Cathy Link was taken aback when she received a call from Ontario Premier Doug Ford one morning. The premier informed her that the province had decided to withdraw its plans to establish an emergency shelter for homeless individuals in her neighborhood in St. Catharines, Ont. Link expressed her astonishment at receiving the news directly from the premier and even let out a scream in disbelief.
Living near Bunting and Dunkirk roads, Link was among the residents who had raised concerns about the Niagara regional government’s proposal to set up a shelter on a vacant plot at 154 Bunting Road. With the need to open a new shelter in St. Catharines by the year’s end due to the impending expiration of the lease for the existing temporary shelter on Riordon Street, regional authorities stressed the importance of such facilities in transitioning homeless individuals into secure housing.
During meetings at both the city council and regional committee in July, residents near the proposed site on Bunting Road voiced apprehensions about potential issues like vandalism, littering, and the presence of intravenous drug users in Douglas Park, located diagonally opposite the site. Link, particularly concerned about the safety of children who frequent the nearby playground, believed that the shelter’s proximity would jeopardize their well-being.
Link had conveyed her concerns to Ford via text using a cell phone number provided by Coun. Jackie Lindal for residents to communicate their worries about the proposed site. Ford remained responsive and updated her regularly. Subsequently, Ford personally called Link to inform her that the lease negotiations had been terminated, effectively halting the establishment of the shelter at that location.
Confirming the termination of lease negotiations for the Bunting Road site, Niagara Region expressed its commitment to finding an appropriate shelter location in St. Catharines by collaborating with local authorities, community partners, service providers, and other government entities. Despite exploring 190 potential sites, none met all the necessary criteria, complicating the search for a suitable location that fulfills the needs of clients and the community.
Acknowledging the essential role of shelter services in aiding homeless individuals, the region emphasized the significance of providing a safe space and connecting people with housing, healthcare, and support services. Once a new location is finalized, the region plans to disseminate information to residents, businesses, service providers, and community partners.
Coun. Lindal, who had advocated for residents to reach out to Ford regarding their concerns, believed that the Bunting Road site, located away from vital support services closer to downtown, was unsuitable for the shelter. Link praised Ford for his engagement and direct communication in conveying the decision to halt the lease talks, appreciating his involvement in addressing the community’s apprehensions.
