After receiving an unexpected call from Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Cathy Link expressed astonishment at the news that plans for an emergency shelter in her St. Catharines neighborhood were being scrapped. This decision followed concerns raised by residents living near the proposed site on Bunting Road, who feared negative impacts such as vandalism and drug-related issues in nearby Douglas Park.
Link, along with other residents, had voiced apprehensions about the shelter’s proximity to a children’s playground and the potential risks it posed to the safety of the community. She had reached out to Ford via a shared contact number provided by Coun. Jackie Lindal, leading to ongoing communication with the premier regarding their concerns.
In a significant turn of events, Ford personally contacted Link to convey that the lease negotiations for the Bunting Road location had been terminated, effectively halting the shelter’s establishment there. This development leaves the Niagara Region in search of an alternative site to meet the urgent need for a new shelter in St. Catharines by the year’s end.
Acknowledging the essential role of shelter services in supporting individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability, the region affirmed its commitment to finding a suitable location in collaboration with various stakeholders. Despite exploring numerous potential sites, finding a suitable location that meets all criteria remains a challenge, as emphasized by housing services director Cameron Banach.
Moving forward, the region aims to engage with residents, businesses, and service providers to finalize a new shelter location while ensuring it aligns with the needs of both clients and the broader community. The decision to halt the Bunting Road site lease negotiations reflects a collaborative effort to address concerns and find a more suitable location for the emergency shelter in St. Catharines.
