Niagara Region is moving ahead with the contentious proposal to build a shelter on Ontario Road in Welland. Pictured: Members of Welland City Council. Photo Credit: City of Welland.
As the homelessness crisis continues to exacerbate financial, human and material resources across Niagara, the need for effective solutions has never been greater. In the most recent attempt to provide a refuge to those in need, the Niagara Region is moving ahead with the contentious proposal to build a shelter on Ontario Road in Welland.
The shelter will occupy 0.4 hectares of land in front of Woodrose Co-op, east of Rose City Pizza, and will provide 50 beds to service the community’s needs. The land, which is city-owned, will be leased by Niagara Regional Housing for five years, at $2 per year, with the possibility that as many as five one-year extensions could be provided. The Hope Centre, a local charitable organization founded in 1974, has agreed to run the shelter.
The shelter has received the support of various social advocates, and religious leaders, as well as the necessary local and regional support. It has simultaneously been strongly opposed by hundreds of residents, who have vocalized significant reservations about the initiative and created a petition.
There are several tangible objections that community members have posed about proceeding with the homeless shelter. The overarching issue is that the shelter will be located near residential neighbourhoods. Many families and property owners have expressed concerns that their lives will be disrupted and that the safety of their loved ones and assets could come under threat. There is also a fear that the shelter will become permanent.
Leanna Villella, Regional Councillor for Welland, is supportive of the construction of a homelessness shelter. However, she was skeptical about the dismissal of potential alternative hubs at 570 King Street, which is the Hope Centre property, 540 King Street, owned by Niagara Health, and Transport Canada land, located on the northern side of the rail line between Plymouth Road and King Street. Villella was heckled while she attempted to deliver remarks on the issue at a Council meeting. Adrienne Hugley, Niagara Region Community Services Commissioner, argued that the alternatively proposed locations throughout the city were too small, too expensive or too logistically challenging.
Ward 4 Welland City Councillor Tony DiMarco, who was unsure why the city was requested to complete their responsibilities for the leasing deal before the Region had given their approval, attempted to have the lease rescinded at a recent council meeting. However, Frank Campion, who himself had voted against the shelter lease, said that both local and regional governments had approved the lease and that there was no way to nullify the contract at this juncture. Welland City Council voted to approve the lease 9-3 on Aug. 13.
The Niagara Independent asked Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley for his reflections on the Ontario Road Shelter.
“The Niagara Region recognizes the ongoing need to address homelessness across all our communities,” Bradley said. “While no single solution can fully resolve this complex issue, a 50-bed emergency shelter in Welland is an important step toward providing temporary relief for those in crisis.”
“We have seen positive results from a similar shelter initiative in St. Catharines, which has offered critical support to individuals in need. Expanding these services to other areas in the region, like Welland, will help ensure more equitable access to shelter and resources as we continue to seek long-term solutions to homelessness.”
The cost of the shelter is projected to be $2.84 million. $1.84 million will be used for furnishing, site servicing and preparatory activities. The remaining $1 million will be dedicated to the modular housing units themselves.
Nick Redekop completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies at Brock University. He has previously served in municipal and federal politics. In his free time, Nick enjoys following sports, taking part in outdoor activities, and reading biographies. Nick resides in Niagara Falls
