Why isn't the City doing more to address homelessness?

Many of the challenges fall under the jurisdiction and mandate of the senior levels of government. The City’s Downtown Livability Strategy includes a number of actions which have been operationalized under existing City Department budgets and work programs.

There is also quite a bit of overlap in the work being done through the Crises Response Pilot Project, particularly through its Policy and Advocacy Team. Through this pilot, the City has created a five-year plan and a 10-year plan to be able to address the three interconnected crises of homelessness, mental health and substance use. 
 

• Take a look at the Five-Year Prevention, Support and Transition Services Plan. (Note: the plan begins on page 6)
• Take a look at the Ten-Year Supportive Housing with Wrap Around Supports Plan. (Note: the plan begins on page 11.)

For the City to move forward, significant, guaranteed senior government funding is required on a long-term basis as the issues facing the Downtown are beyond the jurisdiction, mandate and fiscal capacity of the City.