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Toronto’s next municipal election is shaping up to be a choice between continuing the city’s current approach to drug addiction and homelessness or making public safety and treatment a priority.

On Friday's livestream, Sheila and Tamara discussed a National Post article by Derek Finkle examining the growing frustration with Toronto’s response to the illegal fentanyl crisis and open drug use.

The article describes a Toronto town hall where a resident challenged Toronto Centre councillor Chris Moise over the city’s harm reduction approach. The man pulled back makeshift blinds covering a window to reveal a drug encampment outside, questioning why residents had to live with the consequences of the city’s policies.

Tamara pointed to similar problems extending beyond Toronto to smaller communities, including Cobourg, where encampments and drug-related public safety concerns have also affected residents.

The distribution of harm reduction supplies without a stronger focus on treatment is not helping the problem, and these policies intended to reduce harm can leave neighbourhoods struggling with open drug use while placing additional pressure on municipal governments.

Sheila contrasted the approach in some Ontario communities with Alberta’s emphasis on breaking up encampments and connecting people with treatment. Both argued that people struggling with addiction and mental illness need meaningful help, while residents also deserve safe public spaces.

As municipal elections approach, the hosts contend that voters should consider whether current policies are delivering safer streets or allowing the problems to continue.