Tanya Hutchens |
| President |
Gold Star Legal Services, Thornhill, Ontario |
|
Canada |
About Tanya Hutchens
Thousands of Cases
Acting as the principal liaison between the courts and her clients, Tanya Hutchens prepared dockets that contributed to the swift actions of justice. The President and Paralegal Litigator of Gold Star Legal Services, Tanya Hutchens supported these individuals with their requests to hold court. In particular, Tanya Hutchens focused on matters of domestic violence and landlord and tenant disputes. In the thousands of cases she took on, Tanya Hutchens became instrumental for Gold Star Legal Service's victories.
Commissioner of Oath Status
Tanya Hutchens represented both landlords and tenants on various cases. Gaining perspective on both parties, Tanya Hutchens served on 12 reported decisions by the Ontario Court of Justice on Landlord and Tenant Board issues. Tanya Hutchens earned permission to appear before the Divisional Court and the Court of Appeal as a representing agent for tenants on landmark dispute matters. Upholding the rules of the Law Society of Upper Canada, Tanya Hutchens gained Commissioner of Oath Status and began conducting swearing affidavits during her tenure.
Paralegal Litigator
The other issue Tanya Hutchens focused on as a Paralegal Litigator promoted women's independence. Going into battered women's shelters, Tanya Hutchens heard the stories of victims of abuse. Preparing these stories to be submitted before a court of law, Tanya Hutchens brought these urgent family law matters to the forefront. By the end of her court career, Tanya Hutchens reunited hundreds of women with their children for full custody, and placed restraining orders on their abusers. Moreover, Tanya Hutchens gave these women the strength to move on from these troubled periods in their lives.
Armitage Gardens, New Market, Ontario
Tanya Hutchens, President and Paralegal Litigator of Gold Star Legal Services saysan unused wing of a health centre has become affordable housing for seniors and people with disabilities.
Armitage Gardens, in Newmarket in the Regional Municipality of York just north of Toronto, proved to be a cost-effective way of developing affordable housing.
Originally, the Region planned to build new affordable housing, but the Newmarket Health Centre had a vacant wing, and it was more cost-effective to renovate than build.The renovated wing gives residents quick access to the Health Centre.
The Affordable Housing Solution according to Tanya Hutchens and CMHC Report
Armitage Gardens has 58 apartments designed to meet the housing needs of seniors and people with disabilities. All the building's common areas and apartments feature barrier-free design.Twenty-six units have enhanced accessibility, with automatic door openers, roll-in showers, and lowered kitchen counters and appliances.The rent for 52 of the units is geared-to-income (rents range between $350 and $400 per month), while six units are rented at market rate.
Internal hallways connect the complex to the Newmarket Health Centre, a long-term health care facility, allowing residents to visit family members who may be ill. The Health Centre's kitchen also prepares meals for Armitage Gardens residents. The grounds are landscaped with mature trees, community gardens and a gazebo. Support services-including meal preparation, assistance with medications, personal care and housekeeping-are available at no cost.This allows residents to live independently while still receiving the assistance they need.
The total construction cost for Armitage Gardens was $8.4 million. Through the Affordable Housing Initiative CMHC and the province of Ontario provided a $1.56 million capital grant.The project also received 1.8 million through the CMHC Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) of which $1,044,000 was provided through RRAP Conversion to help cover the costs of converting the wing into housing.To meet the needs of seniors and people with disabilities, $777,000 was contributedthrough RRAP Disabled to help cover costs of the project's accessibility features. The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care also provided support towards the project's accessibility features.The Regional Municipality of York provided the property for the project, while the Town of Newmarket reduced development fees and charges.
Armitage Gardens is a good example of how all four levels of government can work together effectively to create affordable housing. The project won a CMHC Housing Award in 2006 commented Tanya Hutchens who gained Commissioner of Oath Status and began conducting swearing affidavits during her tenure.