Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon.
In a powerful show of unity, the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC), and Eastern Ontario Mayors’ Caucus (EOMC) have joined forces to support the “Solve the Crisis” campaign, spearheaded by the Ontario Big City Mayors. Representing 230 municipalities and more than 2.6 million residents across Ontario, these groups are calling for urgent action from both the Ontario and Federal Governments to address the escalating crises of homelessness and mental health.
During a joint meeting at the opening of the 125th Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference, the three caucuses expressed their collective concern over the growing challenges municipalities face in addressing homelessness and mental health. They emphasized that while local governments have been doing their part, they lack the necessary tools, expertise, and capacity to fully tackle the intertwined issues of housing, healthcare, and social services.
“There is a homelessness and mental health crisis occurring on the streets of our communities, whether they are large cities or small towns, rural or urban areas,” the caucuses stated. “Municipalities continue to step up, but we do not have the means to address these complex challenges on our own.”
The municipal leaders acknowledged the steps taken by the Federal and Ontario Governments, including initiatives like Ontario’s Roadmap to Wellness, the creation of the Homelessness Prevention Program, and investments in youth wellness hubs. However, they stressed the need for more decisive and coordinated action to effectively “Solve the Crisis.”
Among the pressing concerns raised were the increasing number of homeless encampments and the devastating impact of the opioid crisis, which they described as symptoms of broader systemic failures undermining Ontario’s social and economic well-being.
To further highlight the urgency of the situation, the WOWC, EOMC, and EOWC will be sending a letter to Premier Doug Ford, urging the implementation of a Social and Economic Prosperity Review. The review would aim to establish a municipal fiscal relationship that supports a strong economy, sustainable communities, and a quality of life that aligns with modern-day realities.
EOWC Chair Peter Emon, Warden of Renfrew County, underscored the critical need for collaborative action: “In communities of all sizes, not just big cities, people are unhoused, suffering, and dying. We need to help them, and municipalities do not have the financial tools and resources to do it alone. It is time to take action to ‘Solve The Crisis’ together with municipalities, the Ontario Government, the Federal Government, and community partners.”
The “Solve the Crisis” campaign invites organizations and individuals across Ontario to join the call for action by visiting www.solvethecrisis.ca.
(Written by: Emma Butler)
