A group home is a supervised place where up to 10 people live together and receive support from staff. Group homes are often used by people who are on probation, on parole, or living in the community after being involved with the correctional system.
Group homes must be licensed or funded by the provincial or federal government. In Ontario, adult and child group home operators must get a licence from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
In Toronto, group homes located in Etobicoke, York, and Scarborough also need a City certificate before they can operate.
Before opening a group home, contact Toronto Building Customer Service to apply for a Zoning Applicable Law Certificate. This helps confirm whether a group home is allowed at your chosen location.
If the location is approved, you will be referred to the City’s Multi-Tenant Houses team to apply for a group home certificate.
As part of the application process, the property may need inspections from:
Rules for group homes can vary across Toronto. Local zoning regulations determine where group homes can operate.
If you think a group home or multi-tenant house is operating illegally, contact 311 to submit a service request. The City will review the complaint and investigate if needed.
The City does not publish a public list of group homes. However, information may be available by making a request through the City’s Access & Privacy Office.
Organizations applying to open a correctional group home must inform nearby residents about their plans.
This is usually done by sending a letter to neighbours with information about the proposed group home.
Operators of group homes for adults and youth should contact the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to renew their licence.
To renew a City certificate, you should contact the Multi-Tenant Houses team and staff will make arrangements for the necessary Municipal Licensing & Standards, Toronto Public Health and/or Toronto Fire Services inspections.