In this section, you’ll find information for parishes about real estate and property matters:
- Facility rentals (License and Lease Agreements)
- Purchase and sale of property
- Capital improvement projects/expansions
- Property insurance
- Grants: the Baker Fund; the Carleton Fund; the Ferguson Trust; the Ministry Allocation Fund (“MAF”) (for real estate purposes)
- Rectories
- Cemeteries
- Memorial gifts
For more information, contact Wendy Pearson, Property Resources Specialist, at 416-363-6021, ext. 245 (1-800-668-8932).
Simplified Canon 6 procedure
Starting in January 2019, the Diocese has a simplified approval process for:
- Low-risk license agreements
- Residential lease agreements
- Repairs and renovations of less than $75,000 in hard construction cost (regardless of whether a building permit is required)
The incumbent/priest-in-charge and churchwardens need to submit a completed and signed Checklist & Attestation to receive quarterly approval from Diocesan Council under Canon 6. You don’t need to receive approval before occupancy or repair/renovation project start.
You’re still expected to perform your requisite due diligence:
- Draft a license agreement using the diocesan License Agreement form and have your licensee sign it
- Fill out the provincial residential Lease Agreement and have your tenant sign it
- Read and review the renovations/capital improvements instructions
- Follow the mandatory insurance requirements before allowing occupancy
The Property Resources department will conduct random audits to make sure parishes are following risk management practices.
See the Canon 6 Summary Chart for detailed approval processes and insurance requirements.
Guides
- Parish Property Management Guide: a thorough guide to property management
- Real Property Management cheat sheet: who to call and where to find information
Resources
- Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) Rules
- Ontario WSIB Rules of Importance for Charities: Ontario churches and charities that retain contractors to perform construction work need to be aware of legal obligations.
- City of Toronto Solid Waste Management
- City of Toronto Mandatory Downspout Disconnection By-law – 2011-07-11
Questions? Contact Toronto Water at 416-392-1807, visit www.toronto.ca/water or call 311.