Toronto's homelessness crisis is detrimental to it's citizens. Over 10,000 people in Toronto are homeless at any given moment. (https://www.fredvictor.org/facts-about-homelessness-in-toronto/ With the COVID-19 pandemic, shelters cannot carry full capacity. The city is constantly forcing people out of encampments and destroying home-made shelters created by concerned citizens. Community fridges are being ordered to shut down, and the weather is getting increasingly colder. The temporary shelters created at places such as Exhibition Place carry prison-like conditions, such as clear walls, no hot water, and limitations on what the residents can bring in. 

If no action is taken, countless people will die this winter. 

Recently, Rogers Communications released a statement detailing the plans to potentially tear down the Rogers Centre (Skydome) and replace it with a smaller stadium and luxury condos. The city struggles with providing affordable or income-geared housing, contributing to the rise of homelessness and financial insecurity many citizens face. The Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Arena have sat practically vacant for months, and can easily be turned into pop-up shelters. Supported by the city, Rogers Communications, and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd, these arenas have the potential to bring in support workers, food service employees, and offer PROPER shelter for thousands of people. They could offer more privacy, better conditions, and more room for physical distancing.

This petition is calling on the City of Toronto, MLSE, and Rogers Communications to look into this possibility of creating pop-up shelters and give a valid explanation on if or why this cannot be done. We demand a change in this city - and this could be a way to support your citizens facing homelessness in wake of COVID-19.