Board says its needs to focus on organizations long-term sustainability

The Independent

The Inn of the Good Shepherd says it won’t build a 56-unit, six-storey affordable housing complex on the site of the former Laurel Lea Church in Sarnia.

The Inn’s board announced the decision July 9, saying the difficult decision “reflects the significant changes in the organization’s financial position since the project was first conceived several years ago and its responsibility to ensure the long-term sustainability of The Inn and the essential services it provides to the community.

The original proposal for the 56-unit apartment building and a six-unit townhouse complex on a 1.58-acre property was controversial. The former church is currently used as a temporary overflow shelter. The Inn planned the affordable housing saying for decades, upper levels of government had neglected to build units for those with low income. The first proposal was turned down by Sarnia council after neighbours in the area voiced concerns. They’d already been living with increased issues with drugs after the shelter opened.

The Inn’s board decided to take the issue to the Ontario Land Tribunal. Five months later, in a 5-4 vote, Sarnia council agreed to work with the Inn on the project. That was in October 2025.

But it has been a difficult year for community organizations trying to feed those in the community in need. The Inn temporarily stopped providing food earlier this year due to overwhelming demand and lower than normal donation.

Board Chair Liz Koetsier said in a news release; “No one wanted to reach this conclusion. We recognize that affordable housing is a critical need in our community, and this was not an easy decision. However, as a board we have an obligation to steward the organization responsibly and ensure The Inn has the financial means to continue delivering the essential services that thousands of people depend on each year.”

“Our commitment to supporting people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity remains unchanged,” said General Manager Jack Christie in a new release. “Our focus continues to be on ensuring that individuals and families in our community have access to the essential services they need today, while maintaining a strong and sustainable organization for the future.”