Matthew P. Barker
@matthewpbarker.bsky.social
Reporter at St. Catharines Standard| Homelessness, Housing & Food Insecurity | *reposts not endorsements* mbarker@niagaradailies.com
“Housing is a human right and as legislators we should be making sure everyone has the ability to rent or to live in affordable housing,” said St. Catharines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens.
New Ontario act ‘threat to democracy’ and housing as human right: St. Catharines MPP
Its being called a threat to democracy, as the provincial government rammed through highly contested legislation stripping tenants’ rights and consolidating power in the hands of landlords.
www.stcatharinesstandard.ca
November 26, 2025 at 1:09 PM
“Housing is a human right and as legislators we should be making sure everyone has the ability to rent or to live in affordable housing,” said St. Catharines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens.
“If you had asked me two weeks ago, I would have said there is zero hope. I was very down and depressed … I was drowning in sorrow and grief and now I feel like the sun is rising,” said Brenda Boulanger, unhoused Welland woman.
‘The sun is rising’: Unhoused Welland woman given hand up to get off the streets
Brenda Boulanger breathed a sigh of relief on the other end of the phone, fighting back tears and emotions as the reality set in, she would no longer have to stay in a Niagara shelter.
www.stcatharinesstandard.ca
November 21, 2025 at 11:29 PM
“If you had asked me two weeks ago, I would have said there is zero hope. I was very down and depressed … I was drowning in sorrow and grief and now I feel like the sun is rising,” said Brenda Boulanger, unhoused Welland woman.
“(It) was terrible last night, heartbreaking, I cried most of the night,” said Brenda Boulanger.
Winter’s coming. Where do Niagara’s unhoused go if they’re turned away from emergency shelters?
After the first frigid, snowy night this year, with temperatures dipping below freezing, a regional councillor is hoping to implement stopgaps to prevent more unhoused deaths this winter.
www.stcatharinesstandard.ca
November 11, 2025 at 9:43 PM
“(It) was terrible last night, heartbreaking, I cried most of the night,” said Brenda Boulanger.
“(I) reached out to the local legion in Merritton, asking them, how can we fundraise that will go directly to the veterans, and they told us about the poppy fund,” said Stephanie Arsenault-Smith, co-owner of The Docks pub.
Poppy fund raffle aims to raise money for Niagara veterans
Supporting veterans and providing vital services is the hope for The Docks Pub Saturday as they host their annual poppy fund raffle.
www.stcatharinesstandard.ca
November 8, 2025 at 12:14 PM
“(I) reached out to the local legion in Merritton, asking them, how can we fundraise that will go directly to the veterans, and they told us about the poppy fund,” said Stephanie Arsenault-Smith, co-owner of The Docks pub.
“What’s happening in the area, the city and the region are responsible and they’re letting it happen. There are a lot of solutions to (these situations), and we’re not seeing it,” said Tim Toffolo, St. Catharine’s resident and business owner.
Encampment garbage frustration results in St. Catharines resident taking action
A St. Catharines resident and business owner is frustrated with the Region after having to clean up an abandoned encampment, bagging garbage and move it to the curb, while receiving the silent treatme...
www.stcatharinesstandard.ca
November 8, 2025 at 2:32 AM
“What’s happening in the area, the city and the region are responsible and they’re letting it happen. There are a lot of solutions to (these situations), and we’re not seeing it,” said Tim Toffolo, St. Catharine’s resident and business owner.
“We’re up already 52 per cent more people who came on the first night,” said Jane Cocco, program coordinator for St. Alfred’s church, Out of the Cold meal program.
‘People are stretched to the limit’: Out of the Cold program sees staggering increase in hunger
The community funded program is expected to have 10 per cent more people accessing its nightly meals
www.stcatharinesstandard.ca
November 8, 2025 at 2:23 AM
“We’re up already 52 per cent more people who came on the first night,” said Jane Cocco, program coordinator for St. Alfred’s church, Out of the Cold meal program.
“People aren’t donating. Obviously, grocery stores are, and we still get those food recovery programs coming in,” said
‘There’s too much month at the end of the money’: Niagara food banks unsure how long they can sustain services
With demand continuing to increase while donations stagnant, operators are dipping into their coffers more than ever to keep shelves full.
www.stcatharinesstandard.ca
October 27, 2025 at 9:44 PM
“People aren’t donating. Obviously, grocery stores are, and we still get those food recovery programs coming in,” said
The interactive feature is being hosted by The NOTL Contemporary art gallery at Ironwood Cider House, 1425 Lakeshore Rd., on Saturday 6-9 p.m.
Urban exploration art exhibit in Niagara-on-the-Lake focused on abandoned buildings
Photographers James Mattiazzo and Dave Conlin have organized “Urbex, The Urban Exploration Exhibit” happening Saturday in the gallery at Ironwood Cider House.
www.stcatharinesstandard.ca
October 27, 2025 at 9:37 PM
The interactive feature is being hosted by The NOTL Contemporary art gallery at Ironwood Cider House, 1425 Lakeshore Rd., on Saturday 6-9 p.m.
