Council candidates speak out on homelessness in town

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

One issue that many Tillsonburg residents talk about, and wish for a solution for, is homelessness, or the people who live on the streets.

There is no question the number of people on the streets has increased in the last few years. People are concerned about finding needles on the streets, and their safety. It’s not just a local problem, but a nationwide one.

To look at solutions to this problem, one must first understand that homelessness falls under the social services umbrella, which is a County of Oxford responsibility in Tillsonburg. While Tillsonburg council can look at possible solutions, any costs must be included in the local budget. Any changes in enforcement of the issue would require changes in law at the provincial or federal levels.

Also to keep in mind there are already many programs out there that local residents are unaware of, some of which have been highlighted in past editions of the Post. For instance, there are shelters in the winter where the beds aren’t full, and social services staff checking on the homeless.

With this in mind, candidates were asked, “Tillsonburg residents are concerned about homelessness, which as part of social services is primarily a county responsibility. If elected, would you advocate for anything additional to be done locally at the municipal level? If so, how would you fund it?”

Their answers, alphabetically, are below.

Mayor candidates

Deb Gilvesy - Homelessness is complex. We need practical tools, compassion, and partnerships with the county, while recognizing that housing and treatment cannot simply be forced on people. At Police Services Board, I supported a resolution asking the town to consider a downtown nuisance bylaw. This could be implemented within existing bylaw operating costs, providing staff with additional tools. Hired security cannot remove individuals and would still require police intervention. The town receives no provincial funding for social services; additional programs or security would therefore be funded by local taxpayers. If reserves are used, that is not free money and must ultimately be replenished through taxation.

Kelly Spencer - As mayor, I’ll prioritize a one-year pilot project for a community safety ranger with a social service background, working alongside existing organizations. Their role would be to keep our downtown welcoming and comfortable for businesses, employees and patrons; connect people experiencing homelessness/mental health/addiction with available resources; reinforce municipal bylaws; and involve police when necessary. This can reduce the demands on first responders, leaving them more opportunity to respond to other needs. I have spoken with mayors in Oxford County and beyond about strategies that have worked. I would fund the pilot from reserves rather than taxation, while pursuing grants and partnerships with the county and community organizations.

Councillor candidates

Lindsey Ambrus Mejaski - I believe Tillsonburg can show compassion for people experiencing homelessness while also expecting our public spaces to be safe, clean and welcoming for everyone. Everyone should feel safe going downtown, visiting a park or using our public spaces without encountering needles, drug paraphernalia or other unsafe items. During door knocking, this has been one of the biggest concerns I have heard. I would advocate for stronger enforcement of existing bylaws and appropriate responses to open drug use, severe impairment or unsafe behaviour. Food banks and shelters provide important immediate support, but they are not long-term solutions. We need mental health, addiction, employment and housing supports to help break the cycle.

Dave Beres - It's heartbreaking some people are living out of a shopping cart. Many local residents are afraid or intimidated to go downtown and are purposely avoiding the area. Local organizations, churches, service clubs and businesses are helping and their involvement is appreciated and encouraged. Tillsonburg taxpayers are already paying their share for the county's involvement on their tax bill. However, I would encourage council to support these local groups until a better solution can be found.

Clayton Curtis - Tillsonburg residents should be concerned about homelessness and the circumstances leaving fellow community members without a place to call home. Homelessness is complex, affecting communities across the country, and those experiencing it deserve dignity, compassion, and respect. I recognize Oxford County’s responsibility for health and homelessness services and the important progress made in outreach and support. However, we must be honest that our current approach is not achieving its intended goal. As a town councillor, I will work collaboratively with county officials while firmly advocating for Tillsonburg. I will not allow our community to fall to the bottom of the priority list. We can—and must—do better.

Katherine Englander - While homelessness is primarily a county responsibility, I believe the town has an important role in advocating for our community and working collaboratively with the county and local organizations. I would support exploring practical, evidence-based local initiatives that address the needs of individuals while also protecting community safety and quality of life. Before committing municipal dollars, I would want council to understand what is currently available, where the gaps are, and what approaches are most effective. Any municipal involvement should be carefully considered, with efficiencies and partnerships explored first and clear accountability for taxpayer dollars.

