TORONTO, ON – Toronto’s mental health and addiction crisis has been allowed to spiral. Unsafe parks, encampments, open drug use, and deteriorating public spaces are now a daily reality. This is not compassion. It is neglect.
A Better City Toronto will support mayoral and council candidates who commit to a recovery-first approach that restores safety, expands treatment, and delivers measurable results.
50% More Recovery Capacity, Immediately
Toronto should add 400 recovery beds and outpatient treatment spaces within the first year and eliminate user fees for publicly funded treatment.
“People can’t recover if they can’t access treatment,” said Kelly Aizicowitz, Executive Director of ABC Toronto. “If we are serious about helping people, treatment must be available when they are ready to seek it.”
Compassionate Encampment Reform
When a safe shelter space or recovery bed is available, encampments should be cleared within 48 hours, with transportation, case management, ID support, and secure storage provided. “Leaving people in tents isn’t compassion. It’s abandonment,” said Aizicowitz. “A compassionate city has a duty to help people get indoors, get treatment, and begin recovery.”
Clean Parks, Safe Neighbourhoods
A Better City Toronto proposes rapid-response biohazard cleanup teams with same-day
service standards and a 311 pin-drop reporting system for needles and sharps. Initial focus areas would include Trinity Bellwoods, Moss Park, Allan Gardens, High Park, and Sherbourne Commons.
“No parent should have to worry about their child finding a needle in a city park,” said Aizicowitz. “Toronto can be compassionate while also maintaining safe, clean public spaces for everyone.”
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