Homelessness is escalating rapidly in northern Ontario, driven by long-term systemic issues rather than temporary circumstances, according to a newly released report.
Rising Numbers Paint a Grim Picture
The findings, detailed in Municipalities Under Pressure: One Year Later, are an update to a previous study conducted by the northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association (NOSDA), in partnership with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA). The report indicates that homelessness is increasing at a rate that outpaces the capacity of existing housing, prevention, and support systems.
Across northern Ontario, homelessness rose by 37.3 per cent between 2024 and 2025, significantly higher than the 7.8 per cent increase observed provincially. Since 2021, the north has seen an overall increase of roughly 117 per cent in homelessness – more than double the provincial rate. Despite comprising only five per cent of Ontario’s population, northern Ontario now accounts for nearly 10 per cent of the province’s total homeless population.
A Deepening Crisis
The number of people experiencing homelessness in northern Ontario increased from 5,930 to 8,142 in just one year. Michelle Boileau, chair of NOSDA, stated that the data confirms a “deepening systems failure” with significant consequences for individuals, communities, and local economies.
Connie Raynor-Elliott, founder of the SOYA depot in Sault Ste. Marie, has observed a rise in the number of people seeking assistance in recent years. “Our numbers have gone up,” she said. “It’s very concerning… the amount of youth, seniors and couples on our streets is terrible.”
Disproportionate Impact and Economic Strain
The report highlights that Indigenous people are disproportionately affected by homelessness in northern Ontario, representing over 40 per cent of the homeless population. This underscores the need for culturally appropriate and community-led solutions.
Beyond the human cost, rising homelessness is placing a strain on municipal resources. Communities are facing increased costs related to emergency shelters, healthcare, public safety, and responding to encampments. Housing shortages are also hindering efforts to attract and retain workers, impacting business growth and economic development.
Looking Ahead
Without significant changes to the current system, the report projects that homelessness in northern Ontario could reach approximately 16,900 people by 2035 under stable economic conditions. In the event of an economic downturn, that number could surge to over 27,500. The report emphasizes that homelessness is not a temporary issue, but a result of systemic gaps in housing, income, health, and social services.
Addressing the crisis, the report suggests, will require a housing-led, prevention-focused, and coordinated approach. This includes sustained investment in deeply affordable and supportive housing, stronger prevention and housing stability supports, and collaboration across all levels of government.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is driving homelessness in northern Ontario?
The report states that homelessness in northern Ontario is primarily driven by structural housing shortages, rather than temporary shocks.
How much has homelessness increased in northern Ontario since 2021?
Since 2021, homelessness in northern Ontario has risen roughly 117 per cent.
What percentage of Ontario’s homeless population is located in northern Ontario?
While northern Ontario comprises five per cent of Ontario’s population, it now accounts for nearly 10 per cent of the province’s known homeless population.
What steps do you think are most crucial to addressing the growing homelessness crisis in northern Ontario?