“This shelter will provide crucial support to those in need by offering relief and access to essential services.” – Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley
A News Release from Niagara’s Regional Government
Posted August 30th, 2024 on Niagara At Large
Niagara’s Regional Headquarters in Thorold
This August 29th, Regional Council approved $2.8 million in capital funding for the creation of a new temporary emergency shelter in Niagara.
The new site will expand the overall adult shelter spaces existing in the region while increasing services available in southern Niagara.
The funding will be used to purchase modular trailers that will be placed at 851 Ontario Rd., Welland, to support 50 to 60 adults.
Before the new shelter opens, information sessions outlining shelter operations will be held to give neighbours an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about shelter services.
Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley,
“We are pleased to approve the funds needed to open another temporary emergency shelter in Niagara. This shelter will provide crucial support to those in need by offering relief and access to essential services. Thank you to staff and our project partners for their swift actions and invaluable contributions, which have been instrumental in making this project possible,” said Jim Bradley, Regional Chair.
The creation of this new emergency shelter is based on a partnership between the City of Welland, Niagara Regional Housing and Niagara Region.
“In short, the City of Welland is leasing the property to Niagara Regional Housing for $2 per year. Niagara Regional Housing is responsible for the capital component, while Niagara Region will be responsible for the operations at the new shelter, through a contract with the Hope Centre,” said Cathy Cousins, Director of Homelessness Services and Community Engagement.
The capital funding includes $1 million for the modular trailers and $1.8 million for servicing, site preparation and furniture/fixture purchases. In addition, Niagara Region has approved up to $250,000 in start-up costs for 2024, to support the onboarding and training of staff and other initial expenditures to ensure the shelter can open as soon as the site is approved for occupancy.
The expected incremental operating costs for the new emergency shelter, in addition to retaining some hotel capacity in southern Niagara, is about $1 million per year.
This includes staffing costs, food, supplies, estimated property taxes and utilities, and capital reserve contributions. Staff will continue to monitor for provincial and federal funding opportunities, such as the Federal Encampment Funding.
A Footnote from Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper –
What the Region’s news release fails to mention is that the public gallery during the Regional Council’s August 29th meeting was packed with residents living in the neighbourhood where this temporary shelter would go who were either totally opposed to it being located near them or, at the very least, fearful of the e impact it might have on their lives.
Concern about the shelter drawing people who might engage violence, in drug use and in other conduct that would negatively impact on a neighbourhood inhabited by families with children were raised
At one point, some members of the neigbourhood became so boisterous in expressing their concerns that Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley called a recess in the council proceedings until things calmed down.
Niagara At Large will post more news and commentary on the growing crisis of homelessness across the region and on possible solutions for people in need of a roof over their heads in the weeks and months ahead.
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