A downtown Toronto condo board is taking legal action against a long-standing church and drop-in centre, raising questions about safety, compassion, and the city’s deepening housing crisis.
The board of CASA Condos, at 33 Charles Street East, is suing Sanctuary Ministries for more than $2.3 million, alleging that the organization has allowed drug use, violence, and disruptive behaviour to spill into the neighbourhood, creating fear and extra costs for residents. None of these claims have been tested in court.
Sanctuary, which has served people experiencing poverty and homelessness for more than 30 years, says the lawsuit misses the larger issue — Toronto’s housing and mental health emergency. The church provides meals, health care, and outreach programs, and members describe it as a lifeline for those living on the margins.
The dispute has sparked a broader conversation about coexistence in the city’s downtown east. For Regent Park and nearby communities, the story hits close to home, as local residents also navigate the challenges of living alongside shelters and support services.
The tensions between residents, service providers, and neighbours reflect a city-wide struggle: how do we balance compassion and safety in the middle of a housing emergency? At Regent Park TV, we believe it’s critical to cover these issues because the decisions and disputes happening downtown affect our community directly.