Ontario to Introduce Tougher Penalties for Public Drug Use, Encampments

Premier Doug Ford says his government is introducing legislation to reduce public drug use and crack down on encampments.

The premier made the announcement at a news conference in Toronto on Dec. 12, the last day of sitting for the legislature until March.

“Enough is enough,” he said. “This has to stop, and it will stop. Families deserve to play in and enjoy their parks and playgrounds without fearing for the safety of their kids.”

The proposed legislation comes as the province grapples with at least 1,400 homeless encampments set up in cities and towns across Ontario in 2023, according to the Municipalities of Ontario.

The legislation will see amendments to the Trespass to Property Act, allowing for penalties that will apply to encampments, according to a Dec. 12 Ontario news release.

Changes have also been proposed to allow police to order individuals using drugs in public spaces to leave. Officers will also be permitted to issue a ticket or arrest an individual who does not comply.

Those who fail to abide by the prohibition on drug use in public spaces could be fined up to $10,000 or face up to six months in jail, the news release said.

Ford’s decision follows a letter sent to his office by 13 mayors around the province, calling for the government to take action on homelessness and public drug use. The mayors were at Ford’s announcement on Dec. 12.

Dan Carter, the mayor of Oshawa, said the measures will save lives.

“We are compassionately trying to find the right pathway forward in the great City of Oshawa,” he said during the news conference. “We continue to make sure that we have outreach workers there 24 hours a day to connect and navigate the system so that individuals can find a bed or the assistance that they need.”

Additional Funding

Ford also announced more funding to combat homelessness, saying the province would put $75.5 million toward homelessness prevention and providing alternative accommodation for those living in encampments.

“This includes $50 million to create more long-term affordable housing units across the province and $20 million to expand shelter capacity and create additional temporary accommodation spaces like tiny, modular units,” he said.

Those receiving the funds will need to adhere to accountability policies, Ford said, “to make sure it is being used as effectively as possible to end encampments and help people in need find a safe and appropriate place to live.”

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