District of Muskoka gets boost from Ontario to fight homelessness
The Ontario government is investing millions to curb the homeless crisis in Muskoka.
In Bracebridge on Tuesday, Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith announced the district would receive just over $2 million in 2023/24 for its homelessness program, a 58 per cent increase over previous years.
The region reports the homeless situation has doubled since 2019, and Muskoka District Chair Jeff Lehman emphasized that growing the supply of affordable housing will be one of the council's top priorities moving forward.
"Not only are there 173 people, I think, on our remain list from the remuneration from a year ago, but they are staying four times as long in shelter," Lehman said.
Last month, the district council adopted a resolution to declare homelessness an emergency.
"The number of emergency and transitional shelter nights has increased by over 600 per cent, and the cost of that sheltering has increased by over 500 per cent," noted Arfona Zwiers, commissioner for the district's community planning services.
With the cost of living at an all-time high, the lack of affordable housing and other social issues at record highs, the district says the province's investment will make a difference in the lives of many.
"We want to help people with the root causes of their homelessness, not just the emergency shelter, but the first priority, of course, must be making sure people have a roof over their heads," Lehman added.
The Ontario government has committed to investing an additional $202 million annually in the province's Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supporting Housing Program.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.