Cathy Dobson/Local Journalism Initiative

The future of an Indwell affordable housing proposal looks bleaker after council narrowly approved a committee of adjustment decision to reject the George Street project.

The vote left some councillors like Chrissy McRoberts wondering where residents in need of affordable housing will live. Sarnia-Lambton is in need of at least 2,400 more affordable units, according to a Lambton County housing report.

“I don’t think everyone recognizes how many ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) people truly have nowhere to live,” said McRoberts.  “We have to start looking after these folks.”

In February, the committee of adjustment refused Indwell’s application for a five-storey, 35-unit building on George Street in central Sarnia. 

The committee made the decision despite a recommendation from city staff to approve the application. A report says the committee deems the application an “overdevelopment” of the vacant lot.  It went on to say that the application is for “supportive,” not affordable housing and a zoning by-law amendment should be considered.

At Monday’s meeting, council directed staff to retain external legal and planning support to defend the committee of adjustment’s rejection of the application at an upcoming Ontario Land Tribunal hearing where Indwell is appealing the committee decision.

Council also had the choice of supporting the city’s own staff who are in favour of the Indwell proposal, which has been revised to include 35 units rather than the original 50. 

Councillor Anne Marie Gillis said her main objection to Indwell’s current proposal is that it is for a five-storey building. She believes a three-storey building is best for the neighbourhood.

Councillor Terry Burrell pointed out Sarnia’s bylaws don’t mention supportive housing and Indwell has repeatedly called its complex supportive. That means services will be available to some tenants who may need mental health, nursing, recreational and social supports.

Sarnia has some supportive units already, said Eric Hyatt, the city’s manager of planning and development services.  They are contained within buildings categorized as affordable. 

It’s possible that Sarnia will add zoning for supportive housing at a special council meeting May 11, said Mayor Mike Bradley.

The land tribunal hearing is scheduled for May 6.

In favour of defending the committee of adjustment’s position to reject Indwell’s proposal were Councillors Bill Dennis, George Vandenberg, Gillis, Burrell and David Boushy.

Indwell representative Graham Cubitt spoke to The Independent Monday and acknowledged Indwell’s use of the term “supportive” housing is causing anxiety among some residents living near the George Street site.

All of Indwell’s buildings across Southern Ontario are affordable with support available for people who want it, Cubitt said.

“It brings stability to the neighbourhood,” he said.  “People are no longer in crisis.  When you have keys to your own front door, you aren’t on the sidewalk or wandering around until you’re allowed back into a shelter.”

Indwell houses people “who choose recovery and who set recovery goals,” Cubitt said.