February 2025 Encampment Update

In 2024, our collective efforts to address encampments at the City led to meaningful progress in Ward 13, with resolutions to the encampments in Allan Gardens and Moss Park. However, as we step into 2025, encampment challenges persist in Trinity Square and St James Park.

I have consistently advocated for stronger provincial support to truly address the deep-rooted issues of housing affordability and shelter capacity that contribute to the housing crisis. Inadequate programs and support for those living with addictions and mental health, coupled with a scarcity of deeply affordable housing, have brought us here. These crises are not new, but will not be solved without a provincial partner that is serious about tackling the root causes.

I hear your concerns about safety and the usability of public spaces; they are real and urgent. As candidates for the provincial election knock at your door this February, I ask that you urge them and their party to work with the City towards improved and sustainable solutions. We simply cannot do this alone.

Tiny Homes in St James Park

Over the past couple months, new trailer-like structures called Tiny Tiny Homes have appeared in St. James Park. Encampment Office and Streets to Homes staff have been addressing these structures the same way they have dealt with tent encampments in St. James Park: by conducting outreach and building relationships to help people transition to indoor space. I continue to be supportive of the City’s Housing First approach, as it has yielded great success with the other encampments in the ward. In seeking the removal of the Tiny Tiny Homes from our parks, I am also calling for the prioritization of indoor space for the people living in them - not for folks to be displaced onto the street.

I am supportive of micro-shelters as a solution to encampments – just not in our parks. Last year, I directed Toronto Shelter and Support Services to prioritize the development of immediate rapid shelter program models that address the unique needs of people living in encampments, including exploring the use of micro-shelters on vacant or under-utilized City-owned lands. However, these Tiny Tiny Homes--like tents--are not an adequate substitute for accessible indoor space. It is the City’s stance that these structures should not be permitted in our parks. City staff are working with the builder to determine a path forward that respects both the use of our parks for all residents and the needs of unhoused people for safe, appropriate shelter.

Latest posts

Growing with the City: Cultural and Capital Projects in Allan Gardens

Recently, the Friends of Allan Gardens (FOAG), in partnership with the City’s Parks and Recreation department, released the newest iteration of the envisioning document that will serve as the masterplan for the future of Allan Gardens. This initiative, "Growing with the City," reflects our shared and ongoing commitment to engagement, fundraising and stewardship in the development of cultural and capital projects within the park and in service of the people that use it.

Preparing for Safe Consumption Site Closures

At the end of March, five safe consumption sites across Toronto are slated to close as a result of the Community Care and Recovery Act, which prohibits safe consumption sites within a 200 metre radius of schools and child care centres. As we prepare for this change, I wanted to provide an update and answers to some frequently asked questions.

Moss Park Community Information Fair - March 6

I'm excited to invite you all to the Moss Park Community Information Fair on Thursday, March 6 at the John Innes Community Recreation Centre. If you're seeking job prospects, housing assistance, health services, or community programs, this fair will provide you with necessary connections.

February 2025 Encampment Update

Tiny Homes in St James Park

Latest posts

Growing with the City: Cultural and Capital Projects in Allan Gardens

Preparing for Safe Consumption Site Closures

Moss Park Community Information Fair - March 6

Take action

Connect with Chris

City Hall Office

Constituency Office