Mental health advocate Steven Soos took his voice to council last Tuesday, asking Niagara-on-the-Lake to declare a crisis on mental health, addiction and housing affordability.
“These are issues that affect everyone in some way shape or form,” Soos said.
He identified himself as someone who faces discrimination as he deals with mental health struggles.
The region itself has been under a state of emergency for two years now, he said, urging NOTL to take a stand alongside other municipalities.
“The emergency is still prevalent,” Soos said.
“We’re all regional taxpayers, so the whole of this file, the addiction and mental health file, does affect Niagara-on-the-Lake in that way.”
Soos has presented to regional councillors on similar issues in the past.
In 2021, his pleas were dismissed by the region, but the state of emergency was officially announced in March 2023.
Soos told councillors that by declaring a crisis, they would not be enacting a state of emergency.
“There’s no cost to this request. It’s an acknowledgement of the issues,” he said.
Soos said Thorold passed a motion for the region to offer more drug awareness education and to add mental health and addiction resources to its website. The motion was passed Feb. 25.
The town of Lincoln also called for the provincial government to do comprehensive review of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, he said.
“Municipalities all around Niagara are taking action and I’d love for Niagara-on-the-Lake to acknowledge the issue and come to be a partner in this,” Soos said.
Soos was joined by Cheryl Rowe, a former personal support worker in the region, who shared her personal experience working with those struggling with mental health, addiction and housing affordability.
“I just want to say that mental health and addictions and homelessness and housing affordability has become a crisis. It can happen in your family, to your friends,” Rowe said.
After speaking with councillors, Soos knows there is support for this kind of initiative, he said.
In a written statement, Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa said he “appreciate(s) Mr. Soos’ presentation
and efforts,” while stating the town supports the region’s public health, social services and
regional housing programs in order to serve “our community needs.”
“They are the experts and best situated to address those matters,” he wrote. His statement did not indicate whether or not the municipality will declare a crisis on mental health, addiction and housing affordability.
