The coalition officially began its operations in 1990 with the premise of promoting concern and action around poverty, homelessness, and gentrification in downtown Toronto.

The protestors, which included large numbers of homeless people directly affected by Premier Mike Harris' policies, tore up cobblestones to use as projectiles.

[5] In the aftermath, upwards of 40 people were arrested and charged, including three high-profile OCAP members — John Clarke, Gaetan Heroux and Stefan Pilipa.

The squat was well supported by figures such as Jack Layton and Naomi Klein and the city council passed a motion suggesting the building be converted into affordable housing, but it was evicted in November 2002 by the province.

[3] OCAP noticed in 2005 that the Ontario Works social assistance regulations mandated doctors prescribing a diet allowance to people who were claiming welfare benefits.

[11] On March 18, 2020, OCAP called for the city of Toronto to repurpose empty buildings into shelter for homeless people so as to minimise the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.