By Councillor Agarwal
THUNDER BAY – LOCAL POLITICS – I have been receiving a lot of calls in opposition to the request the administration is making to place the temporary housing village in the Miles St location. I am shocked that this location is being recommended after it was already voted down back in November of 2024.
The neighborhood businesses have been very vocal on how the impact has been and adding another upto 100 structures with low barrier (low barrier means the residents are able to consume alcohol, drugs if they wish within their “homes”), will only add to the issues they are already facing.
My personal stance is that we should not be reversing a decision that was already made by council.It was discussed at great length, the people spoke, the businesses spoke and administration went elsewhere to find another location.
Now administration wants to come back to what we decided was not beneficial to all people. For the unsheltered this spot is not great. We have been shown by climate specialists that this is the hottest spot in the city of Thunder Bay. The sheet of pavement retains the heat, there are no trees for canopy and shade.
So now we will either be needing to remove pavement and then what do we find?
The area was an industrial business in the past… there is an indication of potential contamination on the lot.
Back in November the city retained an Environmental company to do some research on the lot.
That company is back again. And this time they are bringing the drills which do core ground samples to see if and how much contamination does exist.
How much will it cost to do the remediation if required?
These are just 2 concerns I have with this lot. Very important concerns.
My other thought with this lot is that this is in the heart of a once propersous business district.
Now we are taking down Victoriaville, investing millions of dollars and giving hope back to businesses who have endured over these years.
We are giving them hope and encouragement for growth and prosperity.
But the thought of adding another 80 to 100 homeless village shelters is really taking the wind out of the sails for these businesses and residents in the area. What happens when businesses drop off or leave the area?
The value of the area decreases. And then what do we do? How do we bring back hope and business when they close their doors.
Yes we need to help our unsheltered population but it needs to be done only when it does not harm another population. We will harm the businesses and the residents of the area. The businesses and residents of the area spoke loudly back in the end of 2024 and council listened.
What message is administration wanting to send all those people who spoke then?
Are we saying we heard you but ….At what cost is it fair to everyone?
Please let council know your thoughts and make sure we think of everyone’s wellbeing.
Imagine if you or your family’s lively hood was invested in the southcore how would you want it for your family.
We need to make a decision in the best interest of everyone…the unhoused and the business owners.
Thank you.
I am here to listen.
Rajni
