London, Middlesex County to share $22M from Ontario to fight homelessness
The City of London and Middlesex County will share just under $22 million to battle the growing problem of homelessness, part of a funding increase announced in the Ontario's government's spring budget.
The announcement brought two cabinet ministers to city hall on Tuesday: Municipal Affairs Minister Steve Clark and Labour Minister Monte McNaughton.
The funds are earmarked for homelessness prevention and to support Indigenous housing. There were no details about how the $22 million would be split between the two municipalities. The $22 million is an increase of $8.5 million over the previous year's funding package.
The money is part of an overall increase of $202 million annually from the province to help municipalities provide supports for an increasing number of people who sleep outside, including many who struggle with addition and mental health issues.
London Mayor Josh Morgan has been lobbying for more help, as the homelessness problem has accelerated since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, putting a strain on city budgets and resources.
"As you know, walking out the front door of this building and downtown, we have immediate needs," said Morgan. "A portion of this additional funding will go to immediate needs to help us bridge the gap between where we are now and the implementation of the whole-of-community approach system."
No specific details on plan
In February, London announced plans to set up 15 community hubs, essentially mini-shelters where people without housing can warm up and access supports.
So far, the plan has only been laid out in broad strokes, but Morgan said the provincial money will help the city continue the process of shaping the plan.
"This money will be used for getting that system started. We are doing that regardless of our ability to fund the whole system."
Small communities affected
Middlesex County Warden Cathy Burghardt-Jesson said problems of addiction, mental health and homelessness are showing up in smaller communities.
"We are starting to see a visible, unsheltered population starting to grow," she said.
Burghardt-Jesson said money from the province will "provide a jolt" to help smaller communities — such as Lucan where she's mayor — create their own supports.
"We can now look after our own residents in our own communities."
Clark was asked about the Doug Ford government's decision to remove rent control on new buildings and not bring Ontario Disability Support Program and Ontario Works rates up to the poverty level.
Clark pointed to his government's steps to speed up the construction of rental units and address slowdowns at the Landlord and Tenant Board. He also said the province is working to limit the amount landlords in non rent-controlled buildings can increase rents each year.