A Better Tent City

[ac3r]

Is it a better option? It's more temporary, with less continuity. There was also suggestion from the residents that they felt living in a rural area would give them options they wouldn't get in a non-rural setting.

I do agree it's closer, btu it is also highly inaccessible, and assuming we know what's best for these folks is part of the continuing problem.

I am glad they will not be forced into homelessness (as they are not homeless now) by the fears and anger of wealthy property owners in Breslau and Maryhill.

Naturally, I can't speak for the people living there, but my immediate concerns regarding Breslau was the distance from the core of the city. It's one of the furthest suburbs we have and (as far as I know) does not have any bus routes out there. This would really impact the people who need to continually access services in the city. Perhaps they were drafting plans to offer a shuttle, which would help, but I don't know.

The rural setting may have seemed better. I don't think any of us can speak regarding their needs. But even still, it's a significant walk to any nearby shops whether they needed supplies, public wi-fi, libraries, socialization, immediate policing/medical care or just somewhere to momentarily cool down indoors this summer. I assume their small homes don't have luxuries like air conditioning...I would hope they at least have power.

Unfortunately yes, the wealthy residents out there were objecting to this which is sad to see. These are not exactly junkies looking to break into cars and sheds to steal things for fentanyl, which was the main complaint three residents had (crime). Most are just people down on their luck, not able to afford a proper apartment, but who may not necessarily want to live in a tent or anything like that. A place like this is a step up from the usual truly homeless lifestyle where you not only need to worry about the elements harming you, but other people. This Kitchener site may be temporary, but so was the Breslau one. I'd rather see them be guaranteed a place to stay for a few months rather than have the region search only to find nothing.