Ontario Proposes New Measures for Public Safety

The Ontario government has announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at enhancing public safety by addressing issues related to homeless encampments and illegal drug use in parks and public spaces. The proposed measures include amendments to existing laws and the introduction of new legislation.

Key components of the proposed legislation include:

• Safer Municipalities Act, 2024: This act seeks to amend the Trespass to Property Act to increase penalties for continuous trespassing and the likelihood of reoffending. These amendments will apply to private businesses, offices, stores, hotels, parks, and vacant land.

• Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act, 2024: This act will empower police and provincial offences officers to direct individuals to stop using illegal substances in public spaces or to leave the area. Non-compliance could result in fines up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to six months.

The government is also exploring new judicial approaches that offer rehabilitation as an alternative to incarceration for minor or non-violent drug offenses. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to provide long-term treatment and recovery options.

Additionally, the province has allocated $75.5 million towards homelessness prevention, with $44.5 million in new provincial funding and $31 million from the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative. Service managers receiving this funding will be required to report on the number of individuals moved from encampments to new accommodations and submit spending plans for review.

These legislative proposals are part of Ontario's ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and address the complex issues of homelessness and drug use in public spaces.