TORONTO, Feb. 14, 2012 — Approximately 25 people gathered for the monthly memorial in recognition of those who’ve died as a result of homelessness. We remembered Helena Boutilier, who died in December 2011. Helena had lived on the street earlier, but was housed at the time of her death to cancer. Over 600 names have been recorded.
City Councillor Joe Mihevc of St. Paul’s West riding spoke about the boom in condo development in Toronto in contrast to the
decrease in the affordable housing stock. Efforts are underway to block Mayor Rob Ford’s plan to sell off over 700 units of affordable housing.
Councillor Mihevc spoke of the importance of delegations by concerned citizens such as those present at public hearings. Michael Shapcott of the Wellesley Institute talked about a panel to review affordable housing options for the city, as well as the need for a national housing policy.
