Policy · Regional Accountability · Ward 2 Addressing Homelessness in Clarington Joshua Glover  |  Candidate for Councillor, Ward 2

“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.”
— Franklin D. Roosevelt 

For a person experiencing homelessness, the most immediate need is often finding a safe place to go. In Clarington, that need can be met locally during the winter months, but not year-round. Our community has daytime prevention and housing supports through organizations like the John Howard Society, while Do Unto Others provides seasonal overnight relief. Once that centre closes each spring, however, Clarington is left with zero year-round emergency shelter beds. Residents requiring immediate overnight accommodation must then seek an available bed elsewhere in Durham Region, primarily in Oshawa, Whitby or Ajax.

Our only local overnight option is the seasonal Winter Warming Centre at 181 Liberty Street South—the municipally owned former Tourism Office that Council leases to Durham Region for nominal rent. Operated by Do Unto Others from December 1 to March 31 (8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.), the facility accommodates up to 10 people with overnight cots, laundry, and showers. Municipal reports confirm that the facility operated near or at capacity throughout much of the 2024–25 winter, with some residents transported to Oshawa warming centres when local capacity was exceeded.

While local food pantries and municipal facilities provide valuable relief these stopgaps cannot replace dedicated crisis support.

The Transitional Housing Opportunity

Clarington has taken positive initial steps to support transitional housing. In May 2026, Council conditionally committed up to $5,000 in planning fee waivers and up to $355,000 in municipal infrastructure funding should Durham Region Non-Profit Housing Corporation proceed with a Clarington site. The concept presented to Council proposed 50 micro-modular cabins on Maple Grove Road, featuring shared facilities and 24-hour wraparound supports.

If realized, this initiative will establish a crucial supportive pathway at the Courtice/Bowmanville border. However, transitional housing serves a different purpose than emergency shelter. The seasonal warming centre still closes every spring, leaving Clarington without a dedicated overnight warming facility for the remainder of the year. 

The Regional Mandate

Under Ontario's two-tier municipal framework, Durham Region is the provincially designated Service System Manager for Housing and Homelessness, responsible for planning and administering services including emergency shelters and Coordinated Access.

Clarington can contribute municipal assets, infrastructure and planning support, while Durham Region holds primary responsibility for funding and delivering homelessness services. Council's role is to use those local tools effectively while advocating for equitable, year-round Regional service delivery in our community.

Policy Commitments

When elected Councillor for Ward 2, I will work to advance a pragmatic, fiscally responsible approach to local housing need:

• Support the Maple Grove Transitional Community: Honour Clarington’s commitment of up to $355,000 in infrastructure funding and expedite municipal approvals of the non-profit proceeds with the proposed 50-unit project, bringing 24/7 supportive housing to our community without transferring ongoing operating costs to Clarington's local tax levy.
• Expand Year-Round Service Presence at 181 Liberty: Build on the existing municipal-asset partnership at Do Unto Others by advocating for Durham Region to establish services beyond the four-month winter window, including daytime respite, warm handoffs, and basic outreach where operationally appropriate.
• Improve Rural and Suburban Outreach Coordination: Work with Durham Region's Street Outreach Team to strengthen proactive coverage across Courtice, Newcastle, and rural Clarington, ensuring timely connections to crisis services, health supports, and available shelter.

On October 26, vote Joshua Glover for Peace, Order, and Good Governance.