Homelessness in Muskoka has risen by over 15 per cent since 2024, alongside growing demand for homelessness programs and services across the region.
That’s according to a staff report presented by Sandra Daleman, Manager of Human Services for the district, at the joint planning and health services committee meeting on March 19.
“Since March of 2023, when we declared an emergency for homelessness, there continues to be pressure. We’ve had a slight decrease in the number of people we support in our motel system. But the trend is for much longer stays,” she said. “Our clients are also accessing many of our other homelessness programs and services. Much more than before.”
The report states that from April 1, 2025, to February 1, 2026, the Homelessness Team have managed 582 households requiring shelter, navigation, and support. Of these, 77 per cent were experiencing homelessness, while 23 per cent were at risk.
“The housing support fund, which is able to provide some support for rent or utilities and whatnot to people who are at risk of homelessness, has increased 49 per cent over the last five years,” said Daleman. “Our by-name list in the same time frame increased 51 per cent.”
According to the report, the district is currently supporting 208 households who are actively experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Of these, 64 per cent are living in precarious conditions, staying temporarily with family or friends, or living rough, while 36 per cent are being supported through the emergency shelter motel model.
“Clients have no place to go. Affordable housing is not available in Muskoka,” said Daleman.
The report also highlights additional pressures contributing to homelessness, including stagnant social assistance rates since 2018 amid rising rent costs, as well as challenges accessing mental health and addiction services, along with broader healthcare.
According to the report, staff are considering the need to increase resources to address the current and future demand, and better support people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the community.
Daleman said they will continue reviewing data analytics, exploring best practices across the province, and working with community partners to find efficiencies and better support the rising needs of their clients.
“We do aim to provide sustained, meaningful and preventative homelessness and housing first options,” she said.
