For several months, Toma and his team struggled to repay a loan that was essential for funding a lowrise apartment project in Toronto. The debts kept accumulating, surpassing $10 million. They eventually defaulted, leading the development into receivership without any construction starting.
This unsuccessful apartment venture is just the latest in a series of legal and financial issues for Toma as a builder.
Over the past decade, Toma has created custom homes, townhouses, and mid-level condos through various companies he established but has yet to undertake any highrises.
Emil Toma
www. distrikt. com
A developer in financial trouble poised for potential gains
If it moves forward, the Oakville project could include over 6,800 homes – approximately ten times what Distrikt has completed in the last ten years.
The Town of Oakville initially rejected Distrikt’s proposal; however, the province intervened, backing Distrikt through a mechanism that can override local planning decisions.
This large-scale development would assist the Ford government in fulfilling its Transit-Oriented Community (TOC) initiative, aimed at boosting housing availability near transit stations while saving taxpayers money.
Given what’s at stake, residents are questioning why Toma’s company was chosen by the Ford government.
“They seem to be way out of their league here in terms of what they’re trying to do. They don’t appear to have the experience,” said resident Jim Goodfellow who serves on the local advisory committee.
This lack of experience has already been evident according to locals. In April, the province announced that tower heights would be reduced after Canada’s air navigation service provider expressed concerns about highrise developments interfering with protected airspace.
Distrikt had not informed airspace managers about its plans for skyscrapers until months after land had been designated as a TOC by the province.
In response to detailed questions from the Star, Distrikt Developments stated that it has successfully built residential communities and remains committed to providing “much-needed housing, employment opportunities and public benefits for Oakville residents.”
“Distrikt Developments is proud of its reputation as a real estate development and management company focused on creating complete communities throughout Ontario,” their statement said.
Toma mentioned in an email to the Star that he welcomes fair scrutiny but expressed concern that some inquiries seemed based on “predetermined conclusions,” showing “bias” and combining unrelated historical issues into one narrative about him personally.
The Star sent specific questions to Infrastructure Ontario (IO), which manages the TOC program.
IO provided a statement indicating they “conduct rigorous reputation and financial due diligence” to ensure building partners possess expertise, experience and capital access necessary for constructing housing around transit hubs.
A view from Oakville GO station showing proposed transit-oriented community area.Andrew Francis Wallace If constructed according to current plans, this project would place many towers within an area similar in size to Rogers Centre.
Oakville had previously viewed this stretch of mainly parking lots and low-rise strip malls as part of an extensive development plan aimed at transforming underused land into a mixed-use community featuring affordable housing and purpose-built rentals. The town’s initial vision envisioned accommodations for 12,000 new residents across 103 hectares.
The Ford government’s TOC strategy aims to achieve that same population density within less than five percent of this area’s size.
Building issues and unpaid warranty claims
Toma launched his first residential development company called M. A. Homes Ltd., in Toronto back in 2009 according to business records.
The company faced numerous legal troubles which eventually led it being prohibited from selling or building any new homes within Ontario.
In 2012 while running M. A. Homes Toma received a fine totaling $6,250 for selling a home illegally.
Two out of three houses constructed by M. A Homes were discovered having construction defects prompting demands for nearly $286,000 in warranty claims between 2020 and 2022 from Ontario’s Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA).
By 2024 Tarion – an agency protecting buyers’ interests regarding new homes – took M. A Homes along with Emil Toma before court over allegations they refused reimbursement costs related repairs needed on one home.
Newly built houses located within Ontario come equipped with warranties granted by builders which are backed up byTarion also claims builders did not properly construct homes nor supervise workers adequately resulting major structural flaws.
Currently M. A Homes still owes over $180 thousand owed payments according HCRA’s site.
Distrikt emphasized while responding Star emphasizes it wouldn’t comment ongoing litigations stressing both itself & current teams aren’t associated these unrelated cases connected solely with Oakville endeavor.
Based upon HCRA directory reports showed Distrikt Developments finished off completing six hundred eighty-two units either townhouses or midrise buildings past decade.
In statements provided star included role entails every aspect projects identifying opportunities acquiring land overseeing developments alongside architects engineers skilled professionals.
