TORONTO — The Ontario government is protecting communities by re-introducing legislation that will provide municipalities and police with the enhanced tools they need to end encampments and clean up our parks and public spaces. The Safer Municipalities Act will, if passed, put protecting the safety of all residents first by helping clear public spaces and end the public use of illegal drugs.
“We have heard loud and clear from the people of Ontario: They want their parks and public spaces to be protected and safe for everyone to enjoy,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Municipal leaders have asked for more tools and support to end encampments and public illegal drug use, and we will do whatever is necessary to help municipalities get the job done and help those facing addiction and mental health challenges.”
Ontario is investing $75.5 million to further support homelessness prevention and provide people living in encampments with access to reasonable alternative accommodation. This includes:
- $50 million to help create 1,239 additional housing units, including 815 long-term affordable and supportive housing units across the province.
- $20 million to create 971 additional shelter and temporary accommodation spaces, including modular units, which provide people living in encampments with accessible alternative options.
- $5.5 million to top up the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB) to immediately free-up emergency shelter spaces for people living in encampments by helping approximately 1,000 people living in shelters move into longer-term housing. These funds build on the nearly $400 million Ontario and the federal government invested in COHB between 2023 and 2024.
These investments are in addition to the province’s annual investment of nearly $700 million in homelessness prevention programs, as well as investing nearly $550 million to create 28 Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hubs, nine of which have already opened as of April 1, 2025.
To protect community safety in parks and public spaces, the legislation introduced today includes amendments to the Trespass to Property Act, which, if passed, would help clear encampments by enhancing penalties for people who deliberately and continually break the law by adding the new aggravating factors of continuous trespassing and the likelihood to reoffend.
The government is further protecting communities by also re-introducing the Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act that will, if passed, allow police officers and other provincial offences officers to direct individuals to stop using illegal substances or to leave the public space. This will allow them to issue a ticket or arrest someone who does not comply, providing an important additional tool to stop the consumption of illegal drugs in public spaces. People found guilty of violating this legislation, including those doing so in encampments, could face fines of up to $10,000 or up to six months in prison.
As part of the province’s focus on long-term treatment and recovery, the government is exploring new judicial approaches that provide the option of rehabilitation as an alternative to incarceration in the event of minor or non-violent drug crimes.
Quick Facts
- As of March 2025, service managers reported approximately 1,826 people in about 703 encampment locations across Ontario.
- Service managers who received funding are required to report back to the province on the number of people moved from encampments into new accommodations to ensure the province’s investments are being used effectively.
- The Trespass to Property Act, which applies to private business, offices, stores, hotels, parks and vacant land, provides property owners and occupiers with tools to deal with trespassing on their property.
Quotes
“We have clearly heard the calls from our municipal partners about the need to help make our communities safer by ending encampments and illegal drug use in parks and public spaces. These amendments to the Trespass to Property Act will provide additional tools to support restoring public order, and are part of a balanced broader strategy to address public safety and the safety and well-being of people currently living in encampments.”
– Doug Downey
Attorney General of Ontario
“Using illegal drugs in public is completely unacceptable. Everyone should feel safe when going to a park, riding transit, or walking through their neighbourhoods. Public safety remains our top priority and that is why we are supporting police services by providing them with the tools they need to confidently keep our communities safe, knowing that our government stands with them and has their backs every day.”
– Michael Kerzner
Solicitor General of Ontario
“Illicit drugs and particularly opioids such as fentanyl used in public spaces in encampments are a serious community safety threat. There is a clear risk to families and children that live around the growing number of encampments in Ontario. I am very pleased Premier Ford is taking bold action to address this.”
– Patrick Brown
Mayor of Brampton
“Today’s announcement represents an important step in addressing the interconnected challenges of health, homelessness and public safety. By investing in pathways to stable housing and expanding the supports available to those in need, we can ensure people receive the care they require while respecting the use of public spaces for everyone, which includes new tools to restrict the prevalence of open drug use.”
– Josh Morgan
Mayor of London
“I am encouraged once again by the provincial investments and commitment to address the most complex health care issue our nation has faced. Today’s announcement will provide vulnerable individuals who are living in encampments with safe, stable accommodations as well as ensure that our public spaces are safe for everyone to enjoy. All levels of government need to continue to work together as partners to find innovative solutions to address this national humanitarian crisis.”
– Dan Carter
Mayor, City of Oshawa
“Premier Ford has found a sensible balance to deal with a complex issue. Adding resources to support more housing solutions while providing municipalities tools to enhance public safety will help make a positive difference in communities across Ontario.”
