About

A Brief History

In the summer of 1983, the topic of conversation at almost every social gathering amongst the Tamils was the ongoing conflict in Sri Lanka. Some of us anticipated that this turmoil would precipitate a mass potentially erratic a mass exodus from Sri Lanka, resulting in an influx of new Tamils onto Canadian shores. Given their plight and potentially erratic immediate future, a concerned group of us decided to form an organization which would help all kinds of newcomers, including refugee claimants, landed immigrants and even citizens who had been in Canada for some time. From modest beginnings, the organization, the Society for the Aid of Ceylon Minorities, grew into a well-known establishment and is now fondly referred to by its acronym, SACEM.

One of SACEMs mandates was to provide temporary and permanent housing for the new arrivals from Sri-Lanka. A strong housing committee was formed, which began the task or procuring land for the building of housing that would also serve as a Tamil culture center, offering facilities and support to the new arrivals to make them feel welcome. While it was understood that the task would be daunting, time-consuming and an immense public relations endeavor, the committee was driven in its efforts.

Time being of the essence, the committee began its search for an agent with specialized knowledge of co-op housing. We were fortunate to engage the Lantana organization (a leading co-op housing expert at the time) as a partner, Lantana was enthusiastic and happy to be associated with a high-profile, vibrant and up and coming Tamil community.

The first business was officially incorporating the Tamil Housing Co-op. Sitting in the first board of directors were; Mahe Thurai-Rajah, Presiden; the late Solomon Rajanaygam, Vice President; Ms. Kamala Joseph, Tom Hunt; Sam Sangrapillai; and Mr. Thamby of Mississauga.

No time was lost as we scoured Toronto from East to West for our ideal property. In between properly searches, innumerable meetings were held with different levels of government. We initiated meetings with groups who were sympathetic to our cause and who could lobby for our needs. Public meetings were held to placate local communities and businesses, who were concerned about the repercussions of having ethnic co-op housing in their midst. No stones were left unturned and the directors timelessly pursued our goals. At the end of three years, we could see the light at the end of the tunnel. The Tamil Housing co-op was becoming a reality.

The newly built 8 storey, 129-unit edifice at 20 wade ave became a popular city landmark. We were the envy of other ethnic groups; many followed our lead and began pursuing their own co-op projects. Tami expats around the world praised our co-op concept.

A project of this caliber could not have been successful without help and encouragement from friends, volunteers, well-wishers, and SACEM we also our gratitude to Mr. Rajanayagam (Director) and others, who are no longer with us and whom we miss.

Today, the Tamil co-op has not lost its luster. It has extended its accommodation to its diverse group of people, who live in harmony and reflect Toronto’s multi-cultural society. For the Tamils of Toronto, the Tamil Co-op is a proud legacy.

–        Mahen Thurai Rajah