THAT’s IT. The City says they are not following through with a controversial shelter at 2950 and 2970 Lake Shore Blvd. W. The community is quite happy.
Some community residents are breathing a sigh of relief as city officials say they’re not going forward with a plan to establish a controversial shelter at 2950 and 2970 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
Justin Lewis, Director, Infrastructure Planning & Development Shelter, Support & Housing Administration, in a letter to New Toronto residents wrote “the City will no longer be acquiring the property.”
“The decision not to proceed with the acquisition is a reflection of information gained during the City’s diligence review of the site, including building condition assessments and environmental assessments,” Lewis wrote.
“It was determined that the City would not be able to proceed with the renovation and activation of the site within the Council approved budget and project timeline required for the acquisition,” he said.
“The early engagement work done during this due diligence stage revealed a passionate community with diverse perspectives and a commitment to building a strong resilient neighbourhood,” Lewis told residents in a letter on December 1.
“This is great news for the community,” says Chris Korwin Kuczynski, Chair of the Lake Shore Village BIA. “We are very happy with this news.”
Korwin Kuczynski said members of the community who had mixed thoughts of the shelter would be delighted.
News of an upcoming shelter had split the community with many residents concerned on how it would impact their property values and crime in the area.
Many members were against a 100-bed shelter, in an area which they claim already has its share of social concerns.
Lewis said the early community engagement had no bearing on the decision not to move forward on the site.
“While this project will no longer be going forward, the City will continue to actively work with Councillor Mark Grimes to search for appropriate shelter across the city,” the letter said.
If you have further questions or concerns related to this project, please contact clc.2950.70lakeshoreblvdwest@gmail.com.
The reports resulting from the early engagement activities will be published shortly and will be available on the 2950+2970 Lake Shore Blvd West web page (www.toronto.ca/ShelterExpansionSites).