The mayors of Ontario’s largest cities are urging the province to take action and address the pressing issues of homelessness, mental health, and addiction. They are emphasizing the urgent need for more funding and collaboration to tackle what they describe as a significant community safety and humanitarian crisis.
Ontario Big City Mayors unanimously passed a motion on Friday, urging the province to provide increased support and work closely with municipalities and other stakeholders. The mayors highlighted that cities have been shouldering over 50% of the $4.1 billion spent on homelessness and housing programs in 2024, stressing the strain on local resources.
Chair of the caucus, Marianne Meed Ward, Mayor of Burlington, Ont., emphasized the unsustainable nature of cities continuing to bear this financial burden, stating that addressing homelessness should not solely rely on property tax dollars. She emphasized the moral imperative for leaders to ensure that individuals do not suffer on the streets.
In response, a spokesperson for the minister of municipal affairs and housing highlighted the substantial investments already made by the province to combat homelessness. Ontario has allocated $75.5 million towards building supportive and affordable housing, creating additional shelter spaces, and providing $1.7 billion to municipalities for supportive housing improvements through the Homelessness Prevention Program. The province is also investing close to $550 million in establishing 28 homelessness and addiction recovery treatment hubs.
While the government asserts that it has taken significant steps to empower municipalities, the mayors stress that more action is needed. Citing a report from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario calling for an $11 billion investment over the next decade to end homelessness, the mayors emphasize the escalating nature of the crisis.
Toronto Deputy Mayor Paul Ainslie echoed these sentiments, stating that while some support has been received from the provincial government, it falls short of what is necessary. The mayors emphasize the importance of collective efforts, stating that municipalities cannot solve this complex issue in isolation.