Disabled Sudbury man living in his vehicle
A disabled man in Greater Sudbury, Ont., who is homeless and living in his car shares his story with CTV News.
The vehicle, a Honda Element, that a 58-year-old disabled man in Greater Sudbury, Ont., is currently calling his home after being evicted from where he was living in June 2024 after the property was sold. September 13, 2024. (Alana Everson/CTV News Northern Ontario)
The 58-year-old said he sharing his story to show how difficult it is to live on the Ontario Disability Support Program known as ODSP.
Mike told CTV News that he did not want to share his last name because of the stigmas related to being homeless.
Living in his vehicle after an eviction
He said he has been living in his car since June after being evicted when the property he was living in was sold.
“You know the pain, everything you got to deal with never mind the food to get fed to shower to use bathrooms,” said Mike.
“People don’t understand what we go through.”
He suffers from a heart condition, anxiety, PTSD and the early stages of Parkinson’s Disease.
A 58-year-old Greater Sudbury man, Mike, suffering from a heart condition, anxiety, PTSD and the early stages of Parkinson’s disease is living in his vehicle. His legs and a cane are pictured on September 13, 2024. (Alana Everson/CTV News Northern Ontario)
Mike said he now lives on just over $900 a month from ODSP without the shelter benefit.
“My mobility is limited and sleeping on the floor of my vehicle here just makes my health issues worse,” he said.
CTV News out to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services that is responsible for ODSP for comment, they replied with a statement the said in part:
“Our government continues to invest in programs and services to make life more affordable for residents across the province so that nobody gets left behind…
Since September 2022, we increased ODSP rates by nearly 17 per cent, including a 4.5 increase in July 2024. We have also tied these rates to inflation.”
Mike said he does not do drugs, drink or smoke and currently all the money that he receives is spent on basic needs and his cell phone.
He said he is not surprised more people are becoming homeless.
“Most definitely the province has to do something because it’s in every city,” said Mike.
It’s impossible
Mike said it’s impossible to secure an apartment and live on just over $900 a month.
“Even a bachelor apartment is over $1,000 a month so never mind a one-bedroom and it just keeps skyrocketing,” he said.
“To find an apartment on the income that I have coming in right now is impossible because there is nobody in their right mind that will rent to you on that kind of income.”
Mike said he is on Greater Sudbury’s emergency list for housing but has been told even with his urgent status it could take several months to a year before his needs are addressed.
Earlier this year, a report presented to city council said ending homelessness in the city would cost $350 million.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Live updates: Hurricane Milton leaves path of destruction in Florida
Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm Wednesday night, causing widespread destruction and immobilizing critical infrastructure. The extent of the damage is not yet known.
Company must refund $1-million deposit after failing to complete West Vancouver home on time, court rules
A West Vancouver company has been ordered to repay a homebuyer's $1-million deposit after it failed to complete construction on the property in time.
opinion
opinion Melania Trump reveals surprising pen pal friendship with King Charles III
In her column for CTVNews.ca, royal commentator Afua Hagan writes about the pen friendship we didn't see coming, between Melania Trump, the former first lady of the United States, and King Charles III.
Did John Rustad witness an overdose death on his way to the B.C. leaders' debate?
During the campaign, BC Conservative Leader John Rustad has repeatedly said people are "dying on the streets" in the province – and on Tuesday he claimed to have witnessed that very thing in downtown Vancouver while he was on his way to the leaders' debate.
Washington state woman calls 911 after being hounded by up to 100 raccoons
Sheriff's deputies in Washington's Kitsap County frequently get calls about animals -- loose livestock, problem dogs. But the 911 call they received recently from a woman being hounded by dozens of raccoons swarming her home near Poulsbo stood out.
video
video Why are there cars in the Detroit River?
Dozens of cars were pulled out of the Detroit River in west Windsor on Tuesday, causing many questions for Windsorites.
Hundreds of thousands of popular vehicles recalled in Canada over steering issue
Hundreds of thousands of vehicles are being recalled in Canada due to a steering-related issue that could increase a driver's risk of crash.
'We want things to go forward': Bloc leader hints his party 'might' help end House impasse
The leader of the Bloc Quebecois says his party 'might play a role' in helping the Liberals get House of Commons business rolling again — after days of Conservative-led debate on a privilege matter — but that his assistance would come at a cost.
Pilot dies aboard Turkish Airlines flight, forcing emergency landing in New York
A Turkish Airlines jetliner headed from Seattle to Istanbul made an emergency landing in New York on Wednesday after the captain died on board, an airline official said.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Barrie
-
Barrie man accused of stabbing police officer denied bail
A Barrie man accused of assaulting a police officer in late September, which then became the topic of conversation in parliament last week, has been denied bail.
-
One person critically injured after being shot during armed robbery at gas station: OPP
Provincial police are investigating reports of an armed robbery in Amaranth Township that sent one person to the hospital in critical condition.
