Toronto mayoral plans on homelessness: how Alexander, Chow and Bradford would act

Toronto’s 2026 mayoral race includes detailed proposals on homelessness from three leading candidates: Chris Alexander, Olivia Chow, and Brad Bradford. This explainer outlines what each plan aims to do, who would be affected, and practical steps residents can expect or request from candidates if elected.

What each plan changes about homelessness responses

Chris Alexander proposes a four-year plan intended to move about 1,000 unhoused Torontonians into permanent housing by 2027. The plan includes creating a lead agency, assembling a team to secure housing units, securing funding from corporations and philanthropists, and potentially purchasing distressed condo and rental buildings. It also envisions closing Toronto’s 10 largest encampments in 2027 and offering residents permanent housing as a goal of the plan.

Olivia Chow’s campaign emphasizes continuing and expanding the city’s shelter and affordable housing efforts, noting that she says 15,000 people have already moved from shelters and encampments into permanent housing under her approach, with plans to keep expanding shelter capacity and affordable housing options.

Brad Bradford has proposed a policy package that includes mandatory addiction treatment for some people with severe addictions, alongside other housing and support measures. He frames his plan as a public health and safety approach within housing strategy.

Key facts about the proposals

• Alexander’s plan targets 1,000 permanent housing placements by 2027 and involves a new lead agency and a team to secure housing units.
• The plan also mentions purchasing distressed condominium and rental buildings as a potential tool.
• Alexander seeks to close the 10 largest encampments in 2027.
• Chow claims a track record of moving people from shelters into permanent housing and plans to continue expanding shelter and affordable housing.
• Bradford favors mandatory addiction treatment for some individuals with severe addictions as part of a broader homelessness strategy.

Who would be affected

The primary groups affected are people experiencing homelessness and those living in encampments or shelters in Toronto. The plans discuss moving individuals into permanent housing, expanding shelter capacity, and providing housing supports. For residents in encampments, the specific proposal to close encampments targets a change in living arrangements. For the broader community, funding mechanisms and the involvement of a lead agency could influence how housing projects are prioritized and delivered.

Practical next steps and how to engage

• Follow candidate announcements and city council updates on housing and homelessness programs to verify timelines and funding sources.
• Ask local representatives how a proposed lead agency would coordinate with existing housing providers, shelters, and health services.
• Request details on how housing placements would be allocated, criteria for eligibility, and timelines for encampment closures.
• Seek clarity on the role of private sector funding and any potential use of distressed buildings, including oversight and accountability measures.
• Inquire about measures to ensure supports accompany housing, such as addiction treatment, mental health services, and employment supports.

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