Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions
Norfolk County is increasingly required to supplement funding for mental health, addictions, homelessness, and day programming beyond what is provided through existing provincial funding.
Where we’re at
Supplemented funding is not financially sustainable for a rural municipality with a limited tax base and a 0.2% vacancy rate for rental housing. Without the need to subsidize these services, Norfolk County could have delivered a 0% property tax increase for residents. Instead, municipal property taxes are being used to fund necessary provincial services. At the same time, homelessness continues to grow, and simply creating additional shelters is not a long-term solution.
Lasting progress requires investments that address the root causes, including:
- Increased access to mental health and addictions treatment
- Improved access to primary health care
- Supportive housing options to help individuals transition out of homelessness
- Funding models that recognize the unique challenges of rural communities
Norfolk asks that the Province
- Provide sustainable, long-term provincial funding for mental health, addictions, homelessness, and social service programs so municipalities are not forced to subsidize provincially mandated services through the property tax base
- Provide funding which reflects the true cost of delivering these essential services and allows municipalities to maintain appropriate service levels without placing additional pressure on local taxpayers
- ODESP funding is not adequate for residents to keep up with rising rent costs. A more comprehensive review of funding is needed to keep pace with rising costs.
Norfolk is ready.
We can grow Ontario, together.