The City of London has taken the next step in the battle against homelessness.
Councillors have approved a new plan aimed at starting 3-5 hubs in the city, with the aim of getting people off the streets.
"We had hundreds of people, over 70 agencies, come together in something that has not been seen in municipalities across this country," said Mayor Josh Morgan at Tuesday's lengthy meeting. "I see that as incredibly inspiring."
"I have seen the co-chairs of [the hub plan] here in this room and be peppered with very difficult and very complex questions and stand there confidently with accurate, robust answers for members of this council," Morgan said of the people who put the plan together.
However, there was criticism from his colleagues about the way the plan has been explained to Londoners.
"We can cut through the confusion with the public. We can communicate better," Morgan said. "We're going to need to correct (as the plan rolls out). We're going to need to change."
The hubs will cost roughly $2.7-million to operate each year, with a capital start-up costs of $2-million.
Council approved a plan that calls for hubs that contain up to 35 shelter beds.
The hubs need to be between 8,000 to 10,000 sq. ft. and staff have suggested they be placed in pre-existing buildings near major roads, but not on Richmond Row, in Old East Village or on Dundas Place.
They'll also look for buildings that can be renovated to meet the "unique needs of priority populations and optimized for the consistent delivery of functions and standards of care."
Each would need a side entrance off of the street for privacy, have to meet accessibility requirements, and have a green space to support recreation and those with pets.
Councillor Susan Stevenson, a vocal critic of the city's homelessness strategies, was one of four councillors who voted against the plan.
"There were very few answers to my questions [from staff] regarding projections. A lot of no answers," said Stevenson. "I should be able to receive the information and engage with my constituents before any vote."
The controversial Ward 4 councillor believes the plan needs more time and consideration.
"I don't think we need to just go and spend money and tell Londoners we did something. I think they're tired of that," she added. "They want to know what it is they can expect from us. I see fewer deaths, fewer encampments, more people housed. You can't get more vague than that."
"Rushing is not good in a crisis situation. You don't rush into a burning house, you take a second to figure things out," Stevenson said in her remarks.
Paul Van Meerbergen, Peter Cuddy and Steve Hillier voted with Stevenson.
Elizabeth Peloza was absent.
All other members of council voted in favour.
The step to put plans for the hubs out to tender was endorsed with the same voting breakdown.
A third vote instructing staff to secure funding for the hubs and other items involving the plan passed 12-1, with only Hillier opposed.
Details about the plan were released last week and discussed at a Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee meeting on Monday night.
The long-term plan is to create 10-15 hubs, however, they may not need that number according to Deputy City Manager, Social and Health Development Kevin Dickins.
"We are focused on creating 100 housing units this year for the highest acuity individuals," Dickins said on Monday when asked what the short term housing plans are.
City Manager Lynne Livingstone told councillors there would be three markers to determine the success of the hubs. Fewer deaths, fewer people in encampments, and more people housed.
"We would return (to council) at the end of September and move to have the hubs stood up by December," said Livingstone on Monday. "That work has begun."
At that meeting, requests to defer the matter were voted down as city staffers said delaying a decision may mean the hubs aren't open until February of 2024.
"You do run into a burning house, if people in there are about to die," said Ward 6 councillor Sam Trosow on Tuesday night. "Yes, you do go into the burning house and try to save people."
