Janice Sheehy, Commissioner of Human Services, presented an overview of the services provided through Housing Supports, Income Support, Community Investment, and Early Years and Child Care, which fall under the Living pillar of the Strategic Plan.
The Commissioner reviewed the proposed 2022 operating and capital budget for Human Services and highlighted solutions to address the affordable housing crisis in Peel; funding pressures to allow Peel Living to maintain assets in a state of good repair; an anticipated increase in Ontario Works cases; the transformation of the social assistance system; the creation of the COVID-19 Community Response Table to address unmet needs of the vulnerable population with increased demands for funding by the not-for-profit sector; and, the Region’s investment as Service Manager for Early Years and Child Care. The Commissioner stated that staff identified $2.7M through efficiencies for 2022 with no impact to service levels.
Members of Regional Council discussed and asked questions regarding affordable housing wait lists; household income capping for eligibility for the Second Unit Renovation program; involvement with stakeholders and developers to provide affordable housing; and the net tax impacts of converting contract staff to full time.
Councillor Parrish stated that the Region of Peel has not increased grants to not-for-profit organizations in five years and noted that food banks are struggling. She enquired if the Mississauga Food Bank’s grant could be increased on a temporary basis to assist with pandemic-related pressures. Gary Kent, Chief Financial Officer and Commissioner of Corporate Services, responded that a temporary increase in some services could be funded from stabilization reserves.
In response to questions from Councillor Palleschi regarding the Second Unit Renovation Assistance Program, the Commissioner of Human Services undertook to report to Regional Council in 2022 with an evaluation of the program, including whether increasing the cap on household income would increase participation levels.
The Chief Financial Officer and Commissioner of Corporate Services undertook to report to a future meeting of Regional Council with additional information related to the conversion of contract staff to full time.