Downsview Community Legal Services

Access to justice for the underpriviliged community.

Downsview Community Legal Services is a Community Legal clinic providing free legal assistance to underprivileged persons living in our area. 

We are funded by Legal Aid Ontario and governed by a community Board of Directors. The office is staffed by lawyers, paralegals, community legal workers, and administrative staff.
What We Do
The mission of Downsview Community Legal Services is to promote access to justice for the underprivileged community. 

To do this we:

  1. Provide free legal advice and representation to individuals in our community
  2. Provide community education and outreach
  3. Engage in law reform activities 
  4. Foster Community Partnerships

Community Education

We help community groups understand the law and their legal rights. DCLS staff organize, conduct and participate in various public legal education events within our community. These workshops focus on areas of law and public interest within our expertise. 


Law Reform

Through involvement in lobbying, test cases, and community organizing we work towards changing laws for the benefit of people who are underprivileged.


Referrals

If you have a legal problem outside of our expertise, we will provide you with other resources.


Domestic Violence

In domestic violence situations we will provide emergency advice and referrals.


Housing Help Clinic

Downsview Community Legal Services in co-operation with Unison Health and Community Services and St. Stephen’s Conflict Mediation Services hosts a Housing Help Clinic on the third Thursday of each month.


This clinic is held inside the Lawrence Heights community at 12 Flemington Road. The goal of the Housing Clinic is to attempt resolution of landlord and tenant matters before commencing any legal action at the Landlord and Tenant Board.


Satellite Office at Lawrence Heights

We are now providing legal services to the Lawrence Heights Community at the Unison Health and Community Services, Lawrence Heights Location.


Please contact DCLS at 416-787-1661 x3263 for information or to make an appointment.


We serve the following community:

                             Training Sessions and Workshops 2021

We have temporarily suspended all our scheduled outreach and training activities due to the current Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, until further notice. We are available to conduct Zoom sessions upon request by agencies and partner organizations.



How to become a Board Member.

If you are interested in becoming a board member of Downsview Community Legal Services, you can contact the office at 416-635-8388 for an application and other information on how to join.


As a member you are entitled to voting privileges at our Annual General Meeting.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19):

TORONTO PUBLIC HEALTH : 416-392-7411

TELEHEALTH ONTARIO : 1-877-797-0000

IF YOU ARE IN TORONTO (Finch Site): HUMBER RIVER Covid-19 Assessment Centre: 416-747-6740



HOURS OF OPERATION     


Mon - 8:30 to 4:30

Tue -  8:30 to 4:30

Wed - 8:30 to 1:00

Thu -  8:30 to 4:30

 Fri  -  8:30 to 4:30


The office is closed for lunch between 1 - 2 pm.


IMPORTANT NOTICE:

DUE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) CONCERNS, WE HAVE TAKEN STEPS TO REDUCE STAFF AND CLIENT INTERACTION FOR YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY AND IN TO ORDER TO REDUCE THE SPREAD OF THE PANDEMIC.

WE WILL NOT BE TAKING IN ANY WALK IN APPOINTMENTS AT THIS TIME, UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU CALL US FIRST IN ORDER TO ASSIST YOU BETTER.


Statement Against Racism
click below to read more

Affidavit and Notarizing Service

Affidavits were available any day between:

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Due to COVID19 and related issues this service is by appointment only until further notice

Intake Hours

9:00 am – 4:00 pm every day except Wednesdays from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.

Our Services

We provide legal advice and assistance in the following areas:

  • Landlord and Tenant
  • Social Assistance (OW & ODSP)
  • Canada Pension Plan/Old Age Security
  • Summary Advice on Immigration
  • Employment Insurance
  • Employment Standards
  • Workers' Rights
  • Family Law

CONGRATULATIONS ! 

GRACE PLUCHINO 

for being awarded 

THE 2017 SIDNEY B. LINDEN AWARD for exceptional individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to helping low-income Ontarians in the pursuit of access to justice.  

(click to read more)

Contact us!


Bathurst Finch Location:

Find us at the North West corner of Bathurst Street and Finch Avenue West inside the Bathurst Finch Hub.


540 Finch Avenue West, Unit 132

Toronto, ON M2R 1N7

Phone: (416) 635 - 8388    
Fax:     (416) 635 - 6471


Lawrence Heights Satellite Office Location:

Visit our Satellite office at The Unison Health and Community Services Lawrence Heights location. Now open Monday to Friday.


12 Flemington Road

Toronto, ON M6A 2N4

Phone: (416) 787 - 1661 x 3263


For bus routes please call:

TTC bus routes: (416) 393-4636 or visit www.ttc.ca