Ottawa Mayor Aims to Eliminate Youth Homelessness by 2030

OTTAWA – Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has announced a bold initiative to end youth homelessness in the city by 2030. During a press conference, Sutcliffe outlined his commitment to address this pressing issue, emphasizing a focus on prevention and diversion strategies aimed at keeping young people out of shelters.

Details of the Initiative

Sutcliffe revealed that the specifics of the city’s plan will be disclosed in the upcoming budget. As part of initial measures, he introduced a foot race event dedicated to raising awareness and funds to combat homelessness. Additionally, a “hackathon” is slated to take place, encouraging creative solutions to prevent youth from becoming homeless.

While the mayor has not provided a detailed budget for the initiative, he stated that the city is currently not seeking financial assistance from other levels of government. This approach indicates a strong local commitment to tackling the issue independently.

Current Statistics and Community Impact

The number of young individuals experiencing homelessness in Ottawa fluctuates, but recent estimates suggest that between 50 to 100 youths are affected at any given time. This statistic highlights the urgent need for effective and sustainable solutions.

Mayor Sutcliffe’s announcement has been met with cautious optimism from various community organizations, which have long advocated for targeted efforts to support vulnerable youth. The planned initiatives aim not only to provide immediate relief but also to create long-term pathways out of homelessness.

This report, originally published by The Canadian Press on September 16, 2025, underscores the significance of municipal leadership in addressing social issues. As Ottawa moves forward with this ambitious goal, the community will be watching closely to see how these plans develop and translate into actionable change.