Open letter to administration and all members of council
THUNDER BAY – Letters – I agree with MP Marcus Powlowski that we need to address the homeless crisis in Thunder Bay and address the encampments that have popped up across the city. I also agree that plans to place a temporary housing project in the downtown south will not be helpful for homeowners and businesses in the area and is not a viable solution if the downtown south core revitalization plan is to succeed.
If this was a good location the city would be planning to place another housing project like this one in the north core to accommodate the other 100 or more homeless people in the city. One of the two sites the city is eying up is located on Miles Street near Simpson St. and is located within a block or two of 4 bars which could be a real problem for some of the homeless who already have serious alcohol and other addictions.
Previous councils have made serious mistakes in their handling of the south core in the past, including the closure of Victoria and Syndicate Ave. and building Victoriaville mall in the middle of this busy intersection. It is now going to cost taxpayers $17.5 million to tear down this mall, open up Victoria Ave. to vehicular traffic. and build new public spaces for aesthetic purposes that have added about $5 million to the total price tag. A previous council also ignored the concerns of many businesses and residents in the south core about 18 years ago and chose to build shelter house right smack in the middle of the downtown south core, within a block or so of the Thunder Bay Museum, the Sports Hall of fame and City Hall. This location has kept many locals away as well as tourists as the area has become run down over the years.
These poor decisions by previous councils have had serious consequences for this area and have contributed to the demise of the south core. Many of the businesses have closed and others have plywood where they once had windows and doors. St. Andrews’ beautiful church, right across from city hall had to install barriers in front of their doors for protection.
I frequent the downtown south core regularly as I have for over 50 years. I do alot of my grocery shopping at Centennial Square and know many of the business owners in the area. I still have breakfast frequently in the only remaining restaurant in Victoriaville mall. These business owners have all told me emphatically the city’s choice for a temporary housing location in the south core is not suiable for the betterment and survival of the south core. One business owner I talked to informed me that they attended a city run meeting and almost all in attendance did not support the city’s two proposed locations in the south core for a temporary housing project. Another one told me she got notice of the meeting after it was over.
I know Mr. Powlowski has heard from many of these constituents and he is voicing their concerns. He states that more comprehensive solutions exist that would better suit the needs of everyone involved including the community of downtown Fort William and the homeless population. It is up to administration and members of council to seek an appropriate location that will benefit everyone as this may very well be more than a temporary housing project.
Ray Smith
