Three northern groups are asking the province to work with and support municipalities and District Social Service Administration Boards to develop specific strategies around housing, addictions and homelessness.
The groups, which include the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities, met with provincial officials at a municipal conference in Ottawa last week.
They shared their experiences and challenges and presented a Northern Ontario Policy Institute research paper – which details eight strategies.
Among others, they include long-term funding for community-housing repairs, supporting new and existing housing programs and establishing mandated Mobile Crisis Intervention Teams across the region.
Some include establishing a ‘Northern Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence, establishing mandated Mobile Crisis Intervention Teams across the region and supporting new and existing housing programs.