A political advocacy group is urging the City of Toronto to revamp its approach to addiction and homelessness, calling for more robust policies ahead of the municipal election this fall. ABC Toronto has released a plan that includes creating rapid-response biohazard cleanup teams to handle discarded syringes, adding 400 new recovery beds, clearing encampments within 48 hours, and eliminating user fees for marginalized individuals.
The group presented its proposals on Thursday, following a social media campaign that gained significant traction. A video posted on Instagram, showing a man shadow boxing on a city street, garnered 300,000 views and over 1,000 comments, highlighting widespread concern about public drug use and homelessness.
Compassionate Approach Needed
Kelly Aizicowitz, executive director of ABC Toronto, emphasized the need for a fundamental shift in how the city addresses addiction. “The entire way we think about this has to change,” she said. “A lot of what has happened feels like Band-Aid solutions. While the province has shut down safe injection sites, that alone doesn't get people into detox or rehab.”
Aizicowitz noted that the strong reaction on social media indicates that conflicts related to homelessness and public drug use have become a universal Toronto experience. “That’s not good for anyone—not for those witnessing it, and certainly not for those struggling with addiction,” she added.
Political Responses
Mayoral candidate Brad Bradford, a city councillor, expressed support for the 48-hour encampment clearing timeline, which he had previously advocated for. “Torontonians should feel safe in their own city—safe walking home, safe on transit, and safe in parks where their children play,” Bradford said in a statement. However, he did not comment on other aspects of ABC’s plan.
Incumbent Mayor Olivia Chow did not respond to requests for comment.
World Cup Concerns
Aizicowitz also raised concerns about the city’s readiness for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, warning that tourists might be deterred by visible drug use and homelessness. “What is the plan to ensure the TTC is safe and that people walking on the streets won’t be accosted by someone having a drug-induced meltdown?” she asked. “You only get one chance to make a first impression, and if it’s negative, visitors will tell others not to come to Toronto.”
ABC’s plan emphasizes a compassionate approach, including providing shelter beds, transportation, case management, and secure storage for encampment residents. “We can’t just leave people in tents for the summer,” Aizicowitz said. “That’s not compassion; it’s abandonment of vulnerable people who need help.”
