Cathy Link was taken aback when she received a call from Ontario Premier Doug Ford on Wednesday morning. The premier informed her that the province had decided to cancel plans to establish an emergency shelter for the homeless in her St. Catharines neighborhood.
Living near the proposed site at 154 Bunting Road, Link, along with other residents, had voiced concerns about the shelter potentially leading to issues like vandalism and discarded syringes in Douglas Park, a popular area for families and children to enjoy outdoor activities.
Expressing her worries to Ford via text, Link was surprised when the premier not only responded promptly but also personally called her to convey the news that the lease negotiations for the Bunting Road site had been terminated.
Following the province’s decision, Niagara Region is now on the lookout for an alternative location for the shelter by the end of the year. Despite facing challenges in finding a suitable site that meets all criteria, including proximity to essential services and public transit, regional officials remain committed to establishing a safe and housing-focused shelter in St. Catharines.
The importance of shelter services for individuals experiencing homelessness was highlighted by housing services director Cameron Banach, emphasizing the role of shelters in connecting people with housing, healthcare, and support services.
Residents, including Link and Coun. Lindal, had raised concerns about the unsuitability of the Bunting Road site due to its distance from essential support services typically accessed by vulnerable individuals. Lindal encouraged residents to reach out to Ford, leading to the premier’s involvement in the decision to halt negotiations for the shelter.
Appreciative of Ford’s direct communication and decision-making, Link expressed gratitude for the premier’s responsiveness and credited community efforts in successfully advocating against the establishment of the shelter in their neighborhood.