Chinatown residents and local businesses in opposition to a proposed housing project for homeless individuals or those at risk of homelessness are voicing their concerns, claiming that their community is being unfairly targeted.
Representatives from community organizations are gearing up to reveal the findings of a petition opposing the social housing project, initiated by the Old Brewery Mission (OBM), at a press conference scheduled for Wednesday morning. The petition has garnered a substantial number of signatures, reflecting widespread resistance within the neighborhood.
The plan entails transforming the historic S. Davis & Sons building on Côté Street into a permanent supportive housing facility for approximately 50 seniors and others facing homelessness. The news of this initiative came as a surprise to locals, who only became aware of it through media reports last year following OBM’s application for provincial funding.
Highlighted by its heritage status, the building stands as a significant landmark in the area. Despite initial interactions with CityNews in response to the petition launch in November, OBM clarified that they are yet to finalize the purchase of the property and are uncertain about their role as the prospective buyer. They acknowledged the lack of extensive community engagement in their decision-making process.
James Hughes, the President and CEO of OBM, emphasized the project’s focus on providing stable, supportive housing for individuals to live independently. Stressing that the facility would not offer emergency or shelter services, he underlined the importance of ensuring residents receive the necessary support to thrive.
Côté Street represents a hub of cultural significance, housing landmarks like the former Wing Noodle factory and the Chinese Catholic Community Center, which caters to a large number of seniors and community members through various programs.
Critics of the project argue that Chinatown is already burdened with a disproportionate share of services for the homeless population and lacks the capacity to absorb further external social services. Fo Niemi, the Executive Director of the Centre for Research Action on Race Relations (CRAAR), warned of potential resistance from the community, characterizing it as a defensive stance against perceived encroachment.
In a recent statement, organizers acknowledged the parallels between this situation and similar challenges faced by Chinatowns across the country, where marginalized communities often bear the brunt of development without adequate consultation or consideration for cultural heritage.
Community leaders are poised to announce additional strategies to oppose the housing project during the upcoming press conference.
