2024.EX15.3

Background

“Demand for shelter services has increased significantly over the past few years and is projected to continue throughout 2024 [...] Many people remain unable to access shelter beds each night. In 2023, there were, on average, 202 callers per day not matched to a shelter space. Data show these averages have almost doubled since 2022; this figure continues to trend upward.” Worsening effects of climate change have already manifested themselves in Toronto through extreme weather events including heat waves and extreme cold, leaving unhoused people particularly vulnerable. 

Source: City of Toronto

Item Description

This item commits hundreds of millions to Toronto Shelter and Support Services’ (TSSS) to “support the capital funding needs of Toronto’s Homelessness Services Capital Infrastructure Strategy” and meet increasing shelter demands. It also commits to public engagement and consultation to support a new capital infrastructure strategy while extending key permissions for shelter operation.

Source: City of Toronto

Proposed by

Executive Committee

Additional Details

A failed amendment by Stephen holiday would’ve included public consultation as part of the planning process for selecting locations for emergency shelters. This was supported by Brad Bradford, Jon Burnside, Vincent Crisanti, Stephen Holyday, Frances Nunziata (Chair), James Pasternak, Anthony Perruzza, Dianne Saxe.