-
Barrie man found not guilty in 1994 death of Katherine Janeiro
The jury reached a verdict on Wednesday in the 1994 Katherine Janeiro murder case, finding her former boyfriend, Bruce Ellis, not guilty.
Toronto
-
William Osler Health System apologizes after Sikh patient's beard shaved 'without consent and without medical necessity'
William Osler Health System is apologizing for an incident in which an elderly Sikh patient’s facial hair was shaved 'without consent and without medical necessity' by staff at Brampton Civic Hospital.
-
As Hurricane Milton makes landfall, more than 1.6 million customers are left without power in Florida
The Category 2 storm has left 1.6 million homes and businesses without power in Florida as Milton pummels through the state.
-
'I should have been there': Toronto mayor says she regrets not being at Oct. 7 vigil
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow is expressing regret for not attending a massive vigil held earlier this week where the city’s Jewish community commemorated one year since the October 7 terrorist attack. But her explanation isn’t adding up, event organizers say.
Ottawa
-
NEW THIS MORNINGNEW THIS MORNING 5 things to know about the Ottawa Senators this season
The Ottawa Senators kick off the 2024-25 NHL season tonight at Canadian Tire Centre. CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at what you need to know about the Senators this season.
-
NEW THIS MORNING
NEW THIS MORNING Here's what's open and closed in Ottawa on Thanksgiving
CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at what's open and closed in Ottawa over the Thanksgiving weekend.
-
Kanata residents living in 'horror' from rat infestation
Halloween is right around the corner, but residents of a South Kanata community say they've been living in what feels like a horror movie for over a month.
Kitchener
-
Person struck by GO train in Kitchener has died, police confirm
One person was struck by a GO train, near the Kitchener station, on Wednesday morning.
-
Blast from decades past: What we found inside the walls at CTV Kitchener's former home
A former employee of CTV Kitchener has found a few memories buried in the walls of our old home at 864 King Street West.
-
Experts say lithium batteries are safe – if used properly
Lithium batteries, found in everything from cellphones to electric vehicles, have become a part of our daily lives – but recent fires have prompted concerns about their use.
London
-
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Live updates: Hurricane Milton leaves path of destruction in Florida
Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm Wednesday night, causing widespread destruction and immobilizing critical infrastructure. The extent of the damage is not yet known.
-
'How many lives we need to continue losing?': Son of fatal crash victim calling for intersection changes in Thamesford
This latest crash was the second fatal and third serious accident at this intersection in the past couple of months - when asked, locals said that the intersection is 'kind of blind.'
-
Here’s where London Transit buses are experiencing the worst delays
Passengers are waiting longer for London Transit buses to arrive, and routes are taking more time to travel.
Windsor
-
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Live updates: Hurricane Milton leaves path of destruction in Florida
Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm Wednesday night, causing widespread destruction and immobilizing critical infrastructure. The extent of the damage is not yet known.
-
video
video Why are there cars in the Detroit River?
Dozens of cars were pulled out of the Detroit River in west Windsor on Tuesday, causing many questions for Windsorites.
-
One arrest made in child exploitation investigation: WPS
The Windsor Police Service (WPS) has arrested one suspect in connection to a child exploitation investigation.
Montreal
-
Old Montreal fire: another building owned by same landlord shot at overnight
Three young people aged 17, 19 and 20 were arrested after shots were fired late on Tuesday near Old Montreal.
-
Montembeault posts 47-save shutout, Canadiens blank Maple Leafs 1-0 in season-opener
Sam Montembeault made 47 saves, Cole Caufield scored the game-winning goal and the Montreal Canadiens opened the NHL season with a 1-0 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday at the Bell Centre.
-
Renewed calls to remove Terrebonne bike path in NDG amid parking and traffic concerns
Residents are once again calling for the removal of the bike path along Terrebonne Street in NDG to be taken down because of disruptions to traffic and parking.
Winnipeg
-
Human smuggling charge laid against Winnipeg man: RCMP
A 42-year-old Winnipeg man has been charged with human smuggling following an investigation near a Canada-U.S. border crossing in Manitoba.
-
Hellebuyck earns 38th career shutout, Jets trounce Oilers 6-0
Mason Appleton had a goal and two assists as the Winnipeg Jets trounced the Edmonton Oilers 6-0 in the season-opener for both teams Wednesday.
-
New bill to regulate sale of machetes, other long-bladed weapons in Manitoba
A bill restricting the sale of long-bladed weapons was introduced in Manitoba Wednesday by Justice Minister Matt Wiebe.
Atlantic
-
Fourteen-year-old girl pleads guilty to manslaughter in Halifax teen's stabbing death
A 14-year-old girl has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of manslaughter in the stabbing death of a 16-year-old boy near a Halifax mall earlier this year.
-
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Live updates: Hurricane Milton leaves path of destruction in Florida
Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm Wednesday night, causing widespread destruction and immobilizing critical infrastructure. The extent of the damage is not yet known.
