Oshawa’s New Bylaw Sparks Opposition from Social Services

Some social service organizations in Oshawa are gearing up to challenge a city bylaw that limits their ability to expand services. 

In June, the city council updated Oshawa’s zoning regulations to prohibit new social services from being located within 800 metres of existing ones. 

“We’re worried that this will hold us back, preventing us from providing anything new,” said Debra Mattson, communications and fund development manager for YWCA Durham. 

The non-profit is part of a coalition with other social service providers and residents who are appealing to the Ontario Land Tribunal, which handles cases related to municipal planning and land use. These agencies argue that the bylaw is overly broad and will restrict access to essential services throughout Oshawa.

Mayor Dan Carter declined to comment on this matter due to the ongoing appeal, as stated in an email from his office. has also reached out to the city’s lawyer for a statement.

Counseling and AA Meetings Could Be Impacted

According to Oshawa’s bylaw, social service establishments include:

Food banks. Soup kitchens. Drop-in services. Counseling services. Public access facilities for personal hygiene like showers and laundry. Collection or distribution points for clothing and household items.

This broad definition means even AA meetings held at churches might be at risk, according to local resident Deb Oldfield, who is leading the appeal effort.

Oldfield discovered the bylaw change through online community conversations. She connected with various social service groups in town who were considering their own responses before filing the appeal in July.

WATCH | Oshawa mayor, Durham Region call for 24/7 mental health, addictions ward:

Ontario facing renewed calls to fund 24/7 addictions, mental health ward in Oshawa

Last spring, funding for a mental health and addictions emergency unit at an Oshawa hospital was excluded from Ontario’s budget. The mayor expressed disappointment and is now reiterating his request to the province. As CBC’s Christian D’Avino reports, he has some allies backing him up.

It’s also uncertain if agencies can introduce new services within their current locations.

YWCA Durham isn’t sure if it can construct more housing units on its property for women fleeing violence since it may conflict with the bylaw’s distance requirements, says Mattson.

An additional concern is that this bylaw could disadvantage individuals with limited mobility – like those without vehicles or those who are disabled – as noted by Dianna Eastwood, CEO of the John Howard Society of Durham Region (JHSD).

“We have people relying on transit; we have folks walking; we have parents bringing children along with strollers … all needing access to closely located services,” she explained.

The City Claims Bylaw Prevents ‘Overconcentration’

Although Oldfield is leading the appeal effort, several social service organizations plan to testify about how this bylaw affects them, according to her lawyer Ian Flett. The number of involved agencies will be confirmed by mid-November.

Prior to this amendment, there was already a rule barring social services from being within 400 metres of one another specifically in downtown Oshawa. Still, some local businesses are voicing concerns about being near these types of agencies.

[The city is] just doubling down on a policy that obviously wasn’t working,” Flett remarked.

The same section of law affecting social services previously applied to tattoo parlours, pawn shops, vape stores and “adult use stores,” based on a report from city staff regarding the amendment.

“The minimum separation distance provisions are intended to prevent an overconcentration of specific uses in any given geographical area,” reads the report while adding that such concentrations “can result in a diminished urban and economic business environment.”The John Howard Society of Durham Region is among social services in Oshawa that are planning to join an appeal of a city bylaw that restricts where they can expand services. (Rochelle Raveendran/CBC)

Paul Dobbs serves as manager for community development and technology at JHSD. He agrees there are “significant issues” related to homelessness, addiction issues and trespassing downtown.

“But this kind of law impacts much more than just that particular group; it doesn’t effectively address stigmatizing individuals dealing with homelessness or addiction,” Dobbs said.

“We need real solutions because we care about everyone living here.”

Ben Earle shares similar views as CEO at Feed The Need Durham -a food bank serving as central distribution hub regionally- indicating changes made target individuals living in poverty along with aiding organizations instead addressing root problems behind homelessness,addictions, and food insecurity.

“This isn’t goingto solve challenges but displace theminstead along while restrictingcollaborative efforts between organizations tryingto work collectivelywiththecity.”

He added future restrictions imposedbythebylawmayimpact Feed The Needprogrammingover thenextfewyears reducingavailablepartnership possibilitiesforfoodinitiativesandfoodbanks.”
While not yet involvedinappeal, Earlestatedhe supportsitandisopen toparticipate.

No Exemption Process Available: Lawyer

Your prompt response follows approach seeking commentfrom Ward5councilor Brian Nicholson. In June, wroteonpublic Facebookgroupthat Socialservicescouldapplyexemptionunderby-lawifcitycouncildeemedoperationunlikelytocauseissues.”Ifapproved, theexemptionwillbe granted,”Nicholsonwrote.

“However, thisbylawdoesn’tactuallyincludean exemptionprocess,”Flettadded..
The updated bylaw will stigmatize people who are dealing with homelessness and addictions, says Paul Dobbs. managerofcommunitydevelopmentandtechnologyforthe John Howard Societyof Durham Region.(Rochelle Raveendran/CBC)<Pmeanwhile, eastwoodurgedthecitytorevisitthisby-lawafterconsultationwithsocialserviceagencies."Thisseemslikeitwascreatedwithoutproperforesightintoitsimpact,"shesaid.

This impactmaynotyetbeclearforthepeopleusingtheseservices, butasagenciesrecognizelatergapsintheircapacity, Dobbsnotedtheywon’tbeabletosatisfythoseneeds..”Theeffectwon’tappearinstantaneouslybutwillbe felt overtime…andit’llsignificantlylimitourabilities.”


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