Reintroduced legislation intends to clean up Ontario’s public spaces

Ontario has reintroduced legislation that will provide cities and police with tools to end encampments and clean up parks and public spaces.

If passed, the province says the Safer Municipalities Act will prioritize the safety of all residents by helping to clear public spaces and end the public consumption of illegal drugs.

“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,” says Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Ontario is allocating $75.5 million to strengthen homelessness prevention efforts and offer individuals living in encampments access to suitable alternative housing options.

The investment 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 come in addition to the province’s annual investment of nearly $700 million in homelessness prevention programs and a $550 million investment to create 28 Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hubs.

Nine HART Hubs have opened as of April 1, 2025.

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Amendments to the Trespass to Property Act were also introduced today.

If passed, it would aid in clearing encampments by increasing penalties for individuals who repeatedly and intentionally violate the law, introducing new aggravating factors such as persistent trespassing and a high likelihood of reoffending.

The provincial government is also reintroducing the Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act that will, if passed, allow officers to ticket or arrest someone refusing to leave a public space or using illegal substances in a public space.

Those found guilty of violating this legislation could face fines of up to $10,000 or up to six months in prison.

Ontario is also looking for new ways to offer options of rehabilitation as an alternative to incarceration.

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