Homeless encampments on the rise in Toronto and across Ontario

Summary

Homelessness is a growing concern across Ontario, with Toronto alone reporting 431 encampments on city-owned property as of August. Municipalities are seeking provincial aid, highlighting the need for more resources to address the issue. Advocates criticize past and present governments for neglecting the problem, emphasizing the lack of supportive housing and mental health resources. The city awaits funding from the Canada Ontario housing benefit to move 300 households from shelters to permanent housing each month, aiming to alleviate shelter overcrowding and assist those in encampments. Premier Ford is expected to attend the upcoming AMO conference where these concerns will be raised.

Takeaways

• 🏙️ Homelessness is increasing not just in Toronto but across Ontario.
• 📈 Municipalities are seeking help from the Province to address the issue.
• 🗣️ A conference is scheduled in Ottawa where municipalities will voice their concerns.
• 🔢 There are approximately 1,400 gatherings of homeless people across Ontario.
• 🏘️ Cities and towns are reaching a breaking point, unable to provide sufficient support alone.
• 💼 Advocates criticize past and present governments for not prioritizing homelessness solutions.
• 🚁 Critics argue that government spending could be better allocated to address homelessness.
• 🌳 In Toronto, 87% of homeless encampments are located in parks.
• 💸 The city of Toronto is awaiting additional funding from the Canada Ontario housing benefit.
• 🏥 There is a call for more comprehensive healthcare and mental health resources to support the homeless.

Q & A

What is the current situation regarding homeless encampments in Toronto?

Homeless encampments are on the rise in Toronto, with 431 encampments on city-owned property as of August 9th, the majority of which are in parks.

Is the issue of homeless encampments limited to Toronto?

No, the issue of homeless encampments is not limited to Toronto; it exists across Ontario, with 1,400 gatherings of people without homes reported last year.

What is the role of other municipalities in addressing this issue?

Other municipalities are stepping up and asking for help from the Province, including participating in a conference in Ottawa to raise their concerns.

Why are municipalities seeking help from the Province?

Municipalities are reaching a point where they cannot provide the necessary support on their own due to lack of resources.

What is the current stance of homeless advocates on the provincial and federal governments' handling of the issue?

Homeless advocates blame previous provincial and federal governments for handing down responsibility to municipalities and current ones for not prioritizing the issue.

What is the status of the Canada Ontario housing benefit that was supposed to provide more funding?

As of April 1st, the city of Toronto is waiting on its next allocation of the Canada Ontario housing benefit, which would help move 300 households from shelters into permanent housing each month.

How would the allocation of the Canada Ontario housing benefit impact the shelter system?

The allocation would free up space in the shelter system to support others in need, including people living in encampments.

What additional support is needed according to the advocates?

Advocates are calling for more support from the Province, including healthcare responses and mental health care resources to stabilize people in crisis.

What is the expected outcome of the upcoming conference involving the association of municipalities of Ontario?

Local leaders will have a chance to make their case for more support from the Province at the conference, which Premier Ford is expected to attend.

How many parks in Toronto have five or more encampments as of August 9th?

As of August 9th, 12 parks in Toronto have five or more encampments.

What is the current sentiment towards the government's spending priorities as expressed by the advocates?

Advocates are questioning the government's spending priorities, suggesting that money spent on items like helicopters could be better allocated to address the homeless crisis.