An unintended consequence has occurred as COVID-19 restrictions continue to be lifted: the sight of the homeless in Guelph.
Mayor Cam Guthrie said that as businesses are allowed to reopen, especially in the downtown area, we are seeing firsthand how big the problem has become.
“It’s now, literally, staring us in the face,” Guthrie said.
“Through the lockdown, and being forced to stay home over the years, we have isolated ourselves from some of the effects of homelessness, addictions and mental health within our community.”
At Monday’s plenary meeting the committee approved a series of motions aimed at helping the County of Wellington and the provincial government do more to tackle homelessness as well as mental health and addiction issues in the city.
These included the city receiving regular quarterly reports from the county on the delivery of social services.
Count Rodrigo Gawler said that there has been no regular reporting outside of the annual summary to the city council.
“Part of the proposal that was passed (on Monday) was calling on the county to provide quarterly reports to the city of Guelph so we can better understand how those resources are being used.”
Another call was support Ontario’s large city mayor For an emergency meeting with the province on homelessness, mental health and addiction.
Guthrie said people are sending their concerns to the city, but it is the upper levels of government that are in a position to address these issues.
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