Anxious New Toronto residents were monitoring a large downtown protest on Saturday against two temporary downtown shelters that residents want out of their area.

The demonstrations on August 15 in the affluent Midtown area come as tempers in New Toronto have heightened due to a proposed homeless shelter at 2950 and 2970 Lake Shore Blvd. W., at Eighth St.

Two websites have popped up for area residents to vote yes or no to the proposed 95-bed shelter. The issue has touched many and as of August 17 there were about 600 votes for the shelter and about 500 against.

Members of the community are awaiting the date for public consultations, which was promised by the City, and will be virtual or by conference call.

The matter will then be determined by Toronto City Council virtually at a meeting on September 30.

Residents against the shelter says the New Toronto area already houses 14 social service programs that will negatively impact community safety, due to the close proximity to eight schools and daycare centres.

Those for the shelter say it is better than having “tent cities” for the homeless in Etobicoke and want it supported by the City and social service agencies.

“Caring citizens of Etobicoke want shelters, instead of tents, for the health, wellness, and safety of both the homeless who need shelter, and the residents of the area,” they say.

“The proposed shelter would be a safe way to help individuals stay off the street, and work towards stability, sustainability and a hopeful future,” the petition states.

The vocal demonstrators on Saturday started protesting near Northern Secondary School at Mount Pleasant Rd. and Broadway Ave.

At issues are a temporary housing program recently opened at the Roehampton Hotel and there is an interim housing site located at 55/65 Broadway Ave., which is set to close at the end of the month.

Some residents are concerned about what they claim has been an increase in crime in the Yonge and Eglinton area since the shelters were created in late April, to provide more locations for clients to socially distance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

They also express fear since a City employee was stabbed at the Broadway site last week.

The City said it has added 33 new security cameras, enhanced 24/7 mobile patrols and four security guards at the Roehampton site.