September 22, 1999
To:Community Services Committee
From:Jack Layton
Co-Chair, Advisory Committee on Homeless & Socially Isolated Persons
Subject:Lifting Barring Policies in Hostels
At its September 22nd meeting, the Advisory Committee for Homeless and Socially Isolated Persons, passed the following
motion to be forwarded to the Community Services Committee for action.
It is recommended that:
the Shelter, Housing and Support Division of Community and Neighbourhood Services institute a policy directing
emergency shelters in Toronto to lift all barring practises except in cases involving physical violence.
This request comes in response to reports that people are being barred from hostels at a time when the shelter system is
completely full. Without the option of going to another shelter, people who are barred have no other option but to remain
on the street. The Committee would ask that alternative approaches be used to deal with behaviours that often result in
barrings such as substance use, breaking curfews or other hostel rules. During Extreme Cold Weather Alerts barring
policies are relaxed to accommodate people in need of shelter. The Advisory Committee asks that the same practice be
adopted during this shortage of emergency bed space.
Sincerely,
Jack Layton
Co-Chair,
Advisory Committee on Homeless & Socially Isolated Persons
