New image from the City as to what the planned 50-bed seniors shelter will be like when completed by 2030.
More than 70 per cent of New Toronto businesses are not in favour of a proposed Third Street shelter, according to a survey of community businesses.
A Study by the Lakeshore Village Business Improvement Area (BIA) shows that 72 per cent of the businesses surveyed were against the location of the shelter and 14 per cent of the businesses were in favour of the now revised 50-bed shelter for seniors.
City officials changed their minds due to community pressure after first proposing a 80 bed shelter for the homeless at 66 Third Street, which the community claimed was close to two schools and a seniors residence.
The survey polled at least five property owners, 16 business owners and 12 people who were managers or supervisors.
Some area residents say the homeless require a bed somewhere and others fear of their lives and safety.
The study was conducted before reductions were made to the shelter beds and seniors’ clientele. It showed 36 per cent of residents fear crime or drug increase; some 27 per cent of area residents have community safety concerns; 15 per cent fear a loss of parking and five per cent had property value concerns
The BIA study said many of its female-owned and operated businesses expressed genuine concern for ‘their safety and the safety of their employees’.
“These business owners have already faced troubling incidents, including aggression from some individuals experiencing homelessness as well as thefts from their stores,” the survey noted.
It said the situation is worst on days when a food program is held, as ‘they have observed a noticeable increase of these disruptive behaviour.’
Man with his dog staying warm on the streets.
“Female business owners worry that as the presence of the unhoused increases with the building of a shelter,” according to the two page survey. “It may become increasingly difficult to manage, putting both their businesses and personal safety at greater risk.”
“This heightened sense of vulnerability underscores the urgent need for discussions around community safety and the long-term impact of the shelter on the surrounding area,” it stated.
The BIA in a letter to Toronto Parking Authority said it will be devastating to lose the parking lot at the Third Street site as it would be bad for businesses if their customers have no place to park.
Homeless in the winter and they need to have a bed someplace warm.
They said the City in a Lakeshore Avenue Study is calling for taller and more high-density buildings on Lake Shore Blvd. W. and the parking will be required.
City officials argue the parking lot is on the average about 80 per cent filled.
The proposed shelter has divided the community as many say there has to be a bed for the homeless and others who claim it is in a bad location.
More than 200 concerned residents attended a virtual meeting earlier this month to voice their concerns of the shelter, which is slated to open in 2028 to 2023.
The shelter will be operated by Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre (CONC) and residents will come from Toronto’s central intake phone service.