6.1 Prohibited Conduct
The co-op is a community which includes all the residents, visitors and staff. It is also part of the larger neighbourhood community. Co-op members must not harass, obstruct, coerce, threaten or interfere with any other member of these communities. Co-op members must not make or allow any noise, nuisance or other act that unreasonably disturbs any other member of these communities.
6.2 Illegal Acts
Within their units or on the co-op property, co-op members must not commit any illegal act or break any agreement with any government authority. This includes breaking any municipal, provincial or federal law, or any By-laws or regulations of any other authority such as the fire department.
6.3 Human Rights
Co-op members must respect the human rights of other members of these communities. Co-op members must obey the Ontario Human Rights Code and not do anything that would discriminate against or harass any other member of these communities in a way that would breach the Human Rights Code. Co-op members must strive for an environment at the
co-op that is fair, inclusive and respectful of people’s dignity.
6.4 Mortgages and Agreements
Members must not break any obligation that co-op has to:
- Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
- The province of Ontario
- The co-op’s mortgagee
- Contractors, etc.
6.5 Violence
The co-op is a community which includes all the residents and employees. Violence must not be committed against another person in the co-op. This violence can be real or threatened. Violence can be physical, psychological and/or sexual and includes child abuse. Violence against another person in the same household is domestic violence.
Anyone witnessing violence against another person is obligated to call the police and in the case of child abuse, the Children’s Aid Society.
6.6 Domestic Violence
- Not tolerated
The co-op does not tolerate domestic violence. It will try to assist victims of domestic violence who live at the co-op. Members who engage in domestic violence may be evicted. Non-members who engage in domestic violence may be removed from the co-op. - Rights of victim
Victims of domestic violence who live at the co-op can:- ask the board of directors to evict any member who commits domestic violence
- seek security of tenure for temporary housing charges assistance
- ask the board to issue a No Trespass Notice against any non-member who has committed domestic violence against the victim. It does not matter if the domestic violence was at the co-op or somewhere else or whether it was before the victim moved into the co-op.
- request to be put on the top of the internal waiting list for a subsidized unit, subject to any applicable government requirements
- Get information from the co-op on support groups in the community
- Eviction
Under Article 11 (Dealing with Problems) the board of directors can evict anyone who has committed domestic violence at the co-op. A complaint from the victim is not necessary. The board can accept the following as proof that domestic violence occurred:- A restraining order or peace bond is in effect at the time the Notice to Appear is issued
- Terms of bail allowing no contact are in effect at the time the Notice to Appear is issued, or
- The offending member has been convicted of an offence against the victim.
6.7 Return after Violence
- If a member is ready to let a previously violent person return, the victim can ask the board of directors in writing to reinstate that person’s previous status. This may happen only after a six-month period. The board may reject an application or request from anyone that would permit that person to return to the co-op if the victim does not consent, or if the board thinks it would not be best for the co-op.
- If someone has been evicted because of domestic violence, and returns without the consent of the victim, the co-op may treat the person as a trespasser. The co-op may have the police remove the person from the property.
6.8 Explanations
Violence and harassment can be based on a prohibited ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code or on other grounds. Violence, harassment and other prohibited conduct can take place on co-op property or in other places, including on social media. The board of directors does not have to wait until any court charges are heard before evicting someone in the case of violence or other illegal acts. (Criticism of the job performance of the board of directors or staff is not harassment or a breach of section 6.1 (prohibited Conduct) if it is made in a reasonable and constructive way.)
6.9 Calling Police and Other Authorities
Co-op staff is authorized to contact the police, children’s aid society and other authorities in case of violence or illegal acts.
6.10 Acts of Others
Co-op members are responsible for any act or failure to act by
- any member of their household, and
- anyone permitted on co-op property by the co-op member or another member of their household.
Members must make sure that none of those persons does anything that would break this Article or other parts of the co-op by-laws. Co-op members may be evicted as a result of acts or failures to act by those persons and will have to pay for any damage caused by them.