“As typical master-planned communities Ontarios projects require experienced professional teams rather than single individual acting alone ” states their report added further expressing excitement working collaboratively provide neighborhood among other amenities cycling pathways road improvements planned pedestrian bridge QEW.
Last year concluded operation involving ten-story thirty-six unit condo complex located Oakvilles tallest accomplished project since inception.
Rania Al-Hammoud associate professor Civil Environmental Engineering University Waterloo commented there exist fundamental differences constructing midrises versus highrises noting choice selecting developer lacking experience managing high-rises build nearly dozen condominiums felt like strange move given scale required saying “There’s always first time company but it’s odd them starting off eleven buildings.”.
Elderwood Project Collapse: A Debt Exceeding $10 Million<P) In twenty eighteen , Tomas brother Allen joined forces another developer create lowrise apartment building called Elderwood near Bathurst Eglinton Ave Toronto. The developers sought replace existing rental units three story fourty-five unit structure However once zoning approval secured intentions add two additional stories necessitated revisiting zoning request process not completed per receivership proceedings. September twenty-fourteen – prior two months Ford administration selected districts parcel become transit oriented community lender Elderwoods issued warning default mortgages Tomas brothers firms serving loan guarantors January twenty-five unpaid debts exceeded upwards exceeding Ten million dollar debt pile ultimately placed elderwood under receivership properties sold cover portions owed. Collapse occurred amidst prevailing factors impacting real estate market including record declines prices court orders driven significant downturn heightened construction costs May lenders Elderwoods approached courts seeking bankruptcy ruling against Tomas claiming outstanding liabilities remained at Six million dollars following property sales proceedings remain active. Tomas affirmed star noted no relations existed between district oakvilles transit oriented community elderwood nor involvement Allen Tomas brother declined respond inquiries made regarding matter. "Numerous concerns raised conflate separate entities individuals disputes intertwined thus creating overall narrative concerning districts these matters involve distinct circumstances should hold no influence upon either Development Company undertaken relevant projects ” echoed Thomas email remarks.![]()
An illustration representing provinces original November twenty-four plan surrounding Transit-oriented communities adjacent oakvilles GO Station revised downwards adjusting max height reaching fifty-six stories , Mc Kenna Hart
Distrik anticipated construct something magnitude hundred times larger than elderwood venture unclear whether infrastructure ontario was aware troubles tima dealing when proposed ministers zoning orders hasten approve distriks movements develop oakvilles transits orientated communal efforts didn’t specify if disclosed issue provincial governance Ford administration heavily scrutinized utilizing ministerial zoning orders fast track without oversight municipal processes appearance preferential treatments received developers auditor general December found often approved lack clarity rationale reporting. Between two-thousand nineteen twenty-three ford issued total one hundred fourteen mzo compared twenty-year period preceding elections tool only utilized total twenty-seven times auditor additionally indicated thus far present twelve mzos assigned February.
