Our mission is to promote access to justice for our underprivileged 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
- Provide free legal advice and representation in the following areas
Landlord and Tenant
Social Assistance (OW & ODSP)
Canada Pension Plan/Old Age Security
Summary Advice on Immigration
Employment Insurance
Family Law
- Affidavit and Notarizing Services
- Provide community education and outreach
- Engage in law reform activities
- Foster Community Partnerships
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.
Through involvement in lobbying, test cases, and community organizing we work towards changing laws for the benefit of people who are underprivileged.
If you have a legal problem outside of our expertise, we will provide you with other resources.
In domestic violence situations, we will provide emergency advice and referrals.
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.
Statement Against Racism
Downsview Community Legal Services (DCLS) strongly condemns anti-black racism and police violence.
DCLS affirms its identity, as an antiracist organization that supports a safe, open and inclusive environment for everyone.
DCLS has always emphasized the importance of access to justice to all. The doors of Downsview Community Legal Services, have always been open to everyone, and they always will be, where an individual can feel welcome and know that they will be treated with respect and dignity, in the provision of poverty law services.
While we acknowledge systemic racism in Canada, in particular, anti -Black and anti- Indigenous racism, we are committed to working towards combatting systemic barriers ensuring justice and racial equity.
It is our hope, that with everyone committing to a real change.
Together we will build a more just and equitable society.
Si vouz parlez francais
Hours of Operation
Mon 9:00am-5:00pm
Tue 9:00am-5:00pm
Wed 9:00am-1:00pm
Thu 9:00am-5:00pm
Fri 9:00am-5:00pm
The office is closed everyday 1pm – 2 pm for lunch
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 COVID-19 and related issues, this service is by appointment only until further notice.
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU CALL US FIRST AND OBTAIN AN APPOINTMENT IN ORDER TO ASSIST YOU BETTER
Call 416-635-8388 extension 21
Bathurst Finch Office
540 Finch Avenue West, Unit 132
Toronto, Ontario M2R 1N7
Tel : 416-635-8388
Fax: 416-635-6471
Email: clinic@dcls.clcj.ca
Find us at the North West corner of Bathurst Street and Finch Avenue West inside the Bathurst Finch Hub
Lawrence Heights Satellite Office
12 Flemington Road
Toronto, Ontario M6A 2N4
Tel: 416-787-1661 x3263
Visit our Satellite office at The Unison Health and Community Services Lawrence Heights location. Now open Mondays and Tuesdays (9am-5pm)
For bus routes :
TTC bus routes: (416) 393-4636 or visit www.ttc.ca