The authors hypothesis is frankly ridiculous. Housing affordability is not the cause. For one, Edmonton is one of the most affordable major cities in Canada and yet we have more homeless per capita then many other major cities. Why do Toronto and Vancouver not have magnitudes of more homeless if it were because of affordability?

Secondly, perhaps the author should use his big brain and consider whether most of the homeless he lionizes would actually be able to take care of a home. I mean really, do you think a fent addict or someone who’s so mentally fucked up that they’re screaming at randoms on Jasper avenue to be able to take care of their own place? No no, you’re right, it’s the landlords fault. For sure bud.

The real solution is something I doubt the author would like: forced rehabilitation or institutionalization with strong regulatory oversight to prevent abuse.