Schedule F of the Member Approval and Unit Allocation (Membership) Bylaw. Woodsworth’s Criteria Guideline for Priority Moves
Confirmed by members on September 26, 2023 as part of the Member Approval and Unit Allocation (Membership) Bylaw
Members may be eligible for placement on a separate Priority Internal Waiting list if they are experiencing a Medical or Disability Accommodation needs, severe Financial Hardship, or Domestic Violence. See Article 5.2.1 Priority Internal Waiting List
By legal requirement, Medical and Disability Accommodation requests have priority. Applications regarding Financial Hardship or Domestic Violence will be processed on a first come, first serve basis.
The first step is to fill out the Priority Move Application and then meet with the Woodsworth Manager. This process is completely confidential. If the member does not qualify for the Priority Internal Waiting list, the member can fill out a Relocation Application to go on the main internal waiting list. The Board of Directors will review and give final approval to the Accommodation Plan.
CRITERIA
Medical or Disability Accommodation
A request for a Priority Move due to Medical or Disability reasons must follow the Woodsworth’s Accommodation Policy for Residents with Disabilities based on the Ontario Human Rights Code. An Accommodation Request Form will also need to be filled out as part of this process.
The Co-op’s obligations are limited to accommodating disability-related needs, not members’ preferences. The manager will request documentation from an appropriate health practitioner detailing the nature of the individual’s disability, any restrictions resulting from the disability, the expected duration of the restrictions, and the basis for the medical conclusions.
Each person’s situation will be individually assessed by the Co-op Manager. If the manager determines a current housing unit is detrimental to a member’s medical condition and a different unit is needed soon, then the member would qualify for the Priority Move waiting list.
The manager and member will go through the accommodation procedure together. The manager may propose other accommodation options that meet the member’s needs. If the member accepts an accommodation option other than priority relocation, the member can join the main internal waiting list requesting a different unit.
Management and the Co-op website can provide detailed information on the Woodsworth Accommodation Policy and the Accommodation Planning process.
Financial Hardship
If a member is experiencing severe financial hardship and has an urgent need for a less expensive unit, the member must present third-party financial or legal documents to the Co-op Manager as part of the application for a Priority Move.
Proof of severe financial hardship might include, but is not limited to the following documentation: bankruptcy documents (filing documents, proof of claim etc.), creditors letters, Bank statements, Record for employment for job loss.
Those with financial issues must not be in arrears. See Article 5.1.2 (c)
Domestic Violence
Woodsworth’s Occupancy Bylaw #82, 7.3, defines violence against another person in the same household as domestic violence. 7.4a of Occupancy Bylaw states: The co-op does not tolerate domestic violence. It will try to assist victims of domestic violence. Members who engage in domestic violence may be evicted.
If a member has experienced domestic violence, is no longer living with the abuser, yet fears for their safety by remaining in the same unit, they can request a Priority Move to another unit.
Documentation may be required. Examples include a restraining order and a peace bond.
The Occupancy Bylaw outlines the co-op’s response to domestic violence. Article 7.4.
Management is in charge of the procedures. If you require a priority move, please use this application form.