Remote towns in Canada face rising homelessness crisis

In recent years, the issue of homelessness has surged dramatically, even in the smallest and most remote towns across Canada. From bustling urban centers to picturesque rural communities, the struggle to provide shelter and support for those without homes has become increasingly visible. This crisis, often overlooked, is forcing local governments and organizations to confront a reality that many were unprepared to handle.

The alarming rise of homelessness in small towns

In Bathurst, a quaint city in northeastern New Brunswick, homelessness seemed almost non-existent just a few years ago. Now, with a population of approximately 15,000, local officials are scrambling to open a new 40-bed homeless shelter to accommodate the growing demand.

Similarly, Yorkton, a small city in southwestern Saskatchewan, has recently expanded its emergency shelter services. Meanwhile, in the remote British Columbia community of 100 Mile House, local authorities have taken drastic measures, including purchasing a specialized firefighting bush truck to combat the increased risk of wildfires linked to makeshift camps set up by homeless individuals.

These developments highlight a troubling trend. A recent report from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) has shed light on the rising rates of homelessness in rural areas, a crisis that has been notoriously difficult to quantify. The report reveals that last year, approximately 85,000 individuals were identified as homeless in Ontario alone, with 12,800 residing in rural and northern regions. This represents a staggering increase of 31% for rural areas and 37% for northern communities since 2024, compared to a provincial increase of just 7.8%.

Understanding the demographics of homelessness

The AMO report also underscores the significant overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples among the homeless population. While they constitute less than 3% of Ontario's overall population, they account for more than 13% of those experiencing homelessness.

This demographic disparity highlights the multifaceted nature of homelessness, which is influenced by a convergence of crises including housing affordability, mental health issues, and addiction. Local politicians, advocates, and frontline workers in rural communities are grappling with these escalating challenges, often without the necessary resources to respond effectively.

Experiences from the ground: Voices of advocacy

Terrilee Kelford, a dedicated volunteer with homeless youth in Ontario for 25 years, has been actively involved in the newly formed Rural Alliance to End Homelessness. According to Kelford, the stories of struggle and despair she hears from communities across Canada are eerily similar. “People are sleeping outside in small towns across the country,” she notes. “For years, folks even from rural communities would argue with me about the existence of rural homelessness – and that is no longer an issue.”

How Canada tracks homelessness

At the national level, homelessness in Canada is typically assessed through point-in-time counts, which provide a snapshot of the homeless population across various communities. In 2024, nearly 60,000 individuals were identified as homeless in 74 communities, marking a staggering 79% increase from previous counts conducted between 2020 and 2022. Specifically, the number of unsheltered individuals—those living on the street, in tents, or in abandoned buildings—has surged by 107%.

Tim Richter, executive director of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, described the situation as “an unparalleled natural disaster unfolding on our streets.” The evidence is becoming increasingly hard to ignore, revealing the depth of the crisis affecting both urban and rural areas.

Local responses to escalating homelessness

In Bathurst, Mayor Kim Chamberlain has expressed deep concern over the inadequacy of the city's current 10-bed shelter. Last fall, a count identified 61 individuals without a place to sleep, with many likely uncounted due to hidden encampments in the surrounding woods. The city has sought to address this pressing issue by working to establish temporary warming centers, but this patchwork approach has fallen short of meeting the growing need.

“Safety is our biggest concern,” Mayor Chamberlain stated, fearing that someone might perish from exposure or fire. Tragically, incidents of tent fires have occurred in various cities, including a recent tragedy in Sudbury, highlighting the urgent need for action.

Challenges faced by small municipalities

Across Canada, smaller municipalities are facing unique challenges as they navigate the complexities of homelessness. For instance, in Smithers, British Columbia, Mayor Gladys Atrill recounts her experiences growing up in a town where a few individuals were known to be “living rough.” Today, the situation has escalated, with a homeless camp located directly across from the town hall, housing between 20 and 30 individuals at any given time.

Last year, point-in-time counts revealed that 77 residents were homeless in Smithers, with nearly all of them living outdoors. To address this crisis, the town has hired additional community safety officers and contracted private security to monitor encampments. Furthermore, partnerships with non-profit organizations have led to the establishment of a new 10-bed shelter.

• Local governments are investing in:
• Enhanced security measures to manage homelessness
• Collaboration with non-profit organizations for shelter support
• Community safety initiatives to ensure public order
• Long-term housing projects to provide stability for the homeless population

The role of mental health and addiction

As cities grapple with rising homelessness, mental health issues and addiction have emerged as significant factors contributing to the crisis. Dr. Paul Parks from Medicine Hat, Alberta, noted that many individuals arriving at the emergency department are homeless, often due to inadequate mental health care services. “There’s a certain population within there that have severe mental illness that can’t go into any of the Housing First programs,” he explained. This gap in services leads to a troubling cycle of homelessness and emergency care utilization.

The need for comprehensive solutions

In Manitoba, recent government initiatives aimed at addressing chronic homelessness have sparked frustration among advocates who argue that these efforts predominantly center on Winnipeg, neglecting the widespread nature of the issue in rural areas. Jan Marie Graham, an associate professor at Brandon University, emphasized the urgency of recognizing homelessness as a pervasive phenomenon throughout the province, extending to communities like Thompson, Flin Flon, and even smaller towns.

In Portage la Prairie, for instance, individuals have been forced to endure extreme cold conditions, with reports of people sleeping under a local bridge due to the lack of available shelter. Meanwhile, Brandon has seen an alarming rise in homelessness, prompting the reopening of temporary warming shelters.

• Key challenges faced by rural communities include:
• Limited shelter options
• Inadequate mental health services
• Increased public disorder and crime
• Strained local resources

As Canada continues to grapple with the complexities of homelessness, it is evident that a multifaceted approach is necessary. Local governments, non-profit organizations, and community members must work collaboratively to develop comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of homelessness and provide sustainable solutions. The stories emerging from small towns across Canada serve as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for action and compassion in the face of this growing crisis.