Some residents said the development would be out of place, while others felt it would be another step toward gentrification, pushing people out of the predominantly lower- to middle-class neighbourhood that has been affordable for them.
9 highrises for former St. Catharines hospital site not healthy for Queenston St. neighbourhood, residents say
Concerned about gentrification, St. Catharines residents who turned out for a public meeting at Connaught Public School said the developer’s proposal does not promise enough affordable apartment units...
www.stcatharinesstandard.ca
October 11, 2025 at 2:44 AM
Some residents said the development would be out of place, while others felt it would be another step toward gentrification, pushing people out of the predominantly lower- to middle-class neighbourhood that has been affordable for them.
“It’s forcing people back into the shadows,” said Dan Hennessey, Peterborough homelessness advocate.
“I agree that the open-air drug use is rampant, but, they (police and agencies) should have other dedicated places, outside of the CTS (for people to go), where they can access services too.”
“I agree that the open-air drug use is rampant, but, they (police and agencies) should have other dedicated places, outside of the CTS (for people to go), where they can access services too.”
Will Niagara follow Peterborough’s experience with no-tolerance approach to public drug use?
With Niagara Regional Police Service declaring a no-tolerance open-air drug policy for Niagara, experts worry, as Niagara politicians praise communities targeting vulnerable populations.
www.stcatharinesstandard.ca
October 4, 2025 at 4:22 PM
“It’s forcing people back into the shadows,” said Dan Hennessey, Peterborough homelessness advocate.
“I agree that the open-air drug use is rampant, but, they (police and agencies) should have other dedicated places, outside of the CTS (for people to go), where they can access services too.”
“I agree that the open-air drug use is rampant, but, they (police and agencies) should have other dedicated places, outside of the CTS (for people to go), where they can access services too.”
“I was broken beyond repair, I spent the first 10 days weeping for the position I found myself in,” said Susan Papov, when she found out she would be homeless.
Older adult homelessness a growing concern in Niagara
Over the last half decade,the population of older adults experiencing homelessness has more than doubled, and the proportion has grown from 10 per cent of all homeless people to 15.
www.stcatharinesstandard.ca
October 2, 2025 at 9:47 PM
“I was broken beyond repair, I spent the first 10 days weeping for the position I found myself in,” said Susan Papov, when she found out she would be homeless.
“It’s going to cause landlords to not rent to folks whom they suspect of having a substance abuse disorder,” said Silver Spire Church Rev. Karen Orlandi.
Bill putting onus on landlords to curb drug activity could make Niagara housing crisis worse, advocates say
People in need of housing may face new hurdles, as provincial legislation would put more onus on landlords to curb drug activity on properties.
www.stcatharinesstandard.ca
September 29, 2025 at 9:46 PM
“It’s going to cause landlords to not rent to folks whom they suspect of having a substance abuse disorder,” said Silver Spire Church Rev. Karen Orlandi.
“It ensures policy is driven by things like prejudice and stigma towards people who are unhoused or people who use drugs or people experiencing addiction,” said Dr. Scott Neufeld, assistant professor community psychology at Brock University.
Drug use crackdown: A necessary step to keep Niagara streets safe or criminalizing an at-risk population?
A Niagara Falls city councillor and businessperson is applauding Niagara Regional Police’s new “zero tolerance” approach to illegal drug use in public spaces
www.stcatharinesstandard.ca
September 28, 2025 at 1:13 PM
“It ensures policy is driven by things like prejudice and stigma towards people who are unhoused or people who use drugs or people experiencing addiction,” said Dr. Scott Neufeld, assistant professor community psychology at Brock University.
“It means everything to us, because there hasn’t been a lot of support from the police department, unfortunately,” said Jennifer and Bill Adamson, in a statement.
‘Nick hasn’t been forgotten’: Non-profit leads Hamilton search for St. Catharines man’s remains
Search teams with Please Bring Me Home combed the shoreline around Hamilton Harbour Waterfront Trail where Nicholas Adamson’s upper arm bone was discovered in December
www.stcatharinesstandard.ca
September 8, 2025 at 10:25 PM
“It means everything to us, because there hasn’t been a lot of support from the police department, unfortunately,” said Jennifer and Bill Adamson, in a statement.
“If you’re creating in your truth and you’re creating from a very authentic, honest place, that work is going to shine and resonate on its own, don’t worry about it,” said January Rogers, performing arts award recipient
‘A lot of people are doing amazing work’: Niagara Indigenous awards recognize excellence
Powerful words captivated the ear Friday celebrated hard working and dedicated women and men who embody excellence in their community.
www.stcatharinesstandard.ca
September 8, 2025 at 10:16 PM
“If you’re creating in your truth and you’re creating from a very authentic, honest place, that work is going to shine and resonate on its own, don’t worry about it,” said January Rogers, performing arts award recipient
“Too often governments speak of compassion while dragging their feet on life-saving measures,” said Sarah Schutts, a speaker at Positive Living’s International Opioid Awareness Day gathering Thursday.
