Ontario’s major city mayors have reiterated their plea for increased assistance from the provincial and federal governments to address homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. This appeal was reaffirmed during the recent Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference in Ottawa.
Chair of Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) and Mayor of Burlington, Marianne Meed Ward, emphasized the escalating crises of homelessness, mental health, and addictions within communities across the province. Meed Ward stressed the urgency for collaborative action, stating that while municipalities are committed to their role, higher government levels must also step up and contribute.
Comprising 29 single and lower-tier cities with populations exceeding 100,000, OBCM represents nearly 70% of Ontario’s residents. The group has been advocating for increased resources and assistance from both the provincial and federal governments since launching the Solve the Crisis Campaign in 2024.
The renewed call for action coincides with numerous municipalities in the province grappling with the management of homeless encampments in public areas. Meed Ward acknowledged some progress by the province but highlighted the strain on municipal resources, noting that the current property tax base is insufficient to cover the rising costs of healthcare, housing, and social services.
OBCM’s campaign urges the province to declare a state of emergency regarding the crises, enhance investment in recovery-focused treatments, and establish a dedicated minister overseeing mental health and addictions services. Additionally, it calls for expanded addiction treatment in correctional institutions, a review of existing mental health and healthcare legislation, and the implementation of a more compassionate and rights-respecting care system, especially for individuals lacking consent capacity.
Supporting OBCM’s initiative, Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett emphasized the need for a shift from reactive measures to holistic recovery strategies. Liggett pledged to advocate for coordinated efforts that cater to the needs of communities statewide.
Responding to the concerns, a spokesperson for Minister of Health Sylvia Jones highlighted the government’s investments in constructing 29 new Homeless and Addictions Recovery Treatment (HART) Hubs and allocating funds toward the Roadmap to Wellness program. The province has also expanded addiction recovery beds and supportive housing units across Ontario to address the pressing needs in this sector.
Vice-chair of OBCM and Mayor of Barrie, Alex Nuttall, stressed the importance of balancing compassion with accountability. Nuttall emphasized the necessity of enhancing access to housing, mental health services, and rehabilitation, while ensuring the safety and accessibility of public spaces for all individuals.