Halton is not immune to the housing crisis. The average monthly rent in Halton is one of the highest in the GTA, leaving a growing number of households unable to participate in the private rental housing market. At Halton Region, we have a significant demand for emergency shelter and related support, as many people have difficulty maintaining and finding affordable housing. The demand for homelessness support and services across Halton exceeds the available supply. We need long-term funding commitments from the Federal government to help create more supportive housing to get people out of encampments and into permanent housing with mental health and addiction support.
Emergency shelter under pressure
The numbers are staggering. We are operating 40% above our capacity in our emergency shelter system, and the average length of stay has increased from 37 days in 2021 to 60 days in 2024. The mental health and addiction crisis also increases pressure on public services, and we need both the Federal and Provincial governments to coordinate and fund much-needed services in this area. Individuals experiencing homelessness in Halton are struggling with mental health and addictions. According to our recent Point-In-Time-Count (a survey conducted with people in Halton who are homeless), a high number of people living in encampments (76%) are experiencing mental health challenges, and 47% indicated they have substance use issues.
Growing demand for assisted and supportive housing
Another significant challenge is the number of people on the assisted and supportive housing waitlist. Over 8,000 people are on the waitlist, and all 5,404 units are fully occupied. It will take 11 years to house the current waitlist.
We are working with partners to quickly create more assisted and supportive housing opportunities. We currently have 548 shovel-ready projects in the Region’s Housing Portfolio (PDF file), zoned, serviced, and awaiting investment to get construction underway.
We’re stronger together
Providing Housing for those with the Greatest Need (PDF file)
The Federal Government can support us by:
- Providing increased, long-term, and predictable capital and operating funding to support individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with stable and affordable housing.
- Increasing coordination across all three levels of government to address homelessness, mental health, and addiction crises.
- Partnering with us to get our shovel-ready assisted housing properties built faster.
Your Vote Matters
It is important to find out where the local candidates stand on issues that matter to you. We all want a community where people can live, grow, and thrive.
Your vote is your voice, and it matters.