In Durham Region, there are at least 1,871 individuals facing homelessness.
This information comes from recent statistics shared by the Town of Whitby.
Now, the Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) are joining forces to address pressing issues affecting our communities – including the crises surrounding homelessness, mental health, and addictions.
The OBCM is a group made up of mayors from 29 single and lower-tier cities with populations of 100,000 or more. Together, they represent nearly 70 percent of Ontario’s population and almost 30 percent of Canada’s population.
Local governments are stepping up to invest in shelters, outreach programs, supportive housing options, community safety initiatives, and collaborations with frontline organizations.
In a statement from Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy, the OBCM emphasizes that they can’t tackle the widespread health and social services crisis alone:
We are calling for:
• Expanded and timely access to recovery and treatment programs
• A dedicated Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, backed by sufficient funding
• A review of the Mental Health Act and Health Care Consent Act
• More addiction treatment and rehabilitation options in provincial and federal correctional facilities
• A declaration of emergency acknowledging the seriousness of the homelessness, mental health, and addictions crisis
We see successful models across Canada. What Ontario needs now is strong leadership, political commitment, and ongoing investment to implement effective solutions here.
As mayor of Whitby and chair of Durham Region’s Health and Social Services Committee, I will keep pushing hard on this issue.
The current situation isn’t acceptable. The human toll and financial costs of doing nothing are simply too high.
Roy invites residents of Whitby to click here and join their call to action.
Photo courtesy Town of Whitby
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