Photo credit: CBC
On Sunday, Ottawa saw a pair of rallies in support of and against a proposal to build tent-like structures for asylum seekers.
CTV reports that hundreds of people stood in Ben Franklin Plaza supporting the newcomer reception centres. The first of the structures is planned to be built at 1645 Woodroffe Avenue, near the Nepean Sportsplex. Refugee613 organized the rally, which was accompanied by city councillors and Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.
Sutcliffe wrote on social media, “Let’s all work together to find the right solutions for newcomers and spread hope and kindness.”
Louisa Taylor, director of Refugee613, said city shelters can’t meet the needs of Ottawa’s migrant population, and sprung structures are the best option.
Taylor said, “We have hundreds of people living in cots, sleeping in arenas and community centres
“Some of the issues around the site selection, they’re kind or drowning out the fact that a solution has to be found.”
She added that the structures are not meant to be permanent homes but rather places for people to get on their feet while they begin a new life.
However, a rally was held down the street in opposition to the structures.
Many of those in attendance said the location and criteria selection process have many of them disgruntled.
Christine Ricottone attended the protest and said, “The city has sprung something on us. They’ve sprung a structure in the back of Confederation Heights. It affects many people in the community and, most of all, the Sportsplex.”
Graham Hughes, who lives in the Greenbelt community behind the Sportsplex, said, “We’ve never been consulted, and we’ve got issues that are not being adequately addressed. I don’t think anyone is against sheltering asylum seekers. There’s a need for it, especially a short-term need.”
Residents are urging the city to consider an alternative location because the proposed location would disrupt youth sports activities.
The city says 600 asylum seekers are currently using Ottawa’s shelter spaces. The proposal intends to provide on-site services like translation and asylum claim assistance for those who come through its doors.
