A condominium corporation in Toronto has initiated a multi-million-dollar lawsuit against a neighboring church, claiming it has become a hub for illegal activities, including drug use and violence. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of CASA Condos in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, describes the church as a “free-for-all haven” for such conduct.

The statement of claim alleges that the Sanctuary, which provides services to marginalized individuals, has allowed illegal and disruptive behavior to occur on its property. CASA Condos asserts that it has repeatedly urged the Sanctuary to take action to address these issues, including contacting police and local councilors, but to no avail.

CASA Condos, located at 33 Charles St. East, is a 46-story high-rise completed in 2010. The lawsuit claims that residents and staff have faced harassment from Sanctuary patrons, some reportedly armed with weapons like hammers and steel rods. Additionally, the church's property has allegedly become a dumping ground for trash, human waste, and drug paraphernalia, with tent encampments also permitted on-site.

Sanctuary Ministries of Toronto describes itself as a church and community organization that offers Sunday services, community meals, health clinics, and outreach programs. In 2023, it reported nearly $2 million in revenue, with over half coming from donations.

Peter McDonald, president of the CASA board, emphasized that the condominium is not seeking to remove the church or its services from the area. "Our goal remains the same: ensuring the safety of our condo residents and the neighborhood," he stated. He added that the Sanctuary's operations have created ongoing safety risks, necessitating police interventions and increased security measures.

The lawsuit seeks an injunction to prevent Sanctuary guests from trespassing and creating disturbances, along with over $2.3 million in damages for property damage and ongoing security costs.

Rachel Tulloch, the Sanctuary's pastoral director, previously noted that tensions surrounding the church's outreach programs reflect a larger systemic issue. "We’re not creating issues — we’re attempting to mitigate them," she said.

Sanctuary's executive director, Gil Clelland, declined to comment on the lawsuit but stated in an email that the organization is prepared to defend itself in court. He expressed concern that the lawsuit reflects the condominium's discomfort with homelessness rather than addressing the broader housing crisis. "A lawsuit won’t solve the housing crisis. We urge the condominium to drop the suit," Clelland wrote.

The church has not yet filed a statement of defense, and none of the allegations have been tested in court. Some individuals outside the church expressed the importance of its services, highlighting the lack of alternatives for those in need. Ryan Hayashi, a visitor, noted the support he receives from the Sanctuary, while Rob Dods, a long-time attendee, emphasized the sense of community it provides.

Dods, who has experienced homelessness, criticized the condominium's complaint as overlooking the larger issues affecting social services in Toronto. "Even if we fix this place, you have every other place," he said.

McDonald described the lawsuit as a last resort after multiple attempts to resolve the issues through non-legal means. He called for a balance between service delivery and neighborhood safety, stating, "This is about accountability for persistent illegal and dangerous activity outside the Sanctuary that has raised serious safety concerns."