PERSONAL INFORMATION & PRIVACY POLICY
OCH collects and uses the personal information of its tenants, employees and business invitees to perform its work. This information is private, and OCH commits to respecting privacy by safeguarding the information for the period in which it is in OCH’s possession and disclosing it only when it is legally appropriate. OCH will ensure that it manages personal information in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection and Privacy Act (MFIPPA) and the Housing Services Act (HSA).
View the Policy – Personal Information and Privacy.
To make a request to access personal information, please fill out this Access to Information Request Form, and e-mail it to privacy@och.ca.
NO-SMOKING POLICY
The serious health hazards of smoking and second-hand smoke (SHS) are well-known. OCH receives complaints from tenants who inhale SHS in their homes, whose health is adversely affected by SHS and who want to move to, or live in, a smoke-free environment. In December 2011, the Board directed OCH to develop a No-Smoking policy and implementation plan. Throughout 2012-2013, OCH conducted a comprehensive consultation and awareness program with OCH tenants and staff. As part of this process, OCH surveyed tenants to determine the support for a No-Smoking policy. It also included extensive research, discussions with experts and best practice studies of No-Smoking policies in other social housing providers. In December 2013, the OCH Board of Directors approved a policy which:
- prohibits smoking on all OCH property effective May 31, 2014
- requires every new OCH tenant and every OCH tenant who transfers to a new OCH unit to sign a lease that prohibits smoking in the unit and on any OCH property
While new tenants and tenants who transfer will be required to sign a No-Smoking lease, existing tenants will be encouraged to voluntarily ‘opt-in’ to the policy by signing an agreement. Through this process, the number of designated No-Smoking units and communities will grow, providing tenants and applicants who prefer smoke-free housing to have more options available to them. Tenants who are interested in signing an agreement to designate their unit No-Smoking can contact their nearest OCH office for more information.
ACCESSIBILITY POLICY
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) became law in 2005. It provides the foundation for identifying, removing and preventing barriers for people with disabilities.
The AODA allows the Government of Ontario to develop specific standards of accessibility for persons with disabilities. These standards are rules that businesses, organizations, and governments must follow to eliminate accessibility barriers.
Standards are being developed in key areas. The Customer Service Standard was the first regulation created under the AODA. The Customer Service Standard addresses business practices and training needed to provide accessible goods and services to people with disabilities.
This policy does not alter OCH’s commitments under the Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code). If there is a conflict between OCH’s obligations under this policy and the Code, OCH’s obligations under the Code always take precedence.
This policy complements and supports OCH’s commitment to providing excellent tenant service.
INTEGRITY POLICY & INTEGRITY PORTAL
Ottawa Community Housing Corporation (OCHC) is committed to acting with integrity in protecting its resources. This policy will ensure claims or concerns raised regarding fraud, waste or misuse of OCHC resources are documented, investigated and addressed diligently and promptly.
PROCUREMENT POLICY
Ottawa Community Housing uses MERX to notify companies about public tender opportunities. If you would like your company to receive notice of new opportunities for contractors and suppliers, we encourage you to register with MERX electronic tendering service.
In accordance with the OCH Procurement Policy, solicitations for proposals:
- with a value greater than $50,000 are publicly tendered, generally via MERX
- with a value below $50,000 are procured via various means
For more information about bidding opportunities, contact bids@och.ca
If you are currently not a registered vendor with OCH, but you are interested in becoming one, please contact business_services@och.ca
CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY
Ottawa Community Housing is committed to preventing, managing and resolving conflicts of Interest involving OCH Employees and Board Directors as a matter of good business practice contributing to public trust in the integrity and impartiality of OCH.