A Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB) building sparked a lengthy discussion from city council.
Westford Ward Councillor Kristen Oliver started the conversation around the safety of those living at 230 Amelia Street West after she says she has been contacted by concerned residents.
Oliver was looking for 24 hour security on sight, and the review of eviction practices to determine if stricter practices can be implemented.
The majority of talks centered around the eviction aspect of the memorandum, some councillors finding it to be troubling.
“I think it’s contrary to what council. talks this entire time about, making sure people are supported and not pushed out into the street,” stated Northwood Ward Councillors Shelby Ch’ng. “How are we fighting homelessness by advocating to evict people in an easier way? What message are we sending to the community by lobbying to have people evicted from their home? If you’re at DSSAB, you’re living in poverty and now we’re advocating for people to be evicted from their homes.”
Other councillors raised some of the same concerns, Councillor Oliver combating this by stressing it is not about putting people on the street.
“I’m certainly not intending that just because you’re on DSSAB or that you’re receiving some assistance that you should be evicted, I’m talking about the regular cast of people that are causing issues, and running drug houses and what not in the units in these buildings,” explained Oliver. “This isn’t the only building this is happening in, it’s happening throughout the city.”
It was determined that more inquiry into the safety take place, the eviction review portion being voted down 8-5.
