Telephone Townhall Focuses on Homelessness, Addiction

Tuesday, 25 July 2023 10:14

By Geoff Waterfield

Callers discussed their struggles with high rental rates, others talked of loved ones fighting addiction

St. Catharines' mayor and city officials holding a telephone townhall last week to discuss homelessness, addiction and mental health issues.

Mayor Mat Siscoe got right into how the city is working with its partners to deal with encampments, the costs associated with that, as well as what he called the good news story of 320 Geneva Street, a place for affordable housing.

However, he also acknowledged prior to this year, there was enough housing to prevent encampments in parks and underpasses.

The Mayor says he understands the frustration felt by many, especially after he walks 12-mile creek. "I've heard a lot of people say 'I get frustrated because when I call it in, nothing happens'. Well, you still have to report it, because from my perspective as mayor, when I go to advocate, I need to have statistics, I need to have data, it can't be anecdotal."

Some callers, who spoke from experience, said so-called safe injection sites are not the way to go, while city officials cited data that indicates otherwise.

The panel also took calls on the high apartment rental rates, with one person indicating this is pushing some people towards being homeless.

One caller, Stephanie, sounded the alarm for health care workers with two jobs. "They just can't afford to live in a one bedroom apartment, that is costing $1600 a month, when I only make $2000 a month... people are becoming homeless."

The mayor adds they're working on a housing strategy.

Another caller told of her daughter, who is 30, and been an addict for 17 years, and living on the streets for the last 2 years. She was encouraged to get the help provided by shelters, and Mayor Siscoe added greater investment is needed to help people on the streets.

Telephone Townhall Focuses on Homelessness, Addiction

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