1. PRESENTATION ON HOMELESSNESS

- Committee Co-ordinator report dated 8 April 99

The Committee received a presentation from Wendy Muckle, from the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre and from Dr. Jeff Turnbull, Assistant Dean, University of Ottawa School of Medicine. Ms. Muckle provided information on additional funding allocated to four community health centres in Ottawa-Carleton to provide increased outreach directed at homeless persons. Initiatives will include assisting homeless persons in getting a Health Card, a housing needs assessment for homeless persons living with HIV and increased staffing and services funding.

Dr. Turnbull began by saying that homeless persons suffer from a wide spectrum of illnesses caused by, among others, drug and alcohol abuse, HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B and C, and there is no system in place to address the determinants of these problems. He described the components of a collaborative University of Ottawa/Community Program on the Health of the Homeless, saying the University proposes to develop a vision and models of how homeless persons can access a range of resources to support optimal health within the realty of their living conditions. Dr. Turnbull indicated the project will look at specialized treatment services to address existing gaps and will also strive to educate others about the health problems of the homeless.

- Social Services Commissioner/Medical Officer of Health’s joint report dated 29 Mar 99

- Homelessness in Ottawa-Carleton: Executive Summary

- Homelessness in Ottawa-Carleton, April 1999 - Report issued separately

The Committee Chair, A. Munter, acknowledged the presence of Mr. Dave Smith, Co-chair, Community Forums, Mr. Alex Cullen, M.P.P., Ottawa West, Mr. Richard Patten, M.P.P., Ottawa Centre, Ms. Elizabeth Arnold, Councillor, City of Ottawa and the Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, Minister of Labour and Federal Co-ordinator for Homelessness.

D. Stewart, Commissioner, Social Services Department, spoke briefly about the upcoming public consultation and the implementation report that will be brought back for Committee consideration in June. The Committee heard from Hélène Durand-Charron, Manager, Policy Planning and Performance Services, ho gave an overview of the process to-date. She spoke about developing a plan to achieve three goals:

Ms. Durand-Charron explained the differences between absolute homelessness, which includes persons living on the street or in shelters and relative homelessness, i.e., people whose homes do not meet minimum standards of safety and comfort or cost more than people can afford to pay. Some of the causes of homelessness include the lack of affordable housing, reduced social assistance rates and the lack of stability of families and relationships.

Ms. Durand-Charron presented the following statistics which relate to the lack and loss of social housing:

Ms. Durand-Charron concluded her presentation by outlining the next steps which include, consulting with the community, building an inventory of services, devising strategies and solutions. She indicated that the next report to Committee will include recommendations for an integrated community plan, as well as an implementation plan. Ms. Durand-Charron introduced her colleagues at the table, Ms. Trudi Sutton, Ms. Connie Woloschuk, Salvation Army Booth Centre and Ms. Maureen Murphy, Director, Adult Health Division, regional Health Department.

Councillor D. Holmes asked whether the department would ensure the Region gets back into a joint funding stream with the Province. The Director, Area Operations Central, Luc Legault, indicated staff will be able to use shelter funding in a different manner, and it is anticipated an additional $533,000 will be received for emergency shelters. D. Stewart added the staff recommendations will be rooted in what is practical and what can be immediately implemented, i.e., coverage of rental arrears and possibly supplementary rent money.

Councillor Holmes suggested staff be directed to include, in the next report to Committee, recommendations on retaining properties that are surplus to the Region’s needs and maintaining these in a housing land bank.

Councillor A. Loney made reference to statistics which indicate that only 29% of persons discharged from institutions have accommodation. He suggested staff include in their June report strong recommendations about the health sector keeping this information in mind when preparing to from institutions persons whose accommodations once released are not assured.

Councillor L. Davis asked about the average length of stay at the family shelter on Forward Avenue. Mr. Legault responded that families stay an average of 60 days, with single persons staying for up to six months. He added that, through the offices of Councillor Davis and a coming together of the community, good outreach programs have been helping the situation.

Councillor Holmes inquired as to whether it is the Health Department’s job to ensure cleanliness in areas where people live on the street. The Medical Officer of Health, Dr. R. Cushman, described the work of nurses working with the Street Health Coalition and the needle clean-up initiatives as two activities undertaken in this regard. Dr. Cushman added the department is only skimming the surface and need more funds to assist homeless persons. He noted that the burden of mental health is in the community, while the resources are concentrated in institutions.

