Sudbury mayor outlines plan to tackle homelessness, social issues

Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre unveiled a multi-pronged plan to tackle homelessness, mental health and addictions without raising taxes.

Greater Sudbury Paul Lefebvre says the city has big plans to address some of its major social issues – including homelessness – without raising taxes.

Lefebvre spoke to almost 500 people at a Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers luncheon on Thursday. He got a standing ovation after he laid out what he called “temporary solutions” for several problems plaguing the city, including homelessness, addictions and mental health.

“It’s a multi-pronged approach to be sure that we create spaces in our downtown and other areas (where) people feel safe, welcome, want to participate in a vibrant downtown, and at the same time that we take care of our most vulnerable individuals,” Lefebvre told reporters after the speech.

“That’s a bit of the plan. We know we’ve been doing a lot of things; it’s kind of tying it all in together.”

The plan will go to Tuesday’s city council meeting. Lefebvre said he wants the city to apply to upper levels of government for funding for more supportive housing.

He said the city needs to work with local agencies to improve mental-health services.

The plan would expand services at Energy Court to include 24/7 social supports for those living in encampments, as well as permanent washrooms and an enhanced security presence.

The proposal also includes increased maintenance and beautification of downtown public spaces to attract more people to the area.

Despite the lofty goals, Lefebvre told the crowd he doesn’t plan to increase taxes to pay for the plan.

“That is the goal, and if there are added levels of service that we need to do, we will evaluate,” Lefebvre said.

“It’s up to council to decide if there is going to be an effect on the levy, but I think we can do it with some of the reorganization of similar services that we’re providing to ensure we are meeting our level of service.”

In a news release issued Thursday, Greater Sudbury police said it supports the goals.

“While long-term solutions such as affordable housing, mental health and addiction services fall outside the scope of policing, the Greater Sudbury Police Service recognizes their importance and supports investment in these areas, starting with CGS-led transformation project announced by Mayor Paul Lefebvre,” the release said.

“While our community works towards these long-term goals, GSPS is committed to promoting safety and reducing crime through a balanced, community-focused approach.”