Niagara regional staff to address Niagara Falls council meeting, to reveal steps being taken
The City of Niagara Falls wants greater public awareness of how homelessness is being dealt with, and is bringing regional staff to a council meeting to show that.
Regional councillor Joyce Morocco noted the problem is getting worse, despite efforts to reach people.
City councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg called out what she says is the problem... drug addiction. "Unless we have a stronger Criminal Code that stops these drugs from reaching the streets, and dealing with the people who are addicts, we are not going to get any better, in fact, we're getting worse and worse. I spent the morning cleaning up a parking lot."
Councillor Morocco added sometimes mothers and children become homeless, and not because of drugs.
While they agreed drug addiction is huge, she also pointed to mental health. "We need to really look at bringing back institutions for people with severe mental health. And, I know some people will say 'oh no!' to that. So I say call them 'centres of excellence for mental health', because those people can't speak [for themselves]."
They also agreed federal and provincial governments have more power to help, and need to do more.
The idea for the two councils to meet was Councillor Lori Lococo's, who originally wanted a community meeting, but Councillor Morocco felt in council chambers would be better.
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