The Path to City-CLT Partnership

The Neighbourhood Land Trust (NLT) is a charitable community land trust (CLT) that owns and stewards land and housing on behalf of communities in Toronto’s west end. NLT ensures that its community-owned lands are used to provide significant community benefits, including affordable housing, supportive housing, and community economic development. Between 2018 and 2023, NLT experienced a highly successful period of growth, securing 85 properties with 206 affordable rental units. Looking ahead, NLT plans to expand its assets through a robust project pipeline, to reach a portfolio of 300 affordable units by 2026, as outlined in its Strategic Plan.

NLT’s success has been due, in part, to the development of a supportive and collaborative relationship with the City of Toronto. All of NLT’s affordable housing projects to date have been made possible through partnerships with and support from the City of Toronto. Additionally, NLT has collaborated with the City on the development of multiple municipal housing policies, creating an enabling and supportive policy environment for NLT and other non-profit housing organizations.

While every municipality and CLT is unique, there may be opportunities for collaboration between other CLTs and their municipalities, which could yield similarly mutually beneficial outcomes. This resource reflects on NLT’s experience in developing a collaborative and mutually beneficial relationship with the City of Toronto and offers guidance on how other CLTs and municipalities might cultivate similar partnerships.

Based on NLT’s experience working with the City of Toronto, we have identified key alignments of goals of CLTs and municipalities and opportunities for collaboration.

Funders

• CMHC Demonstrations Initiative
• Metcalf Foundation