Niagara Mayors Back Premier

Jim Diodati, Mat Siscoe and Frank Campion welcoming new investment, such as $75.5-million, to handle homeless camps and illegal drugs

The mayors of Niagara Falls, Welland and St. Catharines joined at least a dozen other mayors in Toronto yesterday to hear the Premier talk homeless camps.

Saying enough is enough, Doug Ford announced $75.5-million to further support homelessness prevention, and help people find reasonable alternative accommodation.

He added a $10,000 fine and 6-month jail time for anyone deliberately and repeatedly using drugs.  "The people that are using illicit drugs in parks, we're going to make sure that they're going to be treated appropriately.  But that's up to the police, that's up to the courts to decide.  I don't direct the police, I don't direct the courts, but this will give them the tools."

There's also investment in 19 Homeless and Addiction recovery treatment hubs.

Welland Mayor Frank Campion applauded the announcement, recognizing the importance of balancing community safety with compassionate care for vulnerable people.

• Expanding Shelter Capacity: $20 million will create temporary accommodations such as modular units and climate-controlled structures, providing immediate housing alternatives for those living in encampments.
• Long-Term Housing Support: $50 million is designated for affordable housing projects nearing completion, focusing on providing stable, long-term housing.
• Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB): An additional $5.5 million will immediately transition shelter occupants into longer-term housing, freeing up emergency shelter spaces.

There will also be changes to trespass laws enabling enforcement officers more tools to address repeat trespassers, and prohibit use of illegal drugs in public spaces.

Premier Ford also wants greater accountability from cities.  "In large cities like Toronto, are you using the money wisely?  We'll look into it.  Right now, I'm hearing lots of stories that they aren't using it as effectively as they should, so we'll be looking into that as well." 

Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter, a former addict, said they have outreach workers out around the clock.