05/27/2026
Whether it’s finding a different area of land for an encampment, or increasing temporary shelter beds, our community can’t keep relying on stop-gap solutions to the homelessness crisis.
In Canada, each of us have the Charter right to life, liberty, and security of person. This ruling makes clear that while encampments are “a refuge of last resort”, removing it without providing an alternative place to tent would violate that most basic right.
Even outside of this ruling - safe, permanent, and dignified housing for all isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s also the fiscally responsible choice. In our community, providing a shelter bed costs $6,000 per month, but affordable, supportive housing comes in at as little as just over $2,000 per month.
From The Working Centre to Indwell, to House of Friendship we have so many organisations in our community ready to build that housing.
The federal government has to step up: fix its own criteria so affordable housing funding builds truly affordable housing, and increase its investment to build new housing, and invest in mental health supports - moving us towards a future where all members of our community have stable housing.
