Toronto City Council has approved the “Shelter Safety Action Plan,” a three-year initiative aimed at improving safety and services in city shelters, particularly for asylum seekers and refugees. The plan includes increased funding for community organizations providing temporary shelter and expanded housing options tailored for refugees.
The plan includes 14 actions based on a CAMH study, addressing issues like violence and harassment by tackling underlying causes and enhancing support for staff and clients. Amendments to existing contracts were also approved to enhance lodging and community safety services, ensuring better support for asylum seekers. The council’s decision reflects its commitment to providing equitable access to shelter services, regardless of immigration status.
The motion to adopt the Shelter Safety Action Plan was moved by Councillor Alejandra Bravo, Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee. During the discussion, city councillors posed questions to Gord Tanner, General Manager of Toronto Shelter and Support Services, seeking clarity on the plan’s implementation and impact.
Despite these advancements, a coalition of Black-led groups criticized the city’s response to systemic inequities in shelter access, expressing disappointment and condemning the city manager’s response to Ombudsman Toronto’s report and the council’s failure to adopt its recommendations. Ultimately, 23 councillors voted in favor of the motion, marking a significant step towards enhancing support and safety for asylum seekers and refugees in Toronto’s shelter system.