CMHA Toronto transit mental health response highlights need for community-based crisis care
TORONTO — Canadian Mental Health Association Toronto is calling on the Ontario government to adopt a health-based approach to public transit safety, as the province considers expanding enforcement powers for transit special constables.
The proposed regulation under the Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act, 2025 would allow transit constables to request identification, issue penalties, and potentially detain or charge individuals on transit systems.
Concerns Over Enforcement-First Approach
CMHA Toronto says the proposed expansion risks relying too heavily on enforcement rather than addressing the root causes of incidents linked to mental health and substance use.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe on public transit, but expanding enforcement powers will not solve mental health and addiction crises,” said Michael Anhorn, CEO of CMHA Toronto, in a statement.
“When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, the most effective approach is responding with trained mental health professionals and community supports, not criminal justice.”
Rising Incidents on Transit
The discussion comes amid ongoing concerns about safety across Toronto’s transit system.
According to the City of Toronto, violent incidents on the Toronto Transit Commission increased by 46 per cent compared to 2021. While incidents declined in 2023, they remain above previous levels.
Despite these trends, mental health advocates argue that enforcement alone will not resolve the underlying issues driving many of these situations.
Existing Model Points to Alternative
CMHA Toronto is pointing to the Toronto Community Crisis Service (TCCS) as a model for a more effective response.
The 24/7 service dispatches trained crisis workers — including mental health professionals, addiction specialists and peer support workers — to respond to individuals in crisis without police involvement.
Through 211, calls are triaged and directed to mobile crisis teams that meet individuals in the community, including on transit systems. The service emphasizes de-escalation, culturally responsive care and connection to long-term support.
CMHA Toronto notes that TCCS is already being piloted in some TTC stations and could be expanded across the entire network.
“When trained crisis workers can meet people where they are and connect them to care, we can de-escalate situations and support safer outcomes for everyone involved,” Anhorn said.
Broader Policy Recommendations
In a recent submission, Canadian Mental Health Association Ontario raised concerns that increased enforcement could disproportionately impact individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges and substance use disorders.
The organization is recommending a broader strategy that includes:
- Expanded access to mental health services
- Increased housing supports
- Strengthened community-based care systems
Advocates argue that addressing these underlying factors is essential to improving long-term safety on public transit.
A Debate Over Public Safety and Care
As Ontario continues to review the proposed regulation, the discussion highlights a broader policy question: whether transit safety should be addressed primarily through enforcement or through expanded social and health supports.
For CMHA Toronto, the answer lies in scaling up existing community-based solutions.
The organization says expanding services like TCCS across the TTC could reduce pressure on emergency services, minimize interactions with the justice system and ensure individuals in crisis receive appropriate care.
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