Having declared a state of emergency for homelessness, mental health and addictions in February 2023, regional council went back to the well again last week with another call for provincial support.

Councillors voted unanimously on a new motion Thursday that asks Queen’s Park for a co-ordinated approach between the provincial ministries of health, municipal affairs and housing, and community and social services — as well as additional funding.

“Maybe if we bring a motion like this every single month, the province will finally listen,” said St. Catharines Coun. Laura Ip.

The motion stated that the funding increase would address the service gaps contributing to the state of emergency, including affordable housing, supportive housing, addiction treatment and mental health supports for vuln

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