Councillor J. Legendre asked about those persons, both singles and families, who choose not to go to shelters. Mr. Legault indicated there is a different outreach for families. Ms. C. Woloschuk, representing the Salvation Army Booth Centre, added that the women’s shelter is often inadequate, noting that 1000 requests went unanswered in the past week. The men’s’ shelters are full and often to overflow and there are alternatives for those persons who chose to live on the street.

The following delegations were heard:

Dave Coffey, a panhandler, said that homelessness is a national disaster and something that should not exist. He suggested that consideration be given to "low rental businesses" and to legalizing panhandling and begging. The businesses would be issued monthly vendor licenses at an affordable rate, and this might allow them to hire street people.

A. Cullen, M. P.P., Ottawa-West, spoke about the cuts made by the Harris Government reducing the ability of municipalities to help the most vulnerable in their communities. Mr. Cullen said that, despite the successes of the Our Homes/Chez Nous Coalition to Protect Social Housing, which he co-founded, the provincial housing policies have created the current crisis in homelessness. A cut of 21.6% to social assistance rates has impoverished persons on assistance. The fact that new social housing construction has been shut-down and that social housing has been downloaded to municipalities contributes to the present crisis situation. Mr. Cullen outlined the Ontario New Democratic Party plan to deal with the housing crisis and homelessness in Ontario. The NDP has made a commitment to spend $250 million to build 16,000 units of affordable housing and 14,000 units of supportive housing and it will enhance the shelter allowance for social assistance recipients.

E. Arnold, Councillor, City of Ottawa, began by complimenting staff on their report. She pointed out there are currently 16,000 persons on waiting lists for social housing and something must be done to meet their needs. She emphasized the importance of ensuring all community partners are clearly identified. Councillor Arnold described a personal experience upon encountering a woman she knew who has been reduced to begging to survive. She pointed out this is unnecessary in the Ottawa-Carleton community. The Councillor said she looked forward to the June report and to hear about the roles that all stakeholders can play.

Barbara Bareham, a resident of Ottawa-Carleton, spoke about people needing a safe and permanent place to sleep. She reiterated the comments of other speakers about the impact of decreased assistance rates and the need for more social housing. Ms. Bareham pointed out that one out of five persons in shelters is a child. She suggested that all municipalities need to assess the needs of the homeless in their area.

Nicholas Patterson, Economist, Canadian Development Institute, expressed the view it would have been helpful if the staff report, which was ready on 29 March, had been available at the public forums. He stressed the importance of ensuring reports are freely available to the public. Mr. Patterson’s comments focused on absolute and relative poverty. He noted that people are paying over 30% of their income for rent. With respect to absolute homelessness, Mr. Patterson posited that the cost of addressing this problem is within the RMOC’s budget. This amount, which represents between $4 and $10 million, represents only 1% of the Region’s budget and would provide additional funds to agencies working to help the homeless. Mr. Patterson called the situation highly scandalous and immoral.

Councillor D. Holmes said she had found the report thorough, and she stressed the need for a Phase 2 with strong recommendations. She asked whether staff intend to send the current report to the senior levels of government to apprise them of its content. Having heard from staff that this was not being considered, Councillor Holmes put forward a Motion calling for the report to be forwarded to the Chair and Vice-Chair of Housing, Federation of Canadian Municipalities for the FCM’s June conference.

The Committee Chair, A. Munter, said the Committee will consider the action plan on 17 June 99. He pointed out that local governments are getting together, as they are all facing this problem, and effectively writing a national housing policy. He suggested that the Federal Co-ordinator for Homelessness should also receive the staff report, as she has asked for municipalities’ help in this matter. Councillor A. Loney spoke about the need to better define relative homelessness in the upcoming report.

The Committee then considered the following Motion:

Moved by D. Holmes

CARRIED

Moved by D. Holmes

3. CHILD CARE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS FOR 1999

- Social Services Commissioner’s report dated 30 Mar 99

Ms. Gayle Preston, Director, Child Care Services, presented the staff report. It recommends capital expenditures in 1999 to meet the needs of child care centres in new school construction, those of programs that are moving to different schools, those of existing programs in schools slated for disposal by the Boards of Education, those of community programs and various other minor capital requirements.

