Grey County is finding it is facing a similar homelessness crisis compared to the rest of the province.
A report last week from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association highlights the increase in homelessness in recent years and the pressures it’s putting on the 47 municipalities across the province.
Grey County says the data in the report shows a systemic failure which extends beyond housing, and more on the gaps in healthcare, mental-health services, and the justice system.
“Locally, in 2024, Grey County identified 375 individuals experiencing homelessness. Of these individuals, 65 identify as Indigenous, 80 are children 15 and under, and 45 are youth ages 16 to 24. Adults account for 252 of the individuals, and senior (65+) 8. 253 individuals are experiencing chronic homelessness,” says the county.
Between all three levels of government, municipalities have assumed the most responsibility in funding housing projects. Last year, an estimate $4.1 billion was spent to address the issue in Ontario and 51.5 per cent of that came from municipalities. Grey County invested $6.55 million since 2022 in homelessness support.
To help address the homelessness issues locally, the county provides subsidized housing and a housing waitlist, which has grown from 1,517 in 2022 to 2,230 in 2024.
The county has purchased and renovated properties in Owen Sound to operate as supportive housing, including a former motel as a short-term emergency shelter.
Additionally, the county partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Grey Bruce in 2023 to provide transitional supportive housing for those chronically homeless in Grey County. The CMHA announced last summer it was expanding this support to be available 24/7.
County staff recently presented a housing action plan update to council, proposing hosting a networking event this year with community partners and different sectors to talk about creating affordable housing on surplus public lands.
Grey County says it has committed $3 million to support Lutheran Social Services Owen Sound for an affordable housing build in Owen Sound. Additionally, the county is also working to build 40 units of affordable housing in Dundalk.
Warden Andrea Matrosovs says, “Grey County cannot end chronic homelessness without significant contributions from the federal and provincial governments. We need a fundamentally new approach that prioritizes long-term housing solutions over temporary emergency measures, and adequate funding support to create solutions for our county’s rural and town communities.”
