“Every single day we do nothing puts off any opportunity for years”

Cathy Dobson/The Independent

Opposition to a proposed 50-unit supportive housing project on George Street was loud and clear at Sarnia council’s Monday night meeting.

But most of council stuck by Indwell’s plan to build in the heart of a residential area near the hospital.

One neighbour who will live close to the proposed apartment building implored council to look for another site or risk creating a slum in central Sarnia.

A retired lawyer insisted the plan can be revoked and the vacant lot at 333 George Street can be sold to a group of doctors who have wanted to buy it for the last two years.  The doctors recently made an offer to purchase for $219,000 that’s good until December 1, said lawyer Ed Gresham.

And Councillor George Vandenberg made a motion asking Indwell to transfer ownership back to Lambton County and to strike a committee to search for other locations for supportive housing. 

“No one is against Indwell. This just isn’t the right spot,” said Vandenberg.

But the majority of council disagreed in a 6-3 vote against Vandenberg’s motion.

Several said it’s time to take action and further delays will only hurt the city and the people desperate for housing and support to kick their addictions.

“The object of the exercise is to help people,” said Councillor Terry Burrell. 

“If we are going to chase them out of the parks, we have to have a proper way of looking after them,” he said. “I’m willing to try as best we can to work with people like Indwell and help them to do a good job in the City of Sarnia. 

“If we’re going to put up an iron curtain and tell them to go elsewhere, then why are we even sitting here?” Burrell said.

Indwell is a charitable organization that works with its residents to end addiction by providing housing and meaningful support, said Councillor Chrissy McRoberts.

“Indwell is not saying bring your drugs in and for evermore you can continue to do meth,” she said. 

Bluewater Health is expecting to open an 18-month residential program within weeks at the former SCITS building and those who finish that program are going to need a place to live, McRoberts pointed out.

“If we do not set up for success, this is just going to keep relapsing and it’s going to grow and it’s going to get worse,” she said.

Councillor Adam Kilner said he feels like there’s been a lot of talk about supportive housing in Sarnia but nothing is getting done.

“Every single day we do nothing puts off any opportunity for years,” he said.  “…Are we going to be sitting here in five years with no result…because so far every neighbourhood has said no for any form of supportive housing since I’ve been on council.”

Mayor Mike Bradley said he shared Kilner’s concerns.

“Sometimes if you don’t want action, the best thing to do is set up a committee,” Bradley said.

Only Vandenberg, Coun. Anne Marie Gillis and Coun. Bill Dennis voted in favour of searching for an alternative location.