The report released Thursday by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario says $11 billion in funding needs to be injected into the system over the next 10 years to eliminate chronic homelessness in the province
A new report says homelessness has worsened across the province in recent years but northern Ontario communities, including Sault Ste. Marie, are experiencing rates of chronic homelessness that are four times the provincial average.
"While northern regions account for a smaller share of Ontario’s overall population, the scale of the north’s proportion of homelessness represents a deepening crisis in the north. Unique challenges, such as limited access to critical supports, geographic isolation, fewer housing options, and an inadequate transportation infrastructure, have exacerbated the issue," the report said.
Homelessness in Ontario could double in the next decade without significant intervention, the report states, and could reach nearly 300,000 people in the case of an economic downturn. "I don't think there's anybody who doesn't have sticker shock when you look at $11 billion over 10 years, but the reality is you're either going to pay for it now or we're going to pay for it later," said Karen Redman, chair of Waterloo Region and chair of Mayor's and Regional Chairs of Ontario during a presentation to the media on Thursday.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New Ontario Science Centre at Ontario Place to open in 2029, auditor general saysThe timeline for opening a permanent new Ontario Science Centre appears to have been delayed, with infrastructure officials telling the auditor general's office the centre is expected to be up and running in 2029.
Read more »
Ontario Invests $18 Million in Northwestern Ontario HealthcareThe Ontario government is providing over $18 million in funding to support staffing and operations at healthcare organizations in Northwestern Ontario. The funding aims to address ongoing healthcare costs, improve service access, and support diverse populations.
Read more »
Skills Ontario Urges Funding to Combat Ontario's Skilled Trades ShortageSkills Ontario presented recommendations to the Ontario government during pre-budget consultations, highlighting the critical need to address the province's growing skilled trades shortage. They proposed multi-year funding commitments to expand initiatives, enhance career connections, and increase outreach to attract more individuals to skilled trades.
Read more »
Trump to ring opening bell at New York Stock Exchange on ThursdayIt will be a notable moment of recognition for Trump, a born-and-bred New Yorker who gave up living full time in his namesake Trump Tower in Manhattan and moved to Florida
Read more »
Canada Post won't accept new mail until Thursday to prioritize clearing backlogA Canada Post employee delivers parcels in Toronto, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. Teamsters Canada says if Canada Post workers go on strike or are locked out on Friday, its members at Purolator won't handle any packages postmarked or identified as originating from the carrier in a show of solidarity.
Read more »
Ontario city councillors who violate codes of conduct could be fired under new billMinister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Government House Leader Paul Calandra speaks to reporters in Toronto, on Sept. 7, 2023.
Read more »