– Drew Dilkens
Mayor of Windsor
“The actions in this legislation are what we asked for. It feels great to work with a government that listens. We are united to support our most vulnerable and create safer environments for everyone.”
– Rob Burton
Mayor, Town of Oakville
“Premier Ford’s announcement of additional funding for more shelter spaces, temporary housing and affordable housing units is welcome news. This approach prioritizes the dignity and well-being of individuals in need, while balancing other residents’ right to feel safe in public spaces.”
– Paul Lefebvre
Mayor of Greater Sudbury
“As Mayor of Barrie, I look forward to working with Premier Ford to ensure that people in Barrie encampments get the help that they need, while ensuring that our communities and families feel safe.”
– Alex Nuttall
Mayor of Barrie
“This much needed funding to help transition those in encampments to safer shelter or housing is key and I applaud the Premier for this focus. Guelph is ready to partner with our Social Services Manager and with the government to ensure we have positive outcomes for those struggling with addictions, mental health and housing needs in our community. A top complaint I receive as mayor from citizens and businesses alike is about the open illegal drug use in our parks, downtown cores and other public spaces. This legislation looks to tackle these challenges head on and are most welcome.”
– Cam Guthrie
Mayor, City of Guelph
“I am happy that Premier Ford and the provincial government have taken action that prioritizes the health and well-being of the residents of St. Catharines. The additional funding and focus will help provide the services the most vulnerable members of our community desperately need and the new legislation around open drug use protects the members of our community who know this illegal activity can’t continue in public. The issues our cities face are complicated and all levels of government must work together to build more supportive housing units, expand shelter capacity and clean up encampments.”
– Mat Siscoe
Mayor of St. Catharines
“The health and safety of our residents is critical and it’s no secret municipalities across the province are grappling with large unsafe encampments and increasing drug use in public spaces. All levels of government need to continue to come together to help those suffering with mental health and addictions challenges, while also ensuring our parks and public spaces are safe for everyone to enjoy. Today’s announcement is an important step in addressing a very complex and challenging issue for municipalities.”
– Bryan Paterson
Mayor of Kingston
“I’m encouraged to see the Premier and Minister Flack respond to our group’s call for support by increasing funding for shelter and housing diversion programs, while also taking steps to strengthen laws around trespassing and open drug use. This is a meaningful first step in supporting municipalities as we work to address homelessness and restore public safety in our streets and parks.”
– Kevin Davis
Mayor of Brantford
“Vulnerable people need help to navigate drug addiction, mental health and social supports. It’s time for tough love and definitive action to help them achieve that and to restore dignity and safety to public spaces.”
– Jim Diodati
Mayor of Niagara Falls
“We thank the Government of Ontario for its decisive actions and meaningful investments in addressing the complex and pressing issue of homelessness and encampments. This significant funding will provide much-needed support for those experiencing hardship — enabling us to create safer and more vibrant communities for the benefit of all residents, visitors and businesses. We are committed to working with the province to ensure these vital resources are used effectively to help people transition into stable housing and access the essential support services they need.”
– Kevin Ashe
Mayor, City of Pickering
“Orillia Council’s top priorities are looking at ways to help support our most vulnerable and ensuring public safety. We would like to thank the province for listening to us and taking action to provide further support to service providers as we all work together to address homelessness in our communities. The initiatives announced today by Premier Ford go a long way to support us as we partner together to navigate these difficult issues.”
– Don McIsaac
Mayor of Orillia
“As a growing small urban municipality with hundreds of people experiencing homelessness, addiction and mental health issues, this new funding for shelters, supportive and transitional housing aligns with the housing first principles that will help us safely transition people out of encampments and connect them to the social and health services they need while also ensuring greater accountability. Today’s announcement provides meaningful funding, actionable tools, compassion and a commitment to helping us keep our communities and public spaces safe for everyone.”
– Bill Gordon
Mayor of Midland
“Emergency shelters are a critical part of the housing spectrum. Outreach and shelter are the first points of contact where we build trust and spark hope for individuals experiencing homelessness. Additional funding enhances The Salvation Army’s capacity to connect with individuals and welcome them into a dignified spaces with comprehensive wrap around support services that meet their unique needs. Together, we can help more Ontarians start their journey towards home.”
– Lt. Col. Brian Armstrong
Ontario Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army
“Drug paraphernalia and encampment health and fire issues are among the top community safety concerns for Ontario’s small business owners. Many have told us about having to clean used needles and other garbage off their property, often on a daily basis. This is unsafe and unsustainable for small business owners, their employees and their customers. Our members across Ontario overwhelmingly agree that all levels of government should work together to address these multi-faceted challenges.”
– Julie Kwiecinski
Director of Provincial Affairs for Ontario, Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)
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