ACW Mayor and Huron County Warden Glen McNeil. (Photo by Bob Montgomery)ACW Mayor and Huron County Warden Glen McNeil. (Photo by Bob Montgomery)
Midwestern

Western Ontario wardens want to work with Ontario to solve the housing crisis

The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) is adding its voice to the call for the province to work collaboratively with municipalities to increase the housing supply and tackle the growing homelessness crisis.

The issue is a top priority for the 15 members of the WOWC and the 300 communities they represent across rural southwestern Ontario. The caucus wants the province to know solutions are required, particularly in small communities. There is a lack of affordable housing and adequate community health services in rural areas, contributing to major barriers to reducing poverty and homelessness.

“We have presented a series of recommendations based on significant research conducted with regional stakeholders over the past year,” explained WOWC Chair Glen McNeil. “These include permanent, predictable funding for mental health and addictions, increased consultation with rural and small urban municipalities regarding housing legislation, and measures to address and better prepare for future workforce gaps.”

McNeil pointed out that Bill 23 limits municipal access to infrastructure financing, and the municipal sector wants to know how the province will offset the $1-billion a-year cost to property taxpayers.

The wardens also want Ontario to reverse legislation that creates unintended consequences.

“As homelessness continues to rise, municipalities, particularly small and rural ones, need more support from upper levels of government to solve this important issue. The WOWC is adamant that its research and its recommendations will serve as a model for the entire province, and we plan to continue our advocacy over the coming months to ensure that rural and small urban western Ontario receives the support and recognition it deserves,” stated Chair McNeil.

In adopting a resolution to support the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)’s campaign, the WOWC is joining its municipal partners in calling on the Government of Ontario to heed AMO’s recommendations to end homelessness by: • Increasing the supply of deeply affordable housing through a variety of approaches, from rent subsidies to property acquisitions; • Increasing financial assistance to individuals and families and fulfilling the government’s promise to transform its social assistance system; and • Investing in health services, community-based mental health services, supportive housing, and addiction services.

AMO is a non-profit organization representing almost all of Ontario’s 444 municipal governments. It recently presented its top priorities to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs.

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