Candidates Discuss Solutions for Norfolk County’s Homelessness

[ad_1]Six out of seven candidates running for mayor of Norfolk County have shared their thoughts in response to questions from the Ontario Chronicle. Candidate Ken Gilpin chose not to take part in this Q&A. SUBMITTED PHOTOSQuestion: Homelessness rates have been rising in Norfolk in recent years. What would you propose to address this situation?Name: Doug BruntonOccupation: Retired director of public works for the Town of SimcoePolitical experience: Two-term councillor for Norfolk CountyResidence: SimcoeAnswer: Many communities across the province are facing homelessness. We need to keep getting provincial funding. In 2026, we budgeted $4 million, with $3.6 million coming from the province and $400,000 split 60-40 between Norfolk and Haldimand. I don’t have all the solutions for homelessness, but continued provincial support is essential.Name: David FinchAge: 69Occupation: Registered psychotherapist (qualifying)Political experience: Alderman three terms for Grimsby Town Council, 2000-2006 and 2010-2014; appointed member of Grimsby Planning and Development Committee 2014-2018Answer: Housing falls under provincial jurisdiction. The Haldimand Norfolk Housing Corporation is our local provider of affordable housing but it lacks sufficient funding. Property taxes aren’t designed to cover social assistance issues like homelessness.I would collaborate with our MPP and housing partners to push for adequate provincial funding for social housing in Norfolk. I'd also partner with non-profits to see how the county can assist their efforts with homeless individuals.A major concern regarding our homeless population is that many struggle with addiction and mental health issues. These services are also a provincial responsibility that has been severely underfunded here.I will work alongside local agencies to advocate for appropriate funding so everyone can access necessary mental health or addiction support.Name: Noel HaydtAge: 58Occupation: Real estate investor/property managerPolitical Experience: Former Norfolk County councillor; former chair of the Long Point Region Conservation AuthorityResidence: WalsinghamAnswer: Simply relocating people doesn’t fix homelessness; we must tackle what leads people to become homeless and stay that way.I've suggested a plan called One Door. One Team. One Plan., which aims at uniting housing support, mental health and addiction services, healthcare, job assistance, and community organizations around each individual instead of making them go from one agency to another.Norfolk doesn’t need duplicate services; it should help coordinate existing ones while measuring outcomes and identifying gaps.People shouldn’t have to find their way through a complicated system-the system should adapt around them.Name: Ken HewittAge: 59Occupation: Benefits consultantPolitical experience: Mayor of Haldimand County for 12 yearsResidence: Turkey PointAnswer: Addressing homelessness requires compassion along with practical solutions and accountability.Norfolk can’t handle this alone; coordinated efforts involving Housing and Social Services, mental health providers, police forces, community groups, and other levels of government are crucial.Our focus should be on preventing homelessness by connecting people with emergency aid, expanding access to suitable housing options, and ensuring ongoing support helps individuals remain housed.We must also consider how this impacts downtown businesses, residents, and public spaces-those experiencing homelessness deserve dignity while everyone deserves safe communities.I’d aim at bringing together responsible agencies, setting clear roles, tracking results, and pushing for necessary provincial resources.The goal must be meaningful improvements rather than just managing short-term problems.Name: Keith MilnerAge: 71Occupation : Retired RCMP/CSIS officer , current owner of Bronte Shore Yacht SalesPolitical experience : Five years working with Canada’s intelligence services on counter-subversion , counter-terrorism , counter-espionage.Residence : Port DoverAnswer : There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to tackling homelessness. I suggest forming a group made up of experts from various fields related to this issue.I want every homeless person interviewed so we can create personalized plans where possible.Factors like drug addiction , mental illness , unfortunate circumstances , family violence among others can lead someone into being homeless quickly.We need an actionable plan aimed at fixing these situations. Despite receiving millions meant for change over time , we've seen increases in our homeless numbers.Current quick fixes aren't working ; we need stricter measures against communities shifting their homeless populations into Norfolk as well as more enforcement regarding drug trafficking-accessibility needs addressing too.Name : Adam Veri Age : 45 Occupation : Ward 6 councillor Political experience : Four years serving as Ward 6 councillor including six months as deputy mayor ; OPP Detachment board member ; Chairperson at Norfolk County Public Library Board ; Board member at Simcoe BIA ; Economic Development Advisory Committee member ; Committee Adjustment member Residence : Port Dover Answer : Our approach towards combating homelessness focuses primarily on prevention along with emergency service offerings.Most funds designated toward prevention programs come from the province but there are specific guidelines they require adherence too. Prevention initiatives exist so residents who may face imminent loss-of-housing might retain it. It’s worth noting avoiding instances leading-to-homelessness often goes unnoticed by citizens thus fostering misconceptions about funds allocated being directed solely toward administrative costs rather than direct assistance provided. Additionally even though efforts could expand further upon request - there's no guarantee those without shelter will utilize them when offered. Impacts surrounding neighborhoods likewise factor greatly into deliberations revolving increased provisions. My vision entails reviewing all municipal service channels starting specifically within Health & Social Services beginning next year - allowing space-for-resident feedback regarding desired services inclusive-of-prevention tactics targeting future cases alike.Coming Sunday : Norfolk has one of the highest water rates in the province while requiring additional upgrades within its infrastructure system. What’s your solution ? Editor’s note : Candidate Ken Gilpin opted not-to-participate. Some responses were edited-for-length-and-clarity.[ad_2]Source link

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