Community Services Committee Discusses Homelessness Data Framework and City Services

The Community Services Committee discussed a motion from Councillor Rawlson King to improve how the city collects and shares information about unsheltered homelessness and encampments. Members and staff said current information is spread across multiple systems, and the proposed framework is meant to support coordination, reporting, and decision-making. The committee also raised related issues including supportive housing, park safety at Greenbank Park, and recreation infrastructure.

Topics Discussed

1. Unsheltered homelessness data framework

Councillor King introduced the motion by stressing the human impact behind the reporting discussion. He said, "Behind every data point and every reporting channel uh we'll discuss today are people unsheltered residents living in encampments across the city often in unsafe and precarious conditions. They face real risks to their health and safety and uh so to to the surrounding communities trying to understand what's happening and what needs to be done. uh the human cost of encampments is significant and it's the human reality that makes timely, accurate and accessible information so accessible."

The motion calls for a more unified data framework through the unsheltered homelessness outreach model. Staff said an encampment reporting dashboard was launched last year and that the outreach model is expected to launch in the next quarter.

2. Encampments across the city and supportive housing

Committee members said encampments are not confined to the downtown core. Theresa Kavanagh said she has seen them "in commercial areas um on Walkley Road," "on my way home," and "in an apartment kind of complex area," adding: "this is not a a downtown issue. This is a citywide in fact a countrywide issue."

The discussion also turned to housing options for people living outdoors. Members said the lack of supportive housing remains a major barrier for people who do not feel safe or able to use shelters, and that longer-term housing solutions are needed alongside outreach and enforcement responses.

3. Conditions at encampments and legal context

Staff and councillors discussed conditions in encampments, reasons some people avoid shelters, and the legal limits on dismantling sites. Staff said some unsheltered residents avoid shelters because of trauma, previous experiences in the shelter system, pets, or partner relationships.

The committee also touched on recent court decisions affecting municipal responses. Councillor Matthew Luloff asked, "And so, do you think we'll ever hit the point where we're legally prevented from dismantling?" Staff said they would seek legal interpretation on how recent rulings, including one from Waterloo, apply in Ottawa.

4. Greenbank Park safety questions

Councillor Wilson Lo raised safety concerns about Greenbank Park, 895 Greenbank Road, where play equipment is located near an arterial road. His written inquiry asked: "How many of those parks are like Greenbank Park where there is a play structure located less than 100 meters from an arterial road via an access point? Three, at other locations, if any, does a city employ any measures such as gates, fencing, chicanees, or otherwise as a means of slowing down or preventing a child who may run towards the access point and arterial road?"

The questions seek information on comparable park layouts, possible mitigation measures, and potential liability issues if previous safety concerns had already been raised.

5. Recreation infrastructure and field access

Councillor David Hill asked staff to study whether the city could buy portable artificial mats or pitches for recreational field users. His inquiry asked: "Would it be feasible for the city to purchase two to five artificial mats or pitches that allow recreational clubs to rent those at the same time that they rent a sports field for play such as soccer or ultimate frisbee field? What would be the benefits of such a program? What would be the limitations and liabilities? And how much would such a program cost?"

The request was framed as a way to expand access for groups that may not have dedicated field infrastructure.

Motions

Passed: - Councillor King's motion for improved data collection and standardized reporting on unsheltered homelessness and housing outcomes

Raised for staff response: - Inquiry on Greenbank Park safety measures and comparable park conditions - Inquiry on acquiring two to five artificial mats or pitches for recreation use

Attendees

Councillors mentioned in the meeting notes as present:

• Rawlson King
• Theresa Kavanagh
• Wilson Lo
• David Hill
• Matthew Luloff
• Catherine Kitts
• Stéphanie Plante