This morning, a Ward 4 resident shared an experience that should concern all of us.While walking his dog on the Michael Starr Trail, he encountered several people who appeared to be in crisis after using drugs. His reaction wasn't anger. It was a simple question: What do we do?This is exactly what many of us warned would happen.When people are pushed away from the services that do exist, and there aren't nearly enough housing, mental health, addiction and outreach supports to meet the need, the problems don't disappear. They simply move.Instead of addressing the root causes, we're seeing the effects spread into neighbourhoods across Oshawa. Residents are encountering people in crisis in parks, trails and other public spaces, not because those people chose those locations over getting help, but because too many barriers have been placed between them and the supports they need, and because the supports available simply aren't enough.Nobody should feel uncomfortable taking a walk with their dog because we haven't invested in the supports people need.If we want a thriving downtown, safe neighbourhoods, successful local businesses and public spaces that everyone can enjoy, we need real solutions. That means more supportive housing, better access to mental health and addiction services, stronger outreach, and ensuring people can reach the services that already exist. Moving people away from help isn't a solution. It's simply moving the problem from one part of Oshawa to another.

I've been spending some time in the Comox Valley and one of the things I've been noticing is that communities across Canada are wrestling with many of the same housing challenges we face in Oshawa.

What's interesting is that many communities are also experimenting with new approaches and partnerships to address those challenges.When we talk about housing, the conversation often focuses on one issue at a time. Affordable housing. Supportive housing. Homelessness. Mental health. Addiction. Public safety.In reality, these issues are connected.People who are struggling with mental health or addiction challenges are more likely to stabilize when they have safe housing and access to supports. Families are more likely to thrive when housing is affordable. Seniors are more likely to remain independent when appropriate housing options are available. Young people are more likely to stay in their communities when they can find housing they can afford.

While housing is largely a regional, provincial, and federal responsibility, municipalities are not powerless.Cities can bring community partners together. They can identify opportunities. They can make city-owned land available for housing projects. They can remove barriers, support innovative ideas, and learn from successful models being used in other communities.Most importantly, we don't have to start from scratch.We already have organizations with expertise in housing, mental health, addiction support, community development, and affordable housing. We should be working with those partners, listening to what is working, and looking for ways to expand successful solutions.We've started to see some positive housing projects in Oshawa, and that's encouraging. But the scale of the housing crisis means we need to be thinking bigger and moving faster.

We can keep paying for crisis. Or we can invest in housing solutions that give people a better chance to succeed, strengthen our communities, and create more housing options for everyone. Some people call that progressive. I call it practical.

Today’s conversation touched on something important: the loss of third spaces in our communities, and in particular, the impact that loss is having on young people.

Home is one space. School or work is another. But outside of that, where do young people go? Where can they gather, connect, create, volunteer, play sports, make art, learn skills, or simply spend time without constantly being expected to spend money?

Over time, many of those spaces have disappeared or become harder to access. At the same time, youth are facing rising costs, underemployment, and ongoing social isolation, particularly following the years of disruption and disconnection created by COVID. Many young people are still struggling to rebuild those social connections and that sense of belonging within their community. That matters.

When young people feel disconnected, bored, frustrated, or shut out economically, it impacts mental health, community belonging, and yes, sometimes even youth crime.

Spending some time out back throwing the frisbee for the dog and reflecting on the conversations from this morning’s Coffee, Candidates & Community chat with @kristenmckinnon4ward5We heard from residents about some of the real challenges Oshawa is facing right now, but we also heard something else: people still see the potential in this city. And honestly, I agree.There’s work to do, absolutely. But Oshawa is full of good people, strong communities, and opportunities that are just waiting to be built on. Conversations like today’s remind me why listening matters. Thanks to everyone who came out and shared their thoughts, ideas, and concerns.