Priority internal waiting list and priority relocation

Based on the Membership Bylaw: member approval and unit allocation, Articles 5.2, 5.5, Schedule F.

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 priority waiting list is

– For members experiencing medical/disability accommodation needs, severe financial hardship, or domestic violence.
– Requires documentation.

Summary of Priority Criteria – Membership Bylaw: Member Approval and Unit Allocation, Schedule F

– Priority eligibility: Medical/Disability, Financial Hardship, Domestic Violence.
– Medical/Disability has legal precedence over others.
– Applications are confidential.
– Board approves the final Accommodation Plan.

More details about priority requests for relocation

Membership Bylaw, Article 5.2.1 – Priority Internal Waiting List

(a) Eligibility
Members may qualify if facing:

    • Medical or disability accommodation needs.
    • Severe financial hardship (must not be in arrears).
    • Domestic violence.
    • Disability and medical accommodations take legal precedence.

      (b) Human Rights
    • Requests for accommodation under Ontario Human Rights legislation receive top priority.

(c) Application Process

  • Submit a Priority Move Application.
  • For medical/disability accommodation: also submit an Accommodation Request Form.
  • Meet with the Woodsworth Manager.
  • Board of Directors makes the final decision.
  • If approved:
    • An Accommodation Plan is developed collaboratively.
    • If denied, members can still apply to the regular internal waiting list.(d) Unit Offers
  • Member gets up to three (3) offers for suitable units.
  • After three refusals, priority status is revoked; member must join the regular waiting list to continue pursuing a move. (Article 5.5.5)
Special rules for priority moves based on accommodation
    • Waiving Residency Requirements – Article 5.2.5
      Normally, members must live in their unit for 2 years before being eligible to move.  The Board may waive this requirement for priority cases (e.g., accommodation needs).
  • Woodsworth normally fills vacant units by alternating between the Internal Waiting List and the External Waiting List. (Membership Bylaw, Article 4.1(f))

However, this alternating system does not apply in the following cases:

  • Priority Waiting List– If an applicant or member qualifies for special priority and requires a unit of the available size, that person is considered first, regardless of whose turn it is under the alternating system.
  • Wheelchair-adapted units – The alternating system is also bypassed when filling wheelchair-adapted units, which are allocated according to the applicable bylaw provisions.
  • In these situations, the priority rules take precedence over the normal alternating process.
What isn’t a Priority Move – Article 5.2.4

  • Priority under Article 5.2.4 is based on a member’s accommodation requirements. Other situations that use the word priority or require a member to move do not give priority on the Internal Waiting List unless Article 5.2 specifically says they do.

    Examples include:

    • Being required or encouraged to move does not automatically move you ahead of other members on the Internal Waiting List. For example:
      • Occupancy Bylaw, Article 9.4 – Not Meeting Minimum Household Size
      • Housing Charge Subsidy Bylaw, Article 2.5 – Overhoused Households
    • Requesting only certain units for relocation does not reserve those units for you or give you priority when one becomes available. You must still be the highest-ranked eligible member on the waiting list at that time. Limiting the units you are willing to accept does not change your position on the waiting list. (Membership Bylaw, Article 5.2.4(b))
CRITERIA for priority moves

(Schedule F, Membership Bylaw: Member Approval and Unit Allocation)

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.

Application form:  Priority move application form for members