A growing crisis for Ottawa
Ottawa's mayoral candidates are facing new pressure to explain how they'd tackle homelessness, after the city's latest point-in-time count found 2,952 people experiencing homelessness in 2024, a 13 per cent increase from 2021.
What it means for the campaign
With the numbers climbing, homelessness is shaping up to be a defining issue in the race for Ottawa's next mayor. Candidates are expected to detail their approaches to shelter capacity, affordable housing and outreach services as the campaign continues.
Ottawa angle
The count directly reflects conditions on Ottawa's streets and shelters, making it a key benchmark voters and candidates alike will be watching as the election nears.
Source: Ottawa Citizen
