Task Team Update from Mayor Bigger - November 25, 2020

For Immediate Release   
November 25th, 2020

Task Team Update from Mayor Bigger - November 25, 2020

We know there is a problem in our downtown and other parts of our city with regards to homelessness and today's Task Team meeting was productive as we discussed how we can identify existing service gaps, leverage existing strategies among partner organizations, build organic partnerships and engage with the public.

Our current group, composed of local leaders and members from larger and established municipally and provincially lead organizations, are applying their resources, expertise and networks to help establish and implement how we take on this problem.

We will also be relying on these organizations, and their relationships and affiliations with smaller organizations to assist in this effort. Not all of the organizations in our downtown and across the city are aligned nor do they necessarily work together - part of our work is to break down those silos to be more efficient and assist those who need the help the most.

More information will be available in the near future, but efforts are underway on engaging with community groups, people with lived experiences, business owners and the community at large.

That said, a lot has been going on in the background, on the streets and at the Council table since the Task Team was established. Council has recently passed a motion supporting the potential development of more transitional housing and also expanded operating hours at warming shelters in our city. This will allow people to have the dignity of a warm bathroom to use and to bathe. It also saw an increase in 50 more seats for dining and rest away from the elements during the cold winter ahead.

We have also dispatched city staff to address the garbage downtown, we have an increased police presence with more feet on the street to ensure safety and the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens. We have installed better lighting, been removing graffiti - we are doing our best to remedy the early symptoms while continuing to address a very complex set of issues. We've reacted quickly to implement these items.

There is a lot more to do and we will require the expertise and help of many more organizations that are willing to follow this calling. As a group we are working hard, we are working together and I am proud of what this Task Team has accomplished so far and I look forward to what we will achieve as we pursue a goal of ending homelessness in Greater Sudbury.

Mayor Brian Bigger
City of Greater Sudbury

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Media contact:   
Ken Bonder
Office of the Mayor
City of Greater Sudbury
Phone: 705-674-4455 ext. 2547 
E-mail: ken.bonder@greatersudbury.ca