TORONTO, April 7, 2022—After an extensive national search, Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation’s Board of Directors has appointed Thomas (Tom) Hunter as its first Chief Executive Officer starting May 16.
Hunter joins Toronto Seniors Housing from CityHousing Hamilton, where he has served as Chief Executive Officer since 2015. A trusted leader and respected community builder, he championed innovative redevelopment efforts during his time at CityHousing Hamilton; partnered with external agencies to raise the standard in supportive seniors housing; and improved the well-being of vulnerable populations through community collaboration.
Hunter’s previous roles include work in health care, seniors’ services and long-term care. He serves on the Boards of the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation and the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association. He holds a Bachelor of Science from McGill University and a Master’s of Health Science from the University of Toronto.
Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation is a newly formed organization that officially begins operating on June 1, 2022, when it will assume operating responsibility for the 83 seniors-designated buildings owned by Toronto Community Housing.
On that day, Toronto Seniors Housing will welcome 301 employees who currently work for Toronto Community Housing’s Seniors Housing Unit. Toronto Seniors Housing will become landlord for the approximately 15,000 tenants who live in the 83 seniors-designated buildings.
Hunter will lead the collective efforts of staff and work with tenants and community partners to shape the strategy and future of Toronto Seniors Housing. He will oversee the expansion of the organization’s integrated service model and its supportive strategies to ensure senior tenants can remain in their homes with dignity and in comfort.
Quotes
“Tom Hunter has a deep understanding of the needs of seniors, excellent leadership skills and extensive experience in social housing. Hunter brings his unique knowledge of both health care and seniors housing to TSHC, which is a rare and valuable combination. He is known for working collaboratively to build consensus and advance innovative ideas to lift people up and create healthy living environments. I am confident in his ability to lead the organization with wisdom and empathy.”
“It is my pleasure to welcome Tom Hunter to Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation, where he will find an exceptional team, wonderful tenants and a meaningful and important mission. On behalf of the Board, I extend my appreciation to Michael Sherar for shepherding the organization through the transition period and for his outstanding ongoing leadership as Interim Transitional Lead and Chief Corporate Officer.”
—Lawrence D’Souza, Vice-Chair, Toronto Seniors Housing Board of Directors
“I want to thank the Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation’s Board for selecting an excellent CEO to lead the corporation into its exciting first year. I know that Tom Hunter will bring the City’s Tenants First vision to life for seniors, and I am pleased to see the good work already underway to provide senior tenants with access to the housing, health and community supports they need to remain safe, comfortable and well in their homes as they grow older.”
—Toronto Mayor John Tory
“I am so fortunate to be a part of TSHC and this bold initiative to provide seniors with safe, well-maintained homes, and enable them to age in place. Housing is more than a place to live, and we must provide people with the right supports to create healthy living environments and build sustainable communities. I am excited about connecting with tenants, staff and partners to implement this new model in supportive seniors housing.”
—Tom Hunter
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About Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation
Once fully established in June 2022, Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation (TSHC) will provide subsidized rental housing in a state of good repair for seniors (age 59+) living in the 83 seniors-designated buildings owned by Toronto Community Housing. TSHC will provide and connect seniors with services through an Integrated Service Model designed to enable senior tenants to age in place, have successful tenancies and enjoy a better quality of life.
Media contact:
media@torontoseniorshousing.ca
416-945-0700