Acknowledging “repetitive and constant” public reaction to reports of the handling of housing, social services and medical aid in some parts of Oshawa, a councillor has claimed that these “jurisdictions” are not the responsibility of the city.
Oshawa has seen a much higher rate of crime, drug abuse, homelessness and mental health issues relative to other Durham municipalities.
“Every time a post is published regarding the issues in certain neighbourhoods of the city, we get repetitive and constant comments indicating that the city needs [to] provide housing, social services and medical aid to those in need,” said Brian Nicholson, Councillor Ward 5 Oshawa and Regional Councillor.
“So please let me repeat…the city has no jurisdiction in dealing with these issues,” he said in a recent social media post.
He went on to explain that property taxes are collected by the City of Oshawa on behalf of the city, the Region of Durham and the local school boards. Of the total property taxes collected, about 40 per cent is retained by the City of Oshawa to pay for services under city jurisdiction.
“Even if we had unlimited funds, the city has no jurisdiction in dealing with these issues. We are prohibited from spending our share of property taxes paid beyond areas in our legal jurisdictions. The only direct City of Oshawa role is maintaining safety, security and cleanliness in the area,” said the councillor.
Region and Province Responsibilities
He pointed out that:
- Housing and Social Services are the responsibilities of the Region of Durham and the Province of Ontario.
- Criminal Activities are under the jurisdiction of Durham Police and the courts.
- Mental Health and related health issues are under the jurisdiction of the Ontario Ministry of Health and other provincial agencies.
Nicholson said he has previously stated that the cost of addressing safety, security and cleanliness is about $50,000 a month.
“For the record, the $50,000 monthly costs being quoted here is just the costs for the Mill St-Simcoe St S-First Avenue community in matters under city jurisdiction. It does not include the costs of policing, paramedics and other non-city agencies,” he explained.
$3 Million Annual Cost
The councillor pointed out that the annual cost for just the City of Oshawa services caused by these issues is in excess of $3 million.
“I hope you find this helpful in understanding the costs and jurisdictions regarding this extremely complicated set of issues,” said Nicholson.
“I urge you to reach out to representatives of those governments and agencies that do have jurisdiction to do more,” he added.
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