Municipalities in Ontario could receive additional tools to clear homeless encampments and discourage drug use in public.
The provincial government introduced a bill on Thursday morning, that if passed, would give communities and police forces more power to end encampments.
Premier Doug Ford said on Thursday that the Safer Municipalities Act, 2024, is about public safety.
"Mayors and residents from communities across Ontario have been clear that enough is enough when it comes to encampments and illegal drug use in our parks and public spaces," said Ford. "Families deserve to enjoy their local parks and playgrounds without fearing for their kids. People facing homelessness or addiction and mental health challenges should be supported in the right settings."
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) estimated last week that 1,400 homeless encampments were across the province.
To increase options on places for homeless people to go, the province is investing $75.5-million in additional support toward homelessness prevention. About $50-million will go toward ready-to-build affordable housing, allocated according to completion date.
The rest of the money will top off the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit to free up space in emergency shelters for those living in encampments and expand shelter capacity.
Queens Park has also introduced the Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act, 2024. It will allow police to ask people using substances to leave public areas. For those who fail to do so, stiffer penalties would be in place.
"Using illegal drugs in public is unacceptable," said Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. "Everyone should feel safe when going to a park, riding transit, or walking through their neighbourhoods. Public safety is our top priority, and that is why we are providing police with the tools they need to confidently keep our communities safe, knowing we stand with them every day."
Opposition leaders have provided their plans to deal with housing. Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie introduced a plan to eliminate the Land Transfer Tax, end development charges on new middle-class housing, and allow phased-in rent control.
NDP Leader Marit Stiles told The National Post last week that the solution to the problem lies in increased housing supply.
"We should be working, as I know most municipalities are doing right now, to try to make sure that people can be moved into shelters and homes," said Stiles. "That is the solution to the encampments. And right now, what are you going to do, move them on to another park? The truth is, we have to have a place for people to live, a shelter for them to stay in, and unless we have that, this is going to continue."
It is not known when the legislature will act on these bills, as Thursday was its last day in session before the winter holidays.