Homeless Shelter Approved

By Stephen Huebl The Observer March 20, 2007

A Sarnia homeless shelter has been given the go-ahead by city council to stay open another 26 months, despite objections from neighbours. More than 150 people packed city council chambers Monday night to listen as 15 speakers argued passionately both for and against the temporary zoning amendment sought by River City Vineyard church. Three and a half hours later, council voted in favour of the temporary zoning change, allowing 15 men and 6 women to stay at the Mitton Street shelter on a nightly basis.

"The church traditionally, is a place of sanctuary," said Coun. Anne Marie Gillis before voting to support the shelter. "I'm glad to see some heart here," Count. Andy Bruziewicz said once it became apparent which way the vote was headed. "These are our brothers and sisters." Coun. Jon McEachran was the only councilor to vote against the amendment, while Coun. Bev MacDougall declared a conflict of interest because she resides in the neighbourhood. McEachran said he had concerns about the location of the shelter in a residential neighbourhood, adding he felt the neighbours were being put at high risk. Carmen Lemieux, a neighbourhood resident who also raised safety concerns, said she was disappointed by council's decision but not entirely surprised. Lemieux said she has yet to decide if she will appeal the decision to the Ontario Municipal Board.

 "There's really no policing mechanism for us (to determine) if they are really going to restrict themselves to 15 men and 6 women," she said. "(And) it's the first shelter in Canada that will have both men and women in it. Those are big concerns." Maria Street resident Larry Evers said his concern is for individuals turned away from the shelter because of their offensive behavior being sent back into the neighbourhood. "Their first steps out the door will be into our yards, our porches, our neighbourhood." Some spoke in favor of the shelter, including Mitton Street resident Harriet Mitton. She said the individuals she has come across have been " well-behaved and quiet." "You wouldn't even know they were there," she said.

Even though River City Vineyard officials wanted a capacity of 20 men and 6 women, pastoral leader George Esser said he was pleased with council's decision. "The fact the issue of homelessness was raised and that it was brought to the forefront, that's the most important part to me," he said. Coun. Mike Kelch acknowledged this solution is a temporary one. "We have a serious problem and we don't have a good solution. We have a band aid that's been offered up to us here." He said. Mayor Mike Bradley said everyone is in agreement that something more has to be done. He has already filed a motion with the county of Lambton calling on staff to set out an action plan by June 30 as to how to proceed with a permanent shelter.

What they said - March 20, 2007 Continued In support "The people who use the shelter are really just down on their luck and they need some help. People just need a hand." - George Esser, pastoral team leader at River City Vineyard.

"The neighbourhood question is this…will property values decline? The answer is no." - Peter Laskey, local real estate appraiser.

"We need a little more caring and a little less labeling of people." - David Ogden, long-time resident.

In Opposition "The issue is not whether there's a problem with homelessness in the community. The issue is whether or not the facility in our neighbourhood is the answer to this problem." - Larry Evers. Maria Street resident.

"I do not think the amendment protects the integrity of the neighbourhood or keeps it safe for my children." - Carmen Lemiuex, Maria Street resident.

"The proposed shelter could put vulnerable females at risk." - Alison Mahon, College Avenue resident.

[ Home ] [ Ministry ] [ Who Are We ] [ Ministry Leaders ] [ River City Outreach ] [ Kids Zone ] [ Harbour Inn Mission ] [ Newsletter for 2007 ] [ VineLine ] [ Press Releases ] [ Gym and Cardio ] [ Videos and Photos ] [ Links ] [ What should I expect? ]