Holland Marshall Advocates for Homelessness Solutions in Sudbury

Holland Marshall, a prominent advocate in Sudbury, Ontario, has been actively campaigning for increased awareness and resources to address homelessness and related challenges in the area. Through his efforts, he aims to shed light on the pressing issues affecting not only Sudbury but cities across Canada, highlighting the urgent need for action.

Marshall notes that cities nationwide are grappling with similar problems, including homelessness, mental health issues, substance abuse, and crime. He asserts that the landscape in Sudbury is not unique, citing a troubling trend of increasing drug dependency fueled by powerful substances like fentanyl and various synthetic drugs.

In a recent statement, he emphasized, “We can’t just ignore and scurry by.” Marshall’s commitment to the cause is evident in his advocacy for barrier-free, 24/7 public washroom facilities for the homeless population. This initiative led him to file a human rights complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, arguing that the lack of accessible washrooms constitutes discrimination against those experiencing homelessness.

Despite the Tribunal’s dismissal of his complaint in July, which stated that homelessness is not protected under Ontario’s Human Rights Code, Marshall remains undeterred. “I continue to propose alternatives,” he stated, criticizing the City of Greater Sudbury for allocating over $200 million to downtown revitalization projects while neglecting basic necessities for vulnerable populations.

Having spent over 28 years at Nortel and worked in various sectors, including aerospace safety systems, Marshall brings a wealth of experience to his advocacy. He relocated to Sudbury from Toronto in December 2020, seeking a community that offered both a high quality of life and proximity to family. “We wanted a city with a university, decent shopping, a cultural community, and high-speed internet,” he explained, noting the ease of access to healthcare services in Sudbury compared to larger cities.

Community Connections and Broader Perspectives

Marshall, originally from Timmins, Ontario, is not only focused on local issues. His diverse interests include a passion for foreign films, particularly Korean cinema, and he actively engages with the community through his four Substack newsletters. “My most recent is on foreign movies,” he shared, illustrating his broad interests beyond advocacy.

In his writings, Marshall frequently discusses the complexities of urban living, including the pitfalls of condominium ownership, which he has criticized extensively. “Condo boards are not adequately trained for the responsibilities,” he remarked, shedding light on the challenges faced by residents in such living arrangements.

Despite his critical view of the downtown area, he acknowledges the potential for positive change in Sudbury. “Sudbury is not just the five blocks of downtown. It gets all the attention, all the money, wall murals, flower beds. Sudbury really has other downtowns, and they get nothing,” he pointed out, advocating for a more balanced approach to urban development.

Marshall’s advocacy extends to the broader implications of drug addiction in urban centres. He frequently draws comparisons to cities like Seattle and Denver, which have faced similar drug epidemics. “Fighting crystal meth and the new drugs are more difficult. They are faster, cheaper and chemically manufactured,” he observed, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to combat these ongoing issues.

Visual Storytelling and Community Engagement

In addition to his written advocacy, Marshall employs photography to document the realities of life in Sudbury. “My essays are not just words but photographs. I am more like Time or Life magazine,” he stated, highlighting the importance of visual storytelling in his work. He captures the nuances of urban life, including the struggles faced by individuals in the downtown core.

Marshall’s engagement with local politics has also been noteworthy, although he has found city council meetings lacking in substance. “I was bored to death. I saw councillors who were not adequately briefed sounding off without sufficient knowledge,” he remarked, indicating a desire for more informed discussions around pressing community issues.

Despite challenges and setbacks, Holland Marshall remains committed to advocating for change in Sudbury. He believes that society expects older individuals to contribute meaningfully, stating, “Society does expect great things from older persons.” With his extensive experience and deep-rooted connection to the community, Marshall continues to be a prominent voice for those who are often overlooked.

In a rapidly evolving social landscape, the efforts of advocates like Marshall are crucial in shaping the narrative around homelessness and public health. His call for increased awareness and actionable solutions resonates not only within Sudbury but across cities grappling with similar challenges.