New Shelter Opening in Whitby, Ontario Sparks Local Debate

A new shelter for the homeless, which has stirred some debate, will start opening its doors gradually in Whitby, Ont. over the next couple of weeks, as announced by the town’s mayor on Thursday.

Elizabeth Roy mentioned that the Durham Region low-barrier shelter, located at 1635 Dundas St. E., will offer comprehensive support for those facing homelessness. This 45-bed facility aims to assist individuals who are currently without stable housing.

Roy emphasized that ensuring safety and security was a primary focus during the design of the shelter. There’s a fence surrounding the property and a security firm has been contracted for added protection. She noted that contact details for both the shelter and the security company will be shared with local residents and business owners.

“We have to look at this whole space. It’s about the wins that will happen for those who are living on our streets, living in our hotels and living on people’s couches,” Roy said.

Outreach workers have played a role in identifying potential residents for the shelter, she added. The region currently has more than 580 individuals actively seeking available shelter space.

On Thursday, officials provided reporters with a tour of what used to be a long-term care home called Sunnycrest Nursing Home. The facility includes an intake area, dining room, laundry facilities, a large community room, media space where patrons can access computers, and group rooms equipped with showers and bathrooms.

Concerns Arise Over Funding

The news about its gradual opening follows discussions about concerns regarding costs related to setting up this site.

A number of residents along with a regional councillor raised issues after it was revealed that the region bought this property in August 2023 for $13.7 million from a company that had previously acquired it for $8 million. Residents also voiced worries that establishing this shelter might impact community safety.

The region stated on its website that they engaged an independent licensed appraiser to evaluate the property before making any purchases. “The property was purchased at fair market value in accordance with the Region’s process for property acquisition,” it said.

A view of a group room in the Durham Region low-barrier shelter. (Mehrdad Nazarahari/CBC)

John Henry, chair of Region of Durham responded to these security concerns saying: “We’ve gone to great lengths to listen to the residents and we done the things, including the fence that is around the entire property and the cameras that are located here.”

The region notes that low-barrier shelters aim to eliminate systemic obstacles so they’re more accessible for people with disabilities, seniors, those with pets, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, as well as individuals experiencing mental health or addiction challenges.

“Not every person who is homeless has mental health or addiction problems, but the facility is designed in such a way that we can meet all of their needs,” Henry said.

He added that there should be a “standard set of rules” addressing mental health issues as well as homelessness across Canada – despite being pleased about launching this new shelter.

“It’s just incredibly exciting that we’re meeting the needs of a group of people in our community that are living lives that are not the same as everyone else’s. There’s an opportunity to help people get back into contributing members of society. And this is just one step towards achieving that,” he said.

A Place To Call Home

Lisa Mc Intosh, director of income, employment and homelessness within Durham Region remarked on how unique this facility is compared to others nearby.

“It offers space for meals along with daytime programs and sleeping arrangements. Individuals will find this place-although temporary-a spot where they can feel like they belong while starting their journey from being unsheltered into finding housing options,” she explained.

According to the region, low-barrier shelters aim to be more accessible to people with disabilities, seniors , thosewithpets , peoplefromthe2SLGBTQ+community, andthoseexperiencingmentalhealthandaddictionchallenges.(Mehrdad Nazarahari/CBC)