Midtown Toronto® is a proud milestone that reflects our dedication to creating safe, welcoming spaces where everyone feels a true sense of belonging, Jasmin Pirani, partner, marketing and social impact at Hazleview properties, said in a news release.
The Rainbow Registered program is a national, time-limited accreditation that certifies businesses and organizations on the basis of their ability to demonstrate compliance with the quality standards of the CGLCC, including policies and practices, commitment to comprehensive leadership, and fostering a culture of inclusivity.
To achieve the accredited status, Hazelview properties implemented several initiatives, aiming to ensure its rental building fostered an inclusive and safe environment for all of its residents, citing that “diversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated.”
Meanwhile, the property received the accreditation on the basis of its commitment to community, providing year-round inclusion through a paid volunteer day to support community causes, various belonging initiatives, and the creation of a community grounded in respect.
In addition, the rental building achieved its Rainbow Registered status through training focused on real-world allyship, along with a people-first framework which centralizes annually reviewed policies that outline the clear steps and expectations for supporting all team members.
As part of the Midtown property’s commitment to resident well-being, it will also include personalized services, benefits and programming, providing residents with complimentary access to Maple Healthcare’s virtual services and a Peloton membership.
“It’s part of the consciousness-raising. Hopefully people will, you know, everyone from those who are mildly supportive to mildly opposing our communities may notice,” Brian Cope, chair of the Senior Pride Network Toronto, told Now Toronto on Thursday.
While the accredited building has taken steps to demonstrate its support for the queer community, Cope raised concerns over the affordability of the rental property for queer seniors looking to house themselves.
“Queer people 55 and over are one of the greatest communities of poverty in Canada,” Cope said, citing the complex relationship between age and identity that combine to form shelter barriers for queer seniors.
Cope also noted that while the building positively demonstrates the ability to raise consciousness, some queer people may be hesitant to house themselves where their identity may be explicitly revealed.
“There are lots of people who are queer who just wanna live quiet lives,” Cope added.
“The proof will be in the pudding,” Cope said, citing interest regarding the trajectory of the accredited property and its community over time. Additionally, Cope remains open to the development, noting that change for the queer community has come a long way over the last few decades.
“It was over 50 years ago that our lives were decriminalized… it takes a long time to change attitudes.”
Read More
The Midtown development can now be found in the Rainbow Registered directory, allowing prospective tenants and residents to easily identify its developments as welcoming and inclusive spaces.
The move is expected to inspire other developers and property managers to adopt similar practices, with the hopes of creating and promoting inclusivity within Toronto’s housing market.
