Homelessness is a social, economic and health crisis reaching disastrous proportions. While most homeless Ontarians live in urban centres in southern Ontario, homelessness is growing at a faster rate in rural and northern areas.
Homelessness in rural Ontario has grown by more than 150 per cent since 2016 compared to an average of 50 per cent across all communities
In Northern Ontario, homelessness has risen by an estimated 204 per cent since 2016 – more than four times faster than southern Ontario over the same time.
All orders of government have a role in addressing this crisis. While Ontario municipalities are stepping in to help, provincial and federal governments are not doing their part.
Municipal spending on homelessness and housing programs has increased substantially in recent years, more than doubling since 2020 to over $2.1 billion in 2024.
Municipalities now provide more than 65% of affordable housing investments.
Recent provincial investments in affordable housing and emergency shelters are appreciated but are insufficient. A new approach focused on long-term housing solutions rather than reactive emergency measures and enforcement is needed.
AMO’s research estimates that an additional $11 billion over 10 years could end chronic homelessness by boosting the supply of affordable housing, improving transitional and supportive services, and enhancing prevention programs.
These solutions are well beyond rural municipal budgets and are critical to addressing rural homelessness.
An additional $2 billion over eight years is needed to largely address encampments.
