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Compiled by the Ward 3 Office
I am concerned about the current plan to put refugees, asylum seekers and our homeless residents across the city in “sprung shelters.”
The homelessness crisis we face as a city is such a complex and difficult situation that we find ourselves in and first and foremost, we need to treat this situation with the utmost compassion while addressing the immediacy of the issue in a responsible manner.
That’s why I oppose the City’s current plan. I firmly believe we can provide dignity for those in need in a sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective way.
Read on to explore more about the context and how I am advocating for a better solution.
A rendering of a Sprung Structure provided by the City of Ottawa. (City of Ottawa)
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Councillor's comments
Newsletter - August 16, 2024
Regarding the City plan to establish communal sprung shelters for refugee claimants, bottom line is there is no change since my last newsletter. City staff continue to revisit their plan. They have committed to releasing an official short list of potential locations for sprung shelters and their criteria matrix. Until staff release the list, (which they have not) any speculation about location and intention may well be based on outdated information. This delay is a good thing from my perspective because it means that the concerns that have been raised with this programme are being heard and taken into account. As much as we all want to know what is happening right now, I would much prefer to give staff the time they need to revisit their plan based on my recommendations, then to pressure them to prematurely release half-baked information. I promise that as I become aware of more detail on this, I will share. The bottom line is the following: Should the plan impact on Barrhaven, I will have a series of public engagements in order to transparently and efficiently ensure that you have all of the information and that you have your voice heard. My position on this has not changed; I do not support a long-term vision of communal tent living in Ottawa. We can do better. If you wish to see more on this, go to this link which has my recent comments and media engagements.
My position on sprung shelters - July 26, 2024
Newsletter - July 19, 2024
Newsletter - July 12, 2024
Council - July 10, 2024
Committee - June 26, 2024
What can you do?
Let your elected representatives know your thoughts on the sprung shelter situation⬇️
Email Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.
Email Barrhaven Councillors David Hill (Barrhaven West) and Wilson Lo (Barrhaven East)
In the news
Talking sprung shelters | CTV
The need to look at other options | CFRA
Deachman: Sprung structures not ideal for housing| Ottawa Citizen
Alta Vista, Barrhaven to be considered for tent-like structure to house asylum seekers | CTV
Barrhaven, Alta Vista shortlisted for tent-like shelters, councillors say | CBC
City Councillors Talk Sprung Shelters | All in a day with Alan Neal
Épisode du mardi | Radio Canada
Barrhaven councillors fail in attempt to block plan for tent-like migrant centre | CBC
Community thoughts
"Expanding shelter capacity is like managing a flood with a bucket instead of turning the water off at the source" | Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa
"Everyone deserves dignity in their housing" | Multifaith Housing Initiative
The case for modular, factory built, housing
A Waterloo permanent housing shelter assembled onsite in less than a month
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