Therrien is acting alone on the matter as city council made no motion to make the declaration.
“I’ve called a Special Meeting of Council for this Thursday to receive an update from (and provide direction to, if needed) staff about the plans for ensuring unhoused folks have access to indoor space this fall/winter,” said Therrien in a Tweet.
She is following suit with cities such as St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Ottawa which have also declared states of emergency.
Sandra Clancy, chief administrative officer says that due to the timing of when this emergency has been declared, rules within Municipal Act curb the ability of city council and senior staff to spend money during the lame duck period.
The declaration is in name only for the time being as additional funds from federal or provincial governments cannot be received nor is the city able to spend its own money.
The city must wait during the lame duck period before the new city council is elected on Oct. 24 and officially sworn in on Nov. 28.
