Tackling homelessness will be a key challenge for incoming Ontario mayors, councils

Ontario mayors and councillors elected across the province will face the challenge of addressing homelessness as a pressing issue, according to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). The AMO warns that the number of homeless Ontarians has risen to approximately 85,000 in 2025, marking a "tipping point" in the crisis.

Riley Brockington, the AMO president, emphasizes that this number is "shocking" for a wealthy province like Ontario. Over half of these individuals have been homeless for over six months, and the problem is straining municipal budgets. To tackle the issue, the AMO calls for $11 billion in 10 years from the province and federal government, aimed at providing supportive, transitional, and community housing for 75,000 people, as well as funding for prevention programs.

Additionally, they request $2 billion over eight years to address the rise in encampments, which have been appearing in smaller towns with no shelters. Brockington stresses that stable, long-term funding from governments is crucial to combat homelessness, as time-limited funding leaves municipalities without budgeting assurances.

The Financial Accountability Office of Ontario reported that provincial spending on homelessness programs has fluctuated since 2020, reaching a projected $948 million in 2026-27, but expected to decline to $708 million in 2028-29. Northern and rural Ontario are experiencing the sharpest growth in homelessness, with increases of 37% and 31%, respectively.

Covenant House Toronto's CEO, Mark Aston, stresses that prevention is key in addressing youth homelessness, with their programs showing success in keeping at-risk youth from becoming homeless. Aston urges incoming mayors to make a commitment to ending youth homelessness in Ontario.