Influx of asylum seekers makes up over 10% of Londons shelter users: report – London [Video]

An “influx” of asylum seekers in London, Ont., is putting pressure on the city’s emergency shelter system and the issue appears to be worsening.

According to a report, at least 11.91 per cent of emergency permanent shelter bed usage between last May and the end of March went towards asylum claimants, at a cost of $1,070,316.

Because of high demand, the city’s shelters have been operating over capacity, meaning it’s likely there are even more asylum claimants living unsheltered, the report added. As well, the data is based on self-reporting, so it’s possible numbers are higher if people decide not to disclose that they are seeking asylum. City staff also said the number of unhoused asylum seekers staying with relatives or friends is unknown.

Additionally, the city is also facing increasing costs for short-term hotel rooms for asylum claimant families until space is freed up at the Rotholme family shelter, which has 20 rooms that …