Moved by: Mayor West
Whereas there is a humanitarian crisis unfolding on streets in our cities, large and small, urban and rural, across Ontario and the time for words is over, we need immediate action at all levels of government starting with the Province; and
Whereas the homelessness, mental health and addictions crisis continues to grow with 3432 drug related deaths in Ontario in 20231 as well as with an estimated 234,000 Ontarians experiencing homelessness2 and over 1400 homeless encampments across Ontario communities in 20233 ; and
Whereas the Province has provided additional funding for mental health, addictions and homelessness programs, it does not adequately address the growing crisis and the financial and social impact on municipalities and regions across the Province; and
Whereas municipalities and regions are stepping up and working with community partners to put in place community-specific solutions to address this crisis, but municipalities and regions lack the expertise, capacity, or resources to address these increasingly complex health care and housing issues alone; and
Whereas this is primarily a health issue that falls under provincial jurisdiction and municipalities and regions should not and cannot adequately resource with funding on the property tax base and available jurisdiction to execute these programs; and
Whereas York Region and the City of Richmond Hill continue to work collaboratively to meet the growing needs of our local community by supporting groups like Housing York Region, the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank, Inn from the Cold, Krasman Centre, Blue Door, 360°kids and the many other dedicated groups doing everything they can to fill in the gaps;
Whereas the Province recently announced funding to support 19 new treatment hubs which is a positive step for addiction recovery but lacking the more holistic solutions needed to support Ontarians;
Whereas there is no provincial lead focused on this crisis leading to unanswered questions that span over a dozen ministries, and a lack of support to manage the increasing needs of those who are unhoused;
Now Therefore Be It Resolved That:The City of Richmond Hill supports the “Solve the Crisis” Campaign; and
The City of Richmond Hill calls on provincial and federal governments to commit to immediate action to solve the humanitarian crisis that Ontario is facing as the numbers of unhoused individuals and those suffering with mental health and addictions grows exponentially; and
The City of Richmond Hill requests that the Province officially makes homelessness a health priority; and
The City of Richmond Hill requests that the Province appoints a responsible Minister and Ministry with the appropriate funding and powers as a single point of contact to address the full spectrum of housing needs as well as mental health, addictions and wrap around supports; and
The City of Richmond Hill requests that the provincial government strike a task force with broad sector representatives including municipalities, regions, healthcare, first responders, community services, the business community and the tourism industry to develop a “Made in Ontario Action Plan”; and
The City of Richmond Hill requests that this provincial task force reviews current programs developed by municipalities, regions and community partners that have proven successful in our communities, to ensure that solutions can be implemented quickly and effectively to tackle this crisis; and
The City of Richmond Hill requests that the Province provides adequate, sufficient and sustainable funding to ensure that municipalities have the tools and resources to support individuals suffering with mental health and addictions, including unhoused people and those from vulnerable populations that may be disproportionately impacted; and
The City of Richmond Hill calls on the residents of Richmond Hill to join us in appealing to the provincial and federal governments for support by visiting SolveTheCrisis.ca and showing your support;
The City Clerk be directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the following
The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities of Canada
The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario
The Honourable Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health
The Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
The Honourable Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services
The Honourable Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
MP Leah Taylor Roy
MP Majid Jowhari
Minister Michael Parsa
MPP Daisy Wai
Ontario’s Big City Mayors