November 19, 2025
Re: Solve the Crisis and Winter Homelessness Program Support
The following resolution was passed by Ajax Town Council at its meeting held on November 17, 2025:
Whereas, we are approaching the cold winter months and the number of people experiencing homelessness in Ajax and Durham Region continues to rise drastically, with more than 1,000 people on Durham Region’s by-name list as of August, including specifically 200 people in Ajax seeking support to change their housing status1; and
Whereas, in September 2024, Ajax Council passed a motion to support Ontario Big City Mayors (OBCM) SolvetheCrisis.ca2 campaign requesting that the provincial and federal governments take immediate action to solve the homelessness and mental health crisis gripping our communities; and
Whereas, while the provincial government has provided support for new programs such as Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hubs (HART Hubs), it does not adequately address the growing crisis and the financial and social impact on municipalities and regions; and
Whereas, according to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, municipalities are providing 51.5% of the total reported homelessness program funding across all three levels of government, making a significant financial impact on municipal budgets3; and
Whereas, OBCM recently passed a motion at their October Meeting re-iterating the need for provincial support in addressing this crisis by allocating more funding to programs that address chronic homelessness; and
Therefore, be it resolved:
- That Ajax Council reconfirms their support of the Solve the Crisis Campaign and calls on Ajax residents to join us in appealing to the provincial and federal governments for support by visiting SolveTheCrisis.ca; and
- That Ajax Council asks that the provincial government to take action on the requests of the Solve the Crisis Campaign that have not been fully addressed including:
- Appoint a responsible ministry and Minister with the appropriate funding and powers as a single point of contact to address the full spectrum of housing needs as well as mental health, addictions and wrap around supports.
- This single Minister must strike a task force with sector representatives including municipalities, health care leaders, first responders, community services, the business community, and the tourism industry to develop an Ontario Action Plan.
- Provide municipalities with the tools and resources to transition those in encampments to more appropriate supports, when deemed necessary.
- Commit to funding the services our unhoused population needs, community by community, to fill in gaps in the system.
- Invest in 24/7 community hubs or crisis centres to relieve pressure on emergency departments and first responders; and
- That Ajax Council asks that the provincial government prepares a 2025/2026 winter homelessness response plan to help municipalities ensure that we can keep our unsheltered residents who are sleeping outdoors with the services they need to keep them safe in colder weather; and
- That a copy of this resolution be sent to Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, Rob Cerjanec, MPP for Ajax, local MPPs across the Region of Durham, Durham Regional Council, all Ontario Municipalities, Ontario Big City Mayors (OBCM).
CARRIED
Sincerely,
Thomas Street
Manager of Legislative Services/Deputy Clerk