October 21, 2024
MARKHAM, ON – Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) strengthened their call to the Ontario and federal governments to step up and take action now when it comes to the homelessness, mental health, safety and addictions crisis impacting municipalities across the province.
On Friday, OBCM met in Markham and spent most of our agenda focused on the mental health, addictions and homeless crisis we are all facing. This has become a priority issue for our mayors, and our discussion was open, frank and honest about the tough challenges these matters present. This discussion builds on the work OBCM has done through our SolvetheCrisis.ca campaign which calls on both the provincial and federal governments to take action now to address the humanitarian crisis happening on our streets.
The Mayors passed a resolution (full motion here) which included requesting that the provincial government:
- Urgently review, consult on, and update the Mental Health Act and the Health Care Consent Act, neither of which address the current state of this crisis across the province.
- Implement Diversion Courts throughout the Province, and expand the scope and reach of these courts, with a focus on rehabilitation rather than punitive measures
- Along with the federal government, introduce legislation prohibiting open and public use of illicit drugs and public intoxication; and
- Review, consult on, and update the Trespass to Property Act with such a review to include but not be limited to options to assist communities in addressing aggressive or repetitive trespass (“repetitive trespass”)
It is critical that before any new measures are put in place, the province moves quickly to create a plan to build a plethora of supportive housing units, especially units that specifically address the needs of those who have started treatment, and need shelter, care and further supports as they continue their recovery journey. That is why OBCM’s motion also asks both the Province of Ontario and the federal government to create a blueprint to the build of the thousands of beds that are needed, and include with that blueprint the source of funding and municipal funding programs required.
OBCM mayors believe these requests must be prioritized to help our most vulnerable residents and to keep our communities safe.
At the meeting the mayors also elected new Executive Committee members who will begin their term in December of this year. Please visit our website here for more details on this election.
The Mayors also heard from Ehren Cory, CEO of the Canada Infrastructure Bank on their Infrastructure for Housing Initiative. Ontario’s Big City Mayors have named housing enabling infrastructure as one of their key priorities. OBCM hopes to work with both the provincial and federal governments to develop new and consistent funding models that municipalities can use to build complete communities as more housing is built across the province.
For more details on OBCM’s Solve the Crisis campaign, including our specific requests of the provincial and federal governments and how you can lend your support please visit our website – www.solvethecrisis.ca
Quotes
“These are tough issues and tough conversations, with a legitimate range of perspectives among our members and in the community. Our mayor’s caucus worked hard to reach consensus on our resolutions and recommendations that will achieve the best outcome for all members of our community.”
– Marianne Meed Ward – Mayor of Burlington
Chair of OBCM
“Today’s meeting made it clear that our municipalities are struggling, and our Mayors are frustrated about the lack of resources and programs that are needed to tackle this homelessness, addictions, safety and mental health crisis head on. Municipalities cannot tackle this crisis alone and as we head into the winter months, we need the provincial and federal governments to address this humanitarian crisis happening on our streets. Some major changes need to be made, and they have to be made now.”
– Josh Morgan – Mayor of London
Vice-Chair of OBCM (at Acting Chair at Friday’s meeting)
About Ontario’s Big City Mayors
Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) is an organization that includes mayors of 29 single and lower-tier cities with a population of 100,000 or more, who collectively represent nearly 70 percent of Ontario’s population. OBCM advocates for issues and policies important to Ontario’s largest cities.
Media Contacts
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Chair Michelle Baker, Executive Director
chair@obcm.ca michelle@obcm.ca
905-335-7777 647-308-6602