Story perspectives

Ontario's Homeless Deaths Rise: Urgent Call for Shelters

3/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hypothermia deaths among Ontario's homeless rose to 62 in 2023 and 57 in 2024, per Dr. Dirk Huyer, chief coroner.
Many deaths are complicated by drug toxicity, underscoring their preventable nature.
Emergency departments, especially at St. Michael’s Hospital, have become makeshift shelters treating severe cases.
Dr. Evelyn Dell leads efforts to improve hypothermia treatment.
Outreach workers urge more shelters and affordable housing to protect vulnerable people from the cold.

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Story summary

Hypothermia deaths among Ontario's homeless rose to 62 in 2023 and 57 in 2024, per Dr. Dirk Huyer, chief coroner.
Many deaths are complicated by drug toxicity, underscoring their preventable nature.
Emergency departments, especially at St. Michael’s Hospital, have become makeshift shelters treating severe cases.
Dr. Evelyn Dell leads efforts to improve hypothermia treatment.
Outreach workers urge more shelters and affordable housing to protect vulnerable people from the cold.