Finding appropriate and affordable space is a challenge for most not-for-profits in Toronto. To better understand the space needs of the not-for-profit sector, the City is launching a Community Space Inventory, in partnership with FindHelp 211.
Results of the Inventory will begin to be available in 2021 and will be used to guide community space allocations in new developments, help identify underused land assets and support research and policy development related to community space. This project is part of the City’s commitment to working better with not-for-profits.
The lands and buildings owned by not-for-profit organizations in Toronto have never been formally mapped or assessed for their public benefit impact. Some stakeholders suggest that not-for-profit-owned real estate may be a significant but currently under-leveraged asset that agencies could be used more strategically for public benefit (such as developing affordable housing, community hubs, etc.).
Stakeholders have also suggested that many agencies that are currently renting space at costly commercial rates could realize better value for money through strategic real estate acquisitions if they had the appropriate knowledge, skills and financing tools. At the same time, not-for-profits’ space needs in Toronto have also not been comprehensively inventoried or prioritized for planning purposes.
The purpose of creating the new inventory is to equip the City and other stakeholders to respond to development proposals with a better understanding of where community space is needed, and what types of facilities should be built.
Information collected in the Community Space Registry for Toronto may be used for:
Research, Analysis and Policy Development:
Urban Planning and Development:
Promoting Partnerships and Co-location:
Community Space Tenancy:
To register your space needs, your organization must have a FindHelp 211 profile. Simply update your Agency Profile, which contains eight new questions about space. Use this step-by-step guide for help.
All not-for-profit organizations that receive City of Toronto grants are required as part of their funding agreement to update their FindHelp 211 profile annually.
It is in everybody’s best interest, including your clients’, to have accurate, up-to-date and reliable information about your agency
If you are funded by the United Way Greater Toronto or the City of Toronto it is an expectation that you update your record on 211
Your data records accessed and used by the many agencies and services including:
Below are the questions you will be asked when you upload your organization’s information to the Community Space Registry for Toronto.