Big City Mayors addresses Ontario’s Homelessness and Mental Health Crisis

Ontario is facing a severe homelessness and mental health crisis, with over 1,400 encampments and rising numbers. This situation is overwhelming cities and municipalities, which lack the resources and support to handle a crisis of this magnitude. While mental health care, addiction treatment, and housing fall under provincial responsibility, municipalities are left managing these challenges, affecting both residents and businesses.

In response, Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM), led by Mayor Marianne Meed Ward of Burlington, has launched the “Solve the Crisis” campaign. Representing cities with populations over 100,000, OBCM is advocating for immediate action from the provincial and federal governments. The group argues that these governments, not municipalities, should be responsible for addressing the crisis. Despite some funding, the response so far has been inadequate, pushing the burden onto local governments.

The OBCM is calling for the following actions:

1. Appoint a Dedicated Ministry: A single ministry should be responsible for housing, mental health, and addiction services, with sufficient funding and authority.
2. Develop a Comprehensive Plan: The appointed Minister should lead a task force with representatives from various sectors to create an Ontario Action Plan.
3. Support Municipalities: Provide municipalities with the necessary tools and resources to transition individuals in encampments to better supports.
4. Fund Essential Services: Commit to funding the services required for the unhoused population, addressing gaps in the system community by community.
5. Invest in Crisis Centres: Establish 24/7 community hubs or crisis centers to reduce pressure on emergency departments and first responders.

Proven solutions, such as supportive housing combined with mental health and addiction services, have shown success in communities like London and Toronto. If the province scales these solutions and acts quickly, Ontario can recover, leading to safer, thriving communities. The time for government action is now.
Visit www.solvethecrisis.ca for more information.