Where will we put our homeless? Ontario government plan to end homeless encampment sparks controversy

BY PAUL JUNOR

The announcement by the Doug Ford PC-led government of Ontario that it will introduce legislation to dismantle encampments across Ontario has triggered diverse responses. The letter was in response to letters from mayors across Ontario who are dealing with the encampment sites, and the challenges of dealing with homeless individuals. Many of these individuals are dealing with mental health and substance abuse challenges.

On Thursday, December 5^th, 2024, Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario shared his plans regarding ending encampments. He plans to put in place new initiatives with extra legislative powers in the future. The government hopes to ensure:

• Greater service manager accountability and alignment with provincial and local priorities.
• Additional funding to create more capacity in our shelter systems, supported by the new accountability measures to ensure these funds support dismantling encampments.
• Explicit and unequivocally prohibiting the use of illicit drugs in public, with new tools and authorities to help police enforce this prohibition.
• Enhanced penalties for people

There have been some updates with respect to the provincial plans. It was reported that Paul Calandra, Minister of Housing told reporters, “I just do not agree with those who believe that a park is a place where people with mental health and addictions are best served. If service managers are incapable, or unwilling to make the changes that are needed to ensure that we deal with this situation in an effective manner then we’ll take further steps.”

Marit Stiles, Leader of Ontario NDP states, “I’m going to wait to see this bill. Once again, we’re seeing an 11^th hour attempt to come forward with something that they actually have no intention of passing. Nobody wants encampments in our communities, but this is the legacy of Doug Ford. Ontarians know the solution isn’t to arrest people living in those parks, it’s to actually have shelters, support, and housing.”

Bonnie Crombie, leader of the Ontario Liberals expressed concerns about a last-ditch attempt to put an ill-thought plan in place. She states, “It is not okay to clear people from the street without somewhere to put them that is safe, where they’ll be getting the help and treatment they need.” Crombie is concerned about the lack of strategic planning by the government. She states further, “It needs a coordinated strategy, not left up to the mayors of each municipality to deal with it on their own. These are the discussions the mayors have when they come together. How are you dealing with it? What’s been working? Have you built tiny homes? Were you able to open your armories, your community centres, church basements?”

On Thursday, December 12^th, 2024, the Ontario government issued a press release in which it revealed details about its plans. The government will be investing $75.5 million to end encampments and crack down on public use of illegal drugs as part of its homelessness prevention plan.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford states “Mayors and residents from communities across Canada have been clear that enough is enough when it comes to encampments and illegal drug use in our parks and playgrounds. Families deserve to enjoy their local parks and playgrounds without fearing for their kids. People facing homelessness, or addiction and mental health challenges should be supported in the right settings. The federal government’s approach of legalizing dangerous drugs for use in our communities has failed and it needs to end.”

The government will spend $75.5 million to fund long-term stable housing and temporary accommodations for individuals who reside in encampments. $44.5 million is new provincial funding and $31 million will be taken from the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative.

Several mayors from Ontario have expressed endorsement for the proposed plan. They include:

• Patrick Brown (Mayor Brampton)
• Josh Morgan (Mayor of London)
• Dan Carter (Mayor of Oshawa)
• Drew Dilkens (Mayor of Windsor)
• Rob Burton (Mayor of Town of Oakville)
• Paul Lefebvre (Mayor of Greater Sudbury)
• Alex Nuttal (Mayor of Barrie)
• Cam Guthrie (Mayor of City of Guelph)
• Jan Liggett (Mayor of Cambridge)
• Mat Siscoe (Mayor of St. Catherines)
• Bryan Paterson (Mayor of Kingston)
• Kevin Davis (Mayor of Brantford)
• Jim Diodati (Mayor of Niagara falls)
• Kevin Ashe (Mayor of City of Pickering)
• Don McIsaac (Mayor of Orillia)
• Bill Gordon (Mayor of Midland)