Homelessness has a direct correlation with the opiod crisis, and it has been a long-time issue in Greater Sudbury. This critical issue is not only owned by the City of Greater Sudbury.
If I am elected mayor, I will establish a city forum comprised of city staff, Greater Sudbury Police Services, and key social services groups like the district health unit board, the local businesses, the agencies and organizations that interact with homeless people, and city residents to discuss and identify priority areas of concern and establish an immediate plan of action.
Winter is coming and we do not want to experience the history of last year and Memorial Park again. It is not healthy for municipal service agencies and for our most vulnerable. My intention would be to establish a relational working group from these public service groups that would further identify a medium- and long-term plan to mitigate the issue presented by this social malaise we are experiencing locally.
As mayor, I would ask for regular updates on the progress.
We must also take this issue to a national forum where federal, provincial, municipal as well as non-profit leaders have to deal with the issue. We need to develop a national strategy supported with the necessary resources to deal with this most critical issue.
Common causes of homelessness are a lack of affordable housing; poverty and unemployment; escape from a violent relationship or abusive childhood home; relationship breakdown; mental or physical health problems; substance abuse and other addictive behavior.
This issue is also a major contributor to crime in Greater Sudbury, i.e. residential break-ins, assaults, robberies, and property damage. Working together seeking tangible solutions will improve health and stability among those struggling with addiction and homelessness.
We need radical change; the old system is not working. We need to deliver supported and affordable housing. A home is the secure foundation that makes it easy for people to solve their problems. We need to enhance the livability, efficiency and productivity of Greater Sudbury by fostering innovation and developing smart and sustainable solutions.
As mayor and council, we must aim to work with partners to deliver a future that is more sustainable and resilient for every resident by developing initiatives that advance social mobility, modernize city services and deliver a healthier and more affordable built environment.
Evelyn Dutrisac is running for the mayor’s seat in the Oct. 24 municipal election.
