Homelessness should never become a permanent way of life, either for those living on the streets or for the communities around them.

Reintegration First. Rebuilding Lives

The Second Chance Initiative

My administration will invest in renovating and modernizing Toronto's shelter system so it becomes a place of dignity, safety and opportunity rather than simply a temporary bed. Clean, secure and professionally managed shelters—with improved privacy, mental health support, addiction services, employment assistance and pathways to permanent housing—will encourage more people to accept help and successfully reintegrate into society. Funding for these improvements will come, wherever possible, from operational savings identified through the City Hall Accountability Crackdown, procurement reforms and administrative efficiencies before asking taxpayers to contribute more.

The Objective 

Expand shelters, but to create a genuine pathway back to independence. As safe and appropriate alternatives become available, the City will work with healthcare providers, community organizations, Toronto Police, the Province of Ontario and the courts to ensure public parks, sidewalks and other shared spaces remain safe, clean and accessible for everyone, while respecting applicable laws and court decisions. Compassion must always be matched with accountability. Success will not be measured by the number of shelter beds we operate, but by the number of people who successfully transition into stable housing, employment, treatment where needed, and independent living.

Actions include:

• Increased neighbourhood policing where fiscally sustainable.

• Improved lighting.

• Cleaner public spaces.

• Better coordination with provincial justice partners.

• Advocacy for stronger provincial and federal responses to prolific repeat offenders.