More than 200 New Toronto residents have signed an online petition opposing a plan by City Council to open a homeless shelter in a prime business area.
The petition was created by the New Toronto Ratepayers Association whose members oppose the location of a massive shelter at 2950 and 2970 Lake Shore Blvd. W., at Eighth St.
“New Toronto is already supporting more than its fair share of social services,” the petition states. “We recognize the need for more shelters in our City to assist vulnerable residents and also recognize that COVID-19 has increased that need.”
The Association noted that New Toronto already houses 14 social service programs in a 3.2 square kilometre area and the proposed shelter will require even “more social services to be layered into our community.”
They warned the proposed shelter will negatively impact New Toronto community safety since it is in close proximity of shelter to eight schools and daycare centres.
“The proposed location will negatively impact Lake Shore Boulevard West revitalization and our businesses who have made New Toronto their ‘home,” the Association says.
“We are not against the need for shelter, we oppose the proposed shelter location in our community,” the group warned.
City Council has deferred the matter until community consultations can occur, which should be soon. The matter returns to Council on September 30, for a possible vote.
The issue is also a concern for the Lakeshore village BIA, whose members are also pushing for the shelter to be relocated elsewhere.
“This battle with the City is not over,” says Lakeshore Village BIA chair Chris Korwin Kuczynski. “Many people have mixed feelings about a shelter in the community.”
Residents point out that one City worker was stabbed two weeks ago in an incident at a downtown shelter.
The City says some of the 95-bed shelter will be equipped for those suspected of having COVID-19.
Council has allocated the funds to bring up to standards the former office building and BiWay store sites.
If the plan is approved, they will begin conversion work next year and begin accepting patients by 2022.
The petition can be accessed at change.org.