Niagara’s rained out overdose awareness march takes its message of hope indoors
Rain didn’t dampen people’s resolve during the International Opioid Awareness Day gathering in downtown St. Catharines Thursday.
www.stcatharinesstandard.ca
August 30, 2025 at 1:18 AM
“Too often governments speak of compassion while dragging their feet on life-saving measures,” said Sarah Schutts, a speaker at Positive Living’s International Opioid Awareness Day gathering Thursday.
“What reasoning do they have to declare no foul play?” said Nick Oldrieve, Please Bring Me Home executive director. “I understand, no trauma to the arm bone, but that is very blatantly not enough to say no foul play.”
Is the Adamson case open or closed? Family still at odds with Niagara police since arm bone discovered
An upper arm bone of Nicholas Adamson of St. Catharines was found in Hamilton Harbour more than two years after he vanished from outside a Thorold nightclub. Police say there was no foul play. His mom...
www.stcatharinesstandard.ca
August 27, 2025 at 10:49 PM
“What reasoning do they have to declare no foul play?” said Nick Oldrieve, Please Bring Me Home executive director. “I understand, no trauma to the arm bone, but that is very blatantly not enough to say no foul play.”
“I’m just a mom trying to bring awareness in hopes one family doesn’t experience the same pain my family experienced,” said Diann Brown, organizer.
Opioid awareness display moved from St. Catharines city hall to church
New community and cultural displays bylaw put size limit on city hall displays which was far surpassed by purple ribbon installation.
www.stcatharinesstandard.ca
August 12, 2025 at 12:45 AM
“I’m just a mom trying to bring awareness in hopes one family doesn’t experience the same pain my family experienced,” said Diann Brown, organizer.
“If they were serious … they would have given some clarity on what the realistic opening date is,” said Emily Spanton, an addictions counsellor and co-chair of Niagara Advocates with Lived and Living Experience (NALE).
Delayed Niagara addiction treatment hub opening raising concern among advocates
Advocacy groups and academics are furious over funding delays to Niagara’s Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub, which they say complicates services for vulnerable people across the region.
www.stcatharinesstandard.ca
August 10, 2025 at 11:33 PM
“If they were serious … they would have given some clarity on what the realistic opening date is,” said Emily Spanton, an addictions counsellor and co-chair of Niagara Advocates with Lived and Living Experience (NALE).
“I’m thinking about moving to Hamilton, because I’m noticing the (rents) are cheaper there and St. Catharines rent prices are unbelievable, it’s unrealistic,” said Karyssa Chininea.
Rent increases force St. Catharines woman to look outside Niagara for housing
Tenants gathered outside a north end St. Catharines apartment building Wednesday to speak with St. Catharines MPP Jennie Stevens and Opposition leader Marit Stiles about the concerning rental landscap...
www.stcatharinesstandard.ca
August 3, 2025 at 8:28 PM
“I’m thinking about moving to Hamilton, because I’m noticing the (rents) are cheaper there and St. Catharines rent prices are unbelievable, it’s unrealistic,” said Karyssa Chininea.
“This government is negligent in addressing our homeless and addiction crisis head-on. We have a crisis in St. Catharines and across the region,” said St. Catharines MPP Jennie Stevens.
#homeless #addiction #mentalhealth #funding #help
#homeless #addiction #mentalhealth #funding #help
St. Catharines MPP blasts province for delayed HART Hub rollout
Jennie Stevens said Niagara’s Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub was expected to be operational in April, but is still awaiting millions of dollars in funding.
www.stcatharinesstandard.ca
July 4, 2025 at 11:55 PM
“This government is negligent in addressing our homeless and addiction crisis head-on. We have a crisis in St. Catharines and across the region,” said St. Catharines MPP Jennie Stevens.
#homeless #addiction #mentalhealth #funding #help
#homeless #addiction #mentalhealth #funding #help
“We know downtowns have been hit hard by the homelessness and overdose crisis, so (the approach is about) finding ways to better support our community members and businesses at the same time,” said Talia Storm Positive Living StreetWorks director.
The unhoused population is often at odds with businesses. Welcoming Streets aims to bridge the gap
Launched in April, the regionally funded initiative aims to foster a relationship between vulnerable people and businesses in downtown St. Catharines.
www.stcatharinesstandard.ca
June 26, 2025 at 11:55 PM
“We know downtowns have been hit hard by the homelessness and overdose crisis, so (the approach is about) finding ways to better support our community members and businesses at the same time,” said Talia Storm Positive Living StreetWorks director.
“We didn’t want to seem performative, in our participation, when there have been some contentious issues lately, like the public spaces use bylaw that had recently been put into action,” said Halley Irwin, Niagara Regional Native Centre development and community engagement director.
Indigenous community withdraws from flag raising over beef with St. Catharines
It was a small gathering Friday outside St. Catharines city hall for a flag-raising ceremony for National Indigenous People’s Day, as Niagara Regional Native Centre chose not to support the event.
www.stcatharinesstandard.ca
June 25, 2025 at 2:51 AM
“We didn’t want to seem performative, in our participation, when there have been some contentious issues lately, like the public spaces use bylaw that had recently been put into action,” said Halley Irwin, Niagara Regional Native Centre development and community engagement director.