Replying to a question from the Committee Chair, A. Munter, Commissioner D. Stewart said staff have had indications from the Area Office of the Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) that no funding is available from the Ministry with respect to the relocation of child care centres affected by school closures.

Further to questions from Councillors D. Holmes and A. Loney about the Dalhousie Parents’ Child Care and Bishop Hamilton centres (respectively) not being specifically identified in the report, Ms. Preston said she agreed the relocation of certain centres will provide an opportunity for these programs to find better facilities. Councillor Holmes asked whether the Region would be buying any disaffected school buildings for this purpose. Commissioner Stewart pointed out that the Boards have been swapping facilities in order to close schools, and there is the matter of any surplus property having to be offered to the Ontario Realty Corporation. Mr. Stewart cautioned that many schools require significant upgrades however the land on which they stand is valuable.

Councillor C. Doucet made reference to schools being closed, and to the fact the buildings have served a multitude of purposes. He said he felt a way must be found to retain this infrastructure which has been paid for by local taxpayers. Commissioner Stewart agreed the buildings should be saved, but at the present time, it is still unclear which of these buildings are available.

The Committee heard from Eleonore Benesch, representing the Strategic Planning Committee of the Ottawa-Carleton Child Care Council. She asked that the Committee support the staff recommendation, as the projects meet established criteria and are a heartening move for the community. Ms. Benesch said the City View project is very exciting, and may contribute to other joint initiatives with the corporate sector. She thanked the Committee for all its work related to the Children’s Centre and she noted the centre is set to open in June.

Cathy Yach, City View Day Care Centre, introduced Ms. Shelley Bond, as well as Mssrs. Terry Wood and Michael Lesley, representing JDS Fitel. Ms. Yach provided a brief history of the centre. Ms. Bond described the agreement between City View and JDS Fitel who will provide $1.2 million for ongoing maintenance, pay taxes and provide rent-free accommodation, in addition to investing $10.5 million in the next 10 years.

Councillor M. McGoldrick-Larsen called the partnership with JDS Fitel a wonderful opportunity. She described the site as very park-like, noting it will serve the entire community, and she congratulated all parties on this accomplishment.

Responding to a question from Councillor Loney, Mr. Stewart confirmed that the building belongs to the company. In the event the company "folds", a conveyance agreement will protect the Region’s capital assets. Ms. Yach indicated she has written to the Minister asking for subsidized spaces but, as yet, she has received no reply.

Chantale Bédard, representing the Conseil des écoles catholiques du centre-est, introduced Denyse Tremblay, Regroupement des services de garde de langue française d’Ottawa-Carleton, Mssrs. Jacques Lorquet, President, Mouvement d’implication francophone d’Orléans (MIFO), Marc Proulx and Guy Boivin, a parent. Ms. Bédard began by saying there are not enough services for francophones in Orléans and there are high waiting lists for spaces. The project has the support of the Regroupement des services de garde and new spaces are being developed. She posited that additional spaces will counter the assimilation of francophone children and offer them better opportunities. She asked that the Committee support the project.

Ms. Tremblay called the proposal a step forward that will bring the number of spaces to ninety-two. She pointed out there are 2000 children under the age of four and this illustrates the fact the need is there. She said this is an opportunity for the Region as well as for the Regroupement des services de garde.

Mr. Lorquet outlined MIFO’s Mission Statement, saying the organization has an economic role to play, with assets of $1.3 million, 100 employees and a salary base of $800,000. Currently MIFO operates a Youth Studio serving 250 youth in Orléans and a summer camp for 650 youth. Mr. Lorquet posited that MIFO has demonstrated its ability to manage child care facilities and is investing $100,000 in the project.

Mr. Boivin, a parent, expressed his total support for the project, and he thanked MIFO for its investment. He pointed out that many children are from mixed parents, i.e., francophone and anglophone, and that it is essential for them to have access to cultural and social activities in French.

Cindy Magloughlin, Dalhousie Parents Child Care, said the centre is located in a non-operating school and it is clear it will have to relocate. The Ottawa-Carleton Catholic School Board will make a decision on May 11^th, and this will be followed by the usual processes of offering the property to other bodies and to the Ontario Realty Corporation. Ms. Magloughlin said parents continue to fund-raise, and she expressed her appreciation to the department for recognizing the centre’s situation. Councillor Holmes asked about the possibility of the centre moving into St Anthony’s school. Ms. Magloughlin said this is being explored, but it would mean going from an inadequate basement space into another old building. She indicated that the centre is looking at other alternatives.

