The increasingly contentious topic of utilizing local motels for emergency housing for those experiencing homelessness was in focus at the recent District Community and Planning Services Committee meeting.
Sandra Daleman, the District Manager of Human Services, presented a report on homelessness prevention supports and activities, highlighting that Muskoka’s homeless population has surged by 17% since 2018 and a staggering 31% since 2021. The November 20, 2024 Muskoka Homelessness Enumeration and Tally revealed that 234 individuals, including 27 children, were counted as homeless across 153 households in the region.
Daleman noted that 60% of those identified as homeless during the 2024 Enumeration were either part of the District’s emergency shelter program or residing at the Men’s Hostel (The Table, Huntsville). The District’s motel model for emergency shelters offers the flexibility to expand or contract based on community needs, Daleman explained.
However, this model has faced scrutiny in light of recent events. A motel in Bracebridge, designated for emergency shelter, has been the site of several arrests in recent months and has become the source of multiple complaints from neighbouring residents.
“It’s important to provide support, but I don’t know if those hotel units are what we’re looking for,” Councillor Don Smith commented. “This issue is getting bigger. We need to be looking at some other models.”
Daleman mentioned that staff are exploring ways to enhance client outcomes through increased navigation support while clients are connected to the emergency shelter program, as well as added supportive services once they exit the program. She confirmed that staff will review existing resources and present a plan for these additional supports to the Community and Planning Services (CPS) Committee in the upcoming months.
The challenges faced in Muskoka are not isolated; Daleman indicated that similar issues are being encountered throughout the province. Councillors can expect a unified effort from municipalities to seek increased funding from the provincial government.
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One of the people charged in an incident at the motel in question was not homeless. He lived in a house across the street from me on Hiram Street. He is now in jail.
So I ask, is the problem (at the motel) homeless people or people involved in criminal activity? I also wonder if all the homeless people in Muskoka are from Muskoka , or do they migrate here because they know the district will house them?
Being homeless is not a crime. Maybe wellness checks by police or district housing people would deter the criminal and disruptive activities at these motels.