Toronto mayoral candidates outline homelessness plans without new funding
Toronto homelessness plans from mayoral candidates promise progress without major new spending Experts question whether existing funding can meet the city’s growing crisis—see why voters care
Toronto’s leading mayoral candidates are putting forward homelessness plans that would largely rely on existing city funding, even as experts question whether the approach can meet the scale of the problem.
Incumbent Olivia Chow, former councillor Brad Bradford, and candidate Chris Alexander have each argued they can improve outcomes without major new spending. Chow points to progress under her administration, Bradford says the city should focus on better use of current resources, and Alexander has proposed using vacant units for supportive housing, with initial startup costs of about $26 million.
The article notes that Toronto spent $786 million on shelters this year and that more than 19,000 different people experienced homelessness in 202425. A recent poll also suggested many voters want property tax revenue directed toward housing and homelessness services. Housing experts quoted in the story said the candidates’ nonewmoney message may be politically appealing, but they are skeptical it can solve the issue at the current scale.