-
Man, woman from British Columbia die in Cape Breton crash
A man and woman from British Columbia died in a two-vehicle crash in Baddeck Inlet, N.S., on Monday evening.
N.L.
-
'Crack houses' across rural Newfoundland? RCMP has no reports supporting MP's claim
A Conservative MP from Newfoundland and Labrador says some small towns in his rural riding are overrun with crime, but police say they haven't received reports to that effect.
-
Self-identifying Indigenous group got $74M in federal cash, Inuit leader wants change
As millions in federal funding flow into a Labrador group whose claims of Inuit identity have been rejected by Indigenous organizations across Canada, a national Inuit leader worries the Liberal government is putting the rights of Indigenous Peoples at risk.
-
Marathon goat: Animal runner wins hearts and a medal after crashing Newfoundland race
He may not have logged the fastest time or even gone the full distance, but residents of a Newfoundland town agree the goat who unexpectedly joined the local weekend half marathon was the event's undisputed champion.
Calgary
-
Canadians brace for hurricane Milton as it hits Florida
As hurricane Milton slams into Florida, many Canadians living in the storm's path are preparing to evacuate or hunker down.
-
Man charged with arson following Calgary townhome explosion still in hospital
Calgary police say more charges are expected against a man accused of intentionally starting a fire that caused an explosion in northeast Calgary over the weekend.
-
1 dead in southwest Calgary collision between bus and car
One person is dead following a motor-vehicle collision in Calgary's southwest on Wednesday evening.
Edmonton
-
Congested roads a 'ticking time bomb,' say residents of fast-growing Edmonton neighbourhoods
Residents of communities like Allard say there are traffic snarls on local roads every morning, leading to dangerous driving.
-
Police release video of encampment found dug into hill under High Level Bridge
On Wednesday, Edmonton police posted video of a large encampment found excavated under the High Level Bridge in August.
-
Should magpies be Edmonton's bird? Here's how to cast your vote
Edmontonians are being asked to cast their ballot for the local bird they think best represents our city.
Regina
-
'Was a really dumb mistake': Sask. Party MLA nominee apologizes for using racist slur
A Saskatchewan Party candidate publicly apologized on Wednesday after it was revealed that he used a racial slur in caucus offices a year and a half ago.
-
Regina girl diagnosed with rare genetic condition faces limited treatment options
For Scarlett Hicks, everyday life is challenging, as the two-year-old lives with a long list of medical conditions.
-
Increased RCMP presence in Whitewood over robbery with firearm
Saskatchewan RCMP say a larger police presence in Whitewood is related to a report of robbery with a firearm.
Saskatoon
-
'Was a really dumb mistake': Sask. Party MLA nominee apologizes for using racist slur
A Saskatchewan Party candidate publicly apologized on Wednesday after it was revealed that he used a racial slur in caucus offices a year and a half ago.
-
Overcapacity: Saskatoon ER worker says 'people would die' waiting for care in the event of a disaster
Healthcare workers rallied outside St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon Wednesday, advocating for better conditions in emergency rooms.
-
'I'm lucky where I'm at': Sask. woman intends to stay in Sarasota amid Hurricane Milton
Milton is shaping up to be a monster of a storm, expected to strike Florida as a Category 3 hurricane, just weeks after Hurricane Helene hit the region.
Vancouver
-
'I'm incredibly lucky': Man who stole Vancouver police cruiser hit cyclist
It all happened within a matter of seconds. Christopher Taylor was biking near an East Vancouver park on a leisurely Sunday morning when he looked left to see a police cruiser barrelling toward him.
-
Parents of 13-year-old who died in B.C. homeless camp share their story in Ottawa
The parents of a teen who died of a suspected drug overdose are calling on the government to improve addiction and mental health care.
-
B.C. Green leader makes public safety announcement, misses Vancouver rally
On the heels of a commanding performance at the only televised leaders’ debate of the 2024 provincial election, the leader of the BC Green Party was scheduled to speak at a lively rally after making a public safety announcement in downtown Vancouver, but lost her voice and missed it at the last minute.
Vancouver Island
-
UVic PhD candidate working to bring first ever portable microplastics test kit to market
Abbas Motalebizadeh is a PhD candidate at the University of Victoria’s Mechanical Engineering Department and on Wednesday he was at the Victoria International Marina to test the Inner Harbour for microplastics.
-
Did John Rustad witness an overdose death on his way to the B.C. leaders' debate?
During the campaign, BC Conservative Leader John Rustad has repeatedly said people are "dying on the streets" in the province – and on Tuesday he claimed to have witnessed that very thing in downtown Vancouver while he was on his way to the leaders' debate.
-
Hollywood star Mark Ruffalo lauds B.C. Green Party in leadup to election
American actor and environmental activist Mark Ruffalo is weighing in on British Columbia politics, lauding the B.C. Green Party's stance on fossil fuels ahead of the Oct. 19 election.
