Brendan Carlin, who serves as the executive director of Shelter House in Thunder Bay, expressed his lack of surprise but deep concern regarding the escalating homelessness rates in northern Ontario. Last year, approximately 85,000 individuals were identified as homeless in the province, marking an eight percent increase from the previous year, with the northern and rural areas driving this surge. These statistics were disclosed in a report published on Tuesday by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA), and the Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association (NOSDA).
According to the report, known homelessness in northern Ontario surged by more than 37 percent within a year. The report highlighted that although northern communities represent just about five percent of Ontario’s total population, they now make up almost 10 percent of all known homelessness cases. Carlin emphasized that these figures mirror the heightened demands witnessed locally, as the overflow beds at the overnight shelter have been consistently occupied throughout the winter.
Carlin attributed the rising homelessness rates to the escalating costs of living, which have left many individuals struggling financially and at risk of losing their housing. Additionally, he pointed out the impact of mental health and addiction crises, noting that northern Ontario communities are grappling with some of the highest opioid-related mortality rates in the province. Thunder Bay district, in particular, leads with an opioid toxicity rate more than four times the provincial average.
The report further indicated that more than 13,000 households in northern Ontario were on waitlists for community housing last year, representing a surge of over 50 percent since 2021. Michelle Boileau, chair of NOSDA and mayor of Timmins, stressed the urgent need for sustained, coordinated actions to address the deepening systems failure contributing to the homelessness crisis in northern Ontario.
Indigenous people accounted for over 40 percent of homelessness cases in northern Ontario, underscoring the longstanding systemic barriers and the necessity for Indigenous-led, culturally appropriate housing and homelessness solutions developed in collaboration with Indigenous communities. The government has pledged historic measures to empower municipalities with the resources required to enhance community safety, expedite affordable housing construction, and provide essential supports to individuals residing in encampments.
Locally, the Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) received $16.6 million through the province’s Homelessness Prevention Program for the 2025-2026 period. Carlin highlighted the critical focus on supportive and transitional housing in Thunder Bay, aimed at assisting individuals in transitioning from encampments or emergency shelters to independent living by offering tailored support encompassing mental health, addiction assistance, life skills training, and goal setting for education and employment.
While advocating for additional varied emergency shelter spaces, Carlin expressed optimism about the ongoing efforts to establish more supportive and transitional housing units. Given the heightened needs in northern Ontario, he emphasized the necessity for proportional investments to cater to the diverse needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and improve overall outcomes.