The increasingly contentious topic of utilizing local motels for emergency housing for those experiencing homelessness was in focus at the recent District Community and Planning Services Committee meeting.
Sandra Daleman, the District Manager of Human Services, presented a report on homelessness prevention supports and activities, highlighting that Muskoka’s homeless population has surged by 17% since 2018 and a staggering 31% since 2021. The November 20, 2024 Muskoka Homelessness Enumeration and Tally revealed that 234 individuals, including 27 children, were counted as homeless across 153 households in the region.
Daleman noted that 60% of those identified as homeless during the 2024 Enumeration were either part of the District’s emergency shelter program or residing at the Men’s Hostel (The Table, Huntsville). The District’s motel model for emergency shelters offers the flexibility to expand or contract based on community needs, Daleman explained.
However, this model has faced scrutiny in light of recent events. A motel in Bracebridge, designated for emergency shelter, has been the site of several arrests in recent months and has become the source of multiple complaints from neighbouring residents.
“It’s important to provide support, but I don’t know if those hotel units are what we’re looking for,” Councillor Don Smith commented. “This issue is getting bigger. We need to be looking at some other models.”
Daleman mentioned that staff are exploring ways to enhance client outcomes through increased navigation support while clients are connected to the emergency shelter program, as well as added supportive services once they exit the program. She confirmed that staff will review existing resources and present a plan for these additional supports to the Community and Planning Services (CPS) Committee in the upcoming months.
The challenges faced in Muskoka are not isolated; Daleman indicated that similar issues are being encountered throughout the province. Councillors can expect a unified effort from municipalities to seek increased funding from the provincial government.
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I see some of these people at the Table Soup Kitchen on Thursdays when I volunteer. There has to be a better way to help them, I just can’t imagine wondering where I’m going to sleep on any given night. It’s tragic that we live in such an abundant town with million dollar properties and we have people in tents, vans, cars, hotels with no where to go. A bigger push to the government needs to be done now. I bet most people don’t know how bad it is out ther for these vunerable families who have fallen on hard times. Many are so desperate. Such a gap in the system. Thank goodness that the Table is there to feed them. Monday Trinity Church and Thursday St. Andrews church soup kitchen, always welcome.
Were the complaints and arrests at the motel a result of the district housing people there or a result of criminal or disruptive behaviour? The article links being in need of housing with the arrests at the motel. This is not entirely correct! One of the people arrested because of an incident at the motel lived across the road from me on Hiram Street. He is now in jail. He was not homeless or living in the motel. Is there any proof the people being assisted by the district have been arrested or caused disturbances?
I wonder whether the homeless people and families have been asked what they need or require and how they would like to receive assistance.