Council voted to support the $2.8-million build, while a packed council chamber looked on
There were passionate arguments at Niagara regional council last week for and against a $2.8-million emergency shelter on Ontario Road in Welland.
Council voted to support Welland in putting it up.
Councillor Bob Gale voted against, saying he's been shown what happens to a neighbourhood with shelters.
Mayor Mat Siscoe, however, pointed out it's very difficult to find a site. "The complaints and concerns that I hear in the neighbourhood of the Riordon shelter, are not because of the shelter. They're because of the encampments that continue to exist, because we don't have enough shelter spaces, we don't have enough bridge and transition housing. As I said, there is no easy answer to this."
A number of speakers added shelters aren't just for addicts, but anyone who's fallen on hard times.
Welland resident Jackie Proulx spoke against the location near her home, but added a shelter is needed to help people.
She pointed to what people near other shelters in Niagara deal with.
"They are hostages in their homes, near the Niagara Falls shelter. Police are called to shelters multiple times a week, Niagara Falls, and St. Catharines, Southridge. Drug use, fights, daily property theft, break and enters, vandalism, threats from homeless when they are caught trespassing."
Chair Jim Bradley had to call a 10 minute recess due to hecklers in the packed chamber.
NRP Called to Niagara Catholic School Board Meeting
Big City Mayors Intensify Helping Homeless
Seniors' Apartment Needs Funding: Gates
Stolen Sports Memorabilia, Drugs, Found in Niagara Falls
Woman Wins Lottery After Listening to Mom
Home Invasion Suspects Considered Armed and Dangerous: NRP
Dorchester Reopened After House Fire
NRP Looking for Missing Teen