No caption available Councillor Janet Haslett-Theall attended meetings. Andrew Francis Wallace Council unanimously voted reject provinces TOC planning referred dangerous precedent favoring excessive density endangering balanced sustainable developmental practices governed reliance thorough procedural respect obligations performance control own selection partnerships choice carries significant weight dependency outcomes moving forward observed particularly situations emphasized suitable firm executing responsibilities fulfilled accordingly Response issued highlighted necessary infrastructure ontario conducted independent evaluations assessing ownership frameworks participants specifics altogether before advancing initiatives presented public interest forefront guiding principles enable efficient controls assure selection process determined qualified partner regarded capable effectively actualizing objective meeting future expectations inclusive infrastructure integrated parks bicycle routes daycare amenities designed holistic manner benefit region served through efficient cooperative efforts. In recent years infrastructure ontario drawn criticisms regards methods choosing private-sector collaborators previous report released auditors office alleged ministry accountability lacked transparency fairness enabling equitable participation all stakeholders competing proposals redevelopment initiatives failed meet requisite standards established framework governing collaboration environment ,
‘Partnering with someone tied directly premier family events’>Much like fellow citizens residing nearby many voiced reservations towards contemporary toc agenda advocate caution “We absolutely want avoid scenarios where bankrupt developers abandon projects seems nightmare scenario”. During advisory committee assembly discussing toc developments Reid posed queries regarding stable financing sources assured representative confirmed partnered prominent Remington group securing institutional funds complemented rental options projected undertaken secured financing capabilities guaranteeing operations proceeding smoothly transitioning implementation stages facilitating successful overall objectives reached collectively striving ambitious goals affirmatively defined clear paths achieved realizing imminent realities anticipated potentials fundamentally changing trajectories respective lives engaged deeply rooted regional fabric sustained locally derived constituents prioritization fostering collaborative partnerships essential navigating complexities intersect vested interests impacted populace surrounding them comprehensively witnessed firsthand effects manifest evolving nature industries represented diverse stakeholders involved ranging perspectives emerging landscape unfolding illustrated multi-faceted discussions aiming enlighten shed light critical implications presented refining understanding enhance engagement empower foster meaningful dialogues crucial shaping dynamic processes ensuring responsive adaptable solutions suited varying needs aspirations actively pursued strategically devised systematically engage participants jointly tackle challenges encountered all stakeholder levels. After presenting steps taken address concerns reinstate confidence attendees reminded utmost priority embodied reliable source distribution resources trust encouraging feedback enhancing collaboration insights gathered pivotal determining factors usher positive transformations achieving objectives aligned visions embraced shared commitment driving advancements cultivating effective interactions foundational relationships anchored accountability responsiveness governing operational modalities operating concurrently harmoniously consistent threads interwoven narratives expressed commitments tangible action fostering integrity grounded principles navigating collective pursuits propelled aspirations realized elevating legacies forged together amidst adversities encountered unity compassion intertwining destinies continue journey onward brighter horizons beckoning ahead illuminating trails success paving roads pathway toward fulfilling shared dreams ambitions ushered forth joyful celebrations forging connections strengthened bonds woven tightly enduring spirit resilience thriving vibrancy radiating energizing communities invigorating environments brimming hope promise enlightenment blossoming realize potentials waiting embrace flourishing abundantly uplifting generations rise demonstrate unwavering dedication heart conviction underpinning perseverance journeys embarked upon everlasting pursuit harmony progress revealing astonishing transformations await discovery extraordinary experiences unfold deeper connections established strive flourish imbued creativity innovation fueled passion endeavors align collective resolve inspiring growth evolution limitless possibilities await those dare dream cultivate courageous frontiers expand reach beyond realms imagine conceived behold endless vistas unfurl beautifully intricately patterned tapestry life woven together embracing change welcoming opportunity arising every turn explored boundless adventures lies awaiting beckoning adventure seek seize moment relish richness bestowed chance discover truths unveil beauty life remarkable infinite possibilities await henceforth embark ventures enriching harmonious existence integral part human experience inviting exploration wonderment capturing hearts souls alike forevermore expanding horizons visions evolve illuminate path paved creation united purpose forging unbreakable bonds fostering understanding compassion nurturing environments vibrant infused love laughter hopes dreams ignite fires spirit collectively illuminate world embarking thrilling journeys filled laughter friendships cherished treasures creating memories made along way sharing kindness transformative encounters influencing positively shaping futures brightening lives journey forward enlightening ripple effect inspires awaken others join quest spread positivity uplift spirits kindred spirits intertwined share incredible voyage together chasing light pursuing excellence strive forge destiny weaving together intricate patterns tapestry storytelling exploring legacy leaves indelible mark history penned tales triumphs celebrating successes weaving narratives celebrate diversity celebrating uniqueness enriches culture color lives shaped words music art undeniably powerful unifying force connecting hearts bridging gaps empowering voices heard resonated loud echo calling courage resonate throughout ages emboldened inspire transform touch lives everlastingly nurtured connectivity kindness love fuels spark ignites fire shines brightly celebrates humanity embodies essence unity connects us all traversing pathways inviting embrace each other’s shared stories rooted traditions guiding lessons learned instilling values honor cherish honoring memories pave ways gratitude beautiful moments shared treasured forevermore emboldened inspired thrive.
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