February 2025 Encampment Update

In 2024, our collective efforts to address encampments at the City led to meaningful progress in Ward 13, with resolutions to the encampments in Allan Gardens and Moss Park. However, as we step into 2025, encampment challenges persist in Trinity Square and St James Park.

I have consistently advocated for stronger provincial support to truly address the deep-rooted issues of housing affordability and shelter capacity that contribute to the housing crisis. Inadequate programs and support for those living with addictions and mental health, coupled with a scarcity of deeply affordable housing, have brought us here. These crises are not new, but will not be solved without a provincial partner that is serious about tackling the root causes.

I hear your concerns about safety and the usability of public spaces; they are real and urgent. As candidates for the provincial election knock at your door this February, I ask that you urge them and their party to work with the City towards improved and sustainable solutions. We simply cannot do this alone.

Tiny Homes in St James Park

Over the past couple months, new trailer-like structures called Tiny Tiny Homes have appeared in St. James Park. Encampment Office and Streets to Homes staff have been addressing these structures the same way they have dealt with tent encampments in St. James Park: by conducting outreach and building relationships to help people transition to indoor space. I continue to be supportive of the City’s Housing First approach, as it has yielded great success with the other encampments in the ward. In seeking the removal of the Tiny Tiny Homes from our parks, I am also calling for the prioritization of indoor space for the people living in them - not for folks to be displaced onto the street.

I am supportive of micro-shelters as a solution to encampments – just not in our parks. Last year, I directed Toronto Shelter and Support Services to prioritize the development of immediate rapid shelter program models that address the unique needs of people living in encampments, including exploring the use of micro-shelters on vacant or under-utilized City-owned lands. However, these Tiny Tiny Homes--like tents--are not an adequate substitute for accessible indoor space. It is the City’s stance that these structures should not be permitted in our parks. City staff are working with the builder to determine a path forward that respects both the use of our parks for all residents and the needs of unhoused people for safe, appropriate shelter.

Latest posts

Church Street Pedestrianization Public Survey

The City is doing a survey of the Church Street Pedestrianization Project that my office and the Church-Wellesley Village BIA is operating on Church Street between Wellesley Street East and Alexander Street until August 21. Your feedback will help inform the City's response to future street closures here and across the City. If your a resident who has been to Church Street, take the survey! And if you haven't yet been, come see what you're missing then take the survey! The survey closes September 7, 2026.

Identify ‘N Impact Youth Grants - Apply by September 15!

The City of Toronto’s Identify ‘N Impact community grant helps promote youth engagement and community safety by providing up to $17K for youth-led (15-29) initiatives that help with violence prevention, mental health and well-being, skills development, arts and youth-friendly spaces. Applications are now open until September 15 at 12:00pm.

Biidaasige Park is Bigger, Better and more Beautiful!

Opened last year, Biidaasige Park is expanding with 10 more acres of public waterfront space at 238 Cherry Street on Ookwemin Minising. With new places to walk, cycle, paddle, gather, enjoy public art and take in skyline views, residents and visitors are invited to come celebrate during opening weekend on July 25 and 26. See what’s happening this weekend and beyond, including free guided kayak tours, walking tours and art-making workshops.