Ron Gasparetto - Homelessness is a serious concern in Tillsonburg. While housing and social services are primarily an Oxford County responsibility, I believe the town can still play a meaningful supporting role. I would advocate for stronger partnerships between the town, county, local organizations and community groups to ensure people experiencing homelessness are connected with appropriate services. The town can also use planning tools and incentives to encourage affordable and attainable housing. I would be cautious about creating new municipal programs that duplicate county services or place additional costs on local taxpayers. Where additional local action is needed, I would first pursue county, provincial, federal and community funding.

John Gilvesy - One of my six core priorities if elected is finding practical alternatives that create dignity for those struggling to manage. As a former Director of Goodwill Industries and Governor for Rotary International, I have witnessed the good works being done by service groups. Let’s be creative, learn from successes elsewhere and listen to organizations like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and United Way who are finding solutions (employment and otherwise). Perhaps a partnership with the county, landlords or farmers? For supportive housing consider existing vacant properties. Funding could come from finding efficiencies or percentage allocation from sale of surplus municipal properties.

Steve Molnar - While housing, and in turn “Homelessness”, may be a county responsibility, this is an impactful issue that will take the entire community to address. We have historically been proud of our “Made in Tillsonburg” solutions, however there are successes in neighbouring communities (St. Thomas) that we can evaluate and replicate. Some key targets, through partnership should include: education on real impact of homelessness on our community; targeted reduction objectives; shared investment in a range of accommodations; access to financial programs; focus on associated health and social concerns; and continued support from caring social agencies. We can be in a position to provide assistance while securing a safer and caring community.

Felix Nzemeka - Homelessness requires a strong partnership between the town and county. However, the county is responsible for social services and housing support. The town can play an important local role in creating a community where people can move from homelessness toward stability. If elected, I would advocate for the Town to work with the county to identify opportunities for affordable, transitional, and supportive housing, while connecting local organizations, like churches, landlords, and service providers. I would advocate for stronger coordination of housing, mental health, addiction, and emergency support. Funding should first come from provincial and federal programs, grants, partnerships, and existing resources before considering additional municipal spending.

Chris Parker - Homelessness is a complex issue involving multiple layers of government, and social services are funded and delivered by Oxford County. At the municipal level, I would advocate for a year-round shelter to ensure people have access to basic necessities and a safe place to stay. Any enhanced supports outreach, stabilization space, or partnerships with local agencies must be funded through the county’s social services budget, with the town’s role focused on coordination, zoning, and ensuring the right services can operate here. This approach respects municipal authority while pushing for practical solutions.

Chris Rosehart - Homelessness, although it affects us at the municipal level, we are not in a position to take this on. We should stay the course and be supportive to the organizations that are on the front lines of this situation. The town cannot take this on as our project - it is too big. Although some town resources are presently used on a regular basis to assist people in this situation, our tax dollars at the county level are the primary source for financial assistance programs.

Kim Sage - I am deeply concerned about homelessness in Tillsonburg—not only because of its impact on our community, but because of the circumstances that have brought people here. Not all homeless people are drug addicts, and not all are thieves. Some are our sons, daughters, fathers and mothers. They too are our community. Too many are being painted with the same brush, and the compassion has left. We need to bring that back while addressing legitimate concerns around safety. While homelessness is primarily an Oxford County and provincial responsibility, locally I would advocate for stronger partnerships, better coordination of resources, practical municipal support, and grants before increasing taxpayer costs.

Dee Tosto - We need the town to be a stronger partner. That means collaborating with Oxford County, outreach workers, service providers, BIA, businesses, and community organizations to understand what is happening on our streets and where we can work together to improve outcomes. I would want to see better communication and coordination between the organizations already doing this work. Sometimes the answer is not another program but making sure the programs and people we already have are working together effectively. Before asking taxpayers for additional money, I would look at existing resources, partnerships, and available grants. Any new municipal spending should have a clear purpose and measurable community benefit.