Item - 2024.EC12.13

Tracking Status

This item was considered by Economic and Community Development Committee on April 30, 2024 and was adopted with amendments.

EC12.13 - Multi-Methods Study on Shelter Safety

Decision Type:: ACTION

Status:: Amended

Wards:: All

Committee Decision

The Economic and Community Development Committee:

1. Requested the General Manager, Toronto Shelter and Support Services to report back to Economic and Community Development Committee by the fourth quarter of 2024 on the development of a Shelter Safety Action Plan that responds to the CAMH Shelter Safety Study recommendations, and is developed in consultation with people with lived experience and the Housing Rights Advisory Committee.

Decision Advice and Other Information

The General Manager, Toronto Shelter and Support Services, and CAMH Doctor and Shelter Safety Study Researcher gave a presentation to the Economic and Community Development Committee.

Origin

(April 22, 2024) Letter from Councillor Alejandra Bravo

Summary

The City of Toronto’s Toronto Shelter and Support Services division has worked in partnership with the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH) to commission and support a multi-methods study on shelter safety. The resulting report will be publicly released by CAMH, and includes an examination of use of service restrictions and safety issues for shelter users and staff.

The General Manager, Toronto Shelter and Support Services, has prepared an urgent presentation on this report for the Committee’s consideration.

Background Information

(April 22, 2024) Letter from Councillor Alejandra Bravo on Multi-Methods Study on Shelter Safety
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ec/bgrd/backgroundfile-245186.pdf
The Shelter Safety Study, CAMH (April 2024)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ec/bgrd/backgroundfile-245342.pdf
Presentation from the General Manager, Toronto Shelter and Support Services and CAMH Doctor and Researcher on the CAMH Shelter Safety Study
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ec/bgrd/backgroundfile-245343.pdf

Communications

(April 30, 2024) Letter from Leslie Gash, Toronto Shelter Network (EC.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ec/comm/communicationfile-179179.pdf
(April 30, 2024) E-mail from Savhanna Wilson, Toronto Alliance to End Homelessness (EC.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ec/comm/communicationfile-179180.pdf
(April 30, 2024) Letter from Diana Chan McNally (EC.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ec/comm/communicationfile-179181.pdf
(April 30, 2024) Submission from Atia Haq, Shelter & Housing Justice Network (EC.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ec/comm/communicationfile-179182.pdf

Speakers

Aimee Carnell, Cupe Local 79
Diana Chan McNally, All Saints Toronto

Motions

Motion to Add New Business at Committee moved by Councillor Alejandra Bravo (Carried)

Motion to Amend Item moved by Councillor Alejandra Bravo (Carried)

That the Economic and Community Development Committee:

1. Request the General Manager, Toronto Shelter and Support Services to report back to Economic and Community Development Committee by the fourth quarter of 2024 on the development of a Shelter Safety Action Plan that responds to the CAMH Shelter Safety Study recommendations, and is developed in consultation with people with lived experience and the Housing Rights Advisory Committee.