Our
Story
Eglinton Vaughan Community Land Trust (EVCLT)
Get to Know Us
We are a grassroots movement driven by community collaboration to ensure safe, affordable housing for all. Rooted in the vibrant neighborhoods of OVCO and Keele-Eglinton, we’re dedicated to preserving cultural and environmental assets while empowering residents to shape the future of their community.
About Us
The Eglinton Vaughan Community Land Trust (EVCLT) is a grassroots movement born out of the resilience and determination of the residents of OVCO and Keele-Eglinton. United by a shared vision of a diverse and engaged community, we are reclaiming control over our neighbourhood’s future through the establishment of a Community Land Trust (CLT). At our core, we believe that housing is a fundamental human right, and we are taking bold action to ensure safe, affordable, and dignified housing for all.
Our approach is built on the power of collaboration. Guided by the wisdom and experiences of our community and strengthened by partnerships with expert advisors in real estate, law, and housing, we are creating solutions that reflect the unique needs of our neighbourhood. With invaluable support from the City of Toronto and Councillor Josh Matlow’s office, we are combining grassroots passion with professional expertise to drive meaningful and lasting change.
At EVCLT, our mission is more than just housing—it’s about building a vibrant, inclusive future. We are committed to preserving cultural and environmental assets, fostering equity, and ensuring that development is shaped by the voices of the people who call this community home.
Our Values
Our work is rooted in the following values:
Housing as a human right
Having access to decent housing is a necessity for all, and we believe in a future where no one goes unhoused.
Community-led
We will build and lead this organization in collaboration with the community-at-large. Leadership includes tenants and residents facing systemic barriers to equitable housing. Together we are stronger.
Preservation
Collectively, we will safeguard our cultural identities and environment, ensuring the community is a vibrant, diverse, and safe place for everyone.
Equity
We will create housing options for community members who are most at risk of displacement and exclusion from housing.
Respecting Indigeneity
We respect the ongoing presence and legacy of Indigenous peoples and work in collaboration with Indigenous community members for equitable inclusion.
We recognize the history of violence and settler-colonialism of this land and will work in collaboration with Indigenous communities towards the goals of reconciliation.
Justice
By collectively creating change we empower community members to ensure inclusivity, fairness and justice in property stewardship.