The federal authorities says it will probably’t wait any longer for Ontario to finish encampments in its cities and can provide cash on to municipalities, together with Toronto, to repair the issue.
In an announcement issued Tuesday, Housing Minister Sean Fraser mentioned he despatched a letter to each province and territory on Sept. 18 asking them to companion with Ottawa to “urgently” discover shelter for the unhoused or these dwelling in tents.
The provide features a whole of $250 million in funding in trade for matching contributions by the provinces and territories.
Nevertheless, Fraser mentioned because the provide was made, the feds haven’t heard again from Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
“While some have since entered election periods, there was ample engagement before the letter was sent, and there is no longer time to wait as the weather gets colder,” Fraser wrote.
Consequently, the federal government mentioned it’s now approaching municipalities immediately to unravel the issue, together with Toronto.
“We will approach five cities first given their readiness to quickly adopt cost-matched responses. They are: Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Regina, and Saskatoon. This list is not exhaustive, as we will be approaching more communities that have demonstrated an ability to quickly respond to encampments,” Fraser wrote.
If Ontario does determine to companion with Ottawa primarily based on Fraser’s provide, the federal authorities mentioned, will probably be capable of choose the precise communities which are awarded funding.
It’s unclear how a lot precisely every province, territory or municipality could be given of the overall $250 million.
In an announcement issued to Ontario Chronicle Toronto, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Paul Calandra mentioned, up till Tuesday, the Ontario authorities was “under the impression” it was nonetheless working with Ottawa on tackling the difficulty.
“It’s about time the federal government finally showed interest in discussing how they will match the hundreds of millions of dollars Ontario is investing to combat homelessness. I have a meeting scheduled with Minister Fraser next week, and I look forward to seeing him there,” Calandra wrote.
In keeping with Calandra’s workplace, Ontario is already investing practically $1.1 billion in homelessness prevention packages every year, and a further $720 million to help Toronto and Ottawa particularly.
Toronto unveiled its winter technique on the identical day Fraser made the announcement, and mentioned it would develop its shelter capability to incorporate 1,200 extra areas as soon as the temperature drops subsequent month. However metropolis officers mentioned they want extra assist.
“We need the federal and provincial governments to step up as partners and ensure everyone has a safe and secure place to call home, including real commitments to increase deeply affordable housing and supportive housing,” Coun. Alejandra Bravo mentioned.
Ontario Chronicle Toronto has reached out to the Metropolis of Toronto for touch upon Fraser’s provide.
At an unrelated information convention on Wednesday, Mayor Olivia Chow mentioned the federal authorities hasn’t reached out to the town but, however she’s able to work with Ottawa on the matter.
“We need the funds to create respite centres, more shelters, maybe even some rapid housing so we can build supportive housing. We know that without housing, without shelter, it’s very difficult to get back on your feet,” Chow mentioned.
“We’re willing to engage. We’re willing to put up some of our funds. We’re willing to move ahead.”
