Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Allan Gardens Task Force, which I convened in spring 2023, 100 encampments have been prevented from being established in Allan Gardens since July 1, 2024 alone. This is an amazing accomplishment and a testament to the power of community collaboration and a rights based approach to encampment prevention.
Despite Allan Gardens no longer being the largest encampment in the city, it is still identified as one of three sites that are prioritized by the encampment office. About ten individuals still continue to live in the park, which staff continue to engage with to get them properly housed.
Since last year, Streets to Homes staff have managed to permanently house 97 people living in the park and referred an additional 412 individuals into indoor shelter accommodations.
Despite this success, we must understand that encampments are not a remedy to our region's housing crisis. They are neither safe nor sustainable for those that live in them or those that live around them.
Earlier this summer, my City Council colleagues and I approved the City’s strategic approach to encampments, which is a people first, human rights-based approach. I also moved an amendment to prioritize the development of immediate rapid shelter program models that address the unique needs of people living in encampments.
To learn more about the City’s encampment strategy, I encourage you to check out the City’s website which offers details on outreach and support as well as park security and encampment prevention.
Unfortunately, our shelter system continues to struggle under the weight of the crushing housing crisis. As long as the housing crisis persists, we will continue to see encampment in our parks. The bottom line is that we need more housing and we need it now. And it’s not just the City of Toronto; municipalities across Ontario are ringing the alarm; we need more support from both federal and provincial governments to end this crisis.
Addressing the housing crisis demands a coordinated, multi-tiered governmental approach. I continue to urge the provincial and federal governments to recognize the magnitude of this crisis, and support the City's urgent plea for more safe, affordable and supportive housing.