Sister Maco Cassetta, Youville Centre, expressed gratitude about the fact the Contingency Fund is being used to assist agencies. The space occupied by the Youville Centre is already inadequate and there are 92 mothers on the waiting list. Sister Betty Ann Kinsella spoke about promised funding of $1.2 million which is still on hold from June 1995. Efforts are being made to combine two centres into one, and $3 million dollars will be required to achieve this. Sister Kinsella indicated there is good support from several corporate entities, and she asked for continued support from the RMOC.

Councillor W. Byrne asked how many students graduated from the program this year. Sister Kinsella replied there were 127 graduates, including one young father. She indicated that a young man’s program is ready to begin. Councillor Byrne called the Youville Centre an excellent investment which has been of benefit to the entire community.

Pat Armstrong, Carleton Roman Catholic Child Care Corporation, said the Corporation is proposing multi-purpose child care rooms, with MCSS funding allocated for each centre. She called this an excellent cooperative venture between the Ottawa-Carleton Catholic School Board (OCCSB) and the RMOC, both of whom are accountable to the taxpayer. Councillor McGoldrick-Larsen asked whether there is a timeframe for the South Nepean facility. Ms. Armstrong said she could not respond to the question, but would be happy to work with regional staff on the matter.

Councillor Byrne said that relocating facilities from local schools affects the community in which they are located. She posited that the RMOC purchasing the buildings may result in schools remaining open for other community purposes and she proposed the following Motion:

Councillor A. Loney emphasized the importance of looking at all components and setting the proper parameters for the purchase of school properties. After further discussion, Councillor Byrne agreed to withdraw her Motion.

Councillor D. Beamish asked when the Committee will get a comprehensive report on capital financing. Commissioner Stewart pointed out that the Minor Capital Requirements described in the report represent an approximate 10-year time frame; new capacity will be identified as part of the Department’s strategic plan. Gayle Preston added staff are in the process of sifting through a large amount of data from the 1996 Census and she anticipated a report would be presented in the Fall.

Moved by M. McGoldrick-Larsen

CARRIED

(D. Beamish dissented)

Ms. Sara Jiang and Mr. Ayman Abdelaal, students from the Adult School operating out of St Patrick’s School, spoke about the impact of school closures on their lives. Ms. Jiang pointed out that over 50% of students depend on social assistance and they will lose an opportunity for self-sufficiency if the program closes. Mr. Abdelaal described how he had finally fit-in at St Patrick’s school and learned things he had never experienced elsewhere. Both speakers asked for the Committee’s assistance in keeping the school open.

Ms. A. Kozlowski, a teacher at St Patrick’s Adult School, said she finds it encouraging that the Region and the School Boards are cooperating to find alternate accommodations for the program. She posited that closing schools in the inner city would not address the problems of over-crowding in suburban areas. Ms. Kozlowski expressed her disappointment with the fact that closures were not delayed until grants for relocation were developed. She noted there is a growing sense of anxiety among students and in agencies that refer students to the program. She advanced the view that the Ontario Realty Corporation has no interest in many of the properties and she expressed the hope the Ministry could be convinced to change its mind about adult education.

Replying to a question from the Committee Chair, A. Munter, Commissioner D. Stewart indicated the Ministry is well aware of the Region’s interest in the issue of school closures. However, staff find themselves generally frustrated when trying to get clear answers in this regard.

In response to further questions from Councillor Holmes related to rent money, Commissioner Stewart explained that community schools represent pupil placements, and the Boards all have excess spaces which they must close. He added there is a $100,000 shortfall in the occupancy rates paid to the Boards. Mr. Stewart posited the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training should be providing additional operating costs, however the Boards are focusing on a reduction in pupil placements.

1. HEALTHY BABIES, HEALTHY CHILDREN FAMILY VISITOR PROGRAM UPDATE (JANUARY 1999)

3. ALLOCATIONS COMMITTEE DECISIONS FOR
1999 HEALTH/SOCIAL SERVICES PROJECT GRANTS
- Social Services Commissioner/Medical Officer of Health’s joint memorandum dated 17 Mar 99

- Social Services Commissioner’s memorandum dated 30 Mar 99

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.