Another extension for The Ark’s homeless shelter as council places its hopes on senior government funding next year
A proposal by Ark Aid Street Mission to further extend last winter’s temporary shelter program into a year-round service sparked a lengthy debate about its impacts and cost.
“The neighborhood doesn't want it, and the neighborhood is worse for these paid services than it is without them,” asserted Coun. Susan Stevenson who represents Old East Village.
Stevenson claimed an oversaturation of frontline agencies in the heart of the OEV business district needs to end.
“Without these beds, what would the situation be like?” countered Coun. Corrine Rahman.”It's really hard to understand and imagine what we might be facing.”
Rahman said she could support awarding $1.8 million to extend The Ark’s shelter services until the end of this year, but would be challenged to support a budget business case to extend services for $360,000 per month until March 31, 2027.
The 2023/24 Winter Response to Homelessness was already extended once to allow The Ark to submit its proposal for year-round services that will include:
- 24/7 Assessment and Referral Services (696 Dundas St.)
- 40 rotational drop-in spaces
- 30 resting spaces for temporary overnight stays
- Stabilization Transitional Beds (432 William St.)
- 60 beds supporting individuals unable to access shelter spaces
Operating the frontline services year-round avoids the high cost of launching and shutting down programs each winter.
Council supported the $1.8 million extension of services until December 31, but will continue to lobby senior levels of government to pick up the proposed costs going forward.
“We require all levels of government to come together to tackle this,” said Mayor Josh Morgan. “We cannot in the long run, or the even the medium run, continue to support [this] to the level that we are on the backs of the property tax base.”
Coun. Steve Lehman suggested seeking funds for both the Whole of Community Response to Homelessness (Hubs and Supportive Housing) and the interim frontline shelter service at The Ark will be challenging.
Adding that if senior government funding isn’t received in time, council will find itself debating the closure of The Ark’s shelter beds in the middle of winter.
“We're setting up expectations that we're going to have to deal with if the (senior government) funding doesn't materialize in the fall,” Lehman warned. “This contract runs out on December 31st, and there's two renewals at a considerable price tag.”
A budget business case will be prepared by Civic Administration in the event council has to consider funding the year-round program next year.
Council will deliberate the 2025 Municipal Budget this fall.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian Olympic Committee offers 'heartfelt apology' after New Zealand accuses Canada Soccer of spying
The Canadian Olympic Committee offered a 'heartfelt' apology to New Zealand Football Tuesday after the New Zealand women's club accused the Canadian women's team of spying on them during a training session.
Jasper evacuees forced into B.C. to flee fires told to make U-turn to Alberta for aid
Thousands of wildfire evacuees forced from Jasper National Park into British Columbia along smoke-choked mountain roads Monday night were directed Tuesday to make a wide U-turn and head home if they needed a place to stay.
Pennsylvania state police commissioner reveals stunning details about Trump shooting
A local law enforcement commissioner revealed during a House Homeland Security hearing on Tuesday stunning new details about the security failures that led to the near assassination of Donald Trump, raising more questions for the embattled U.S. Secret Service.
Sunday was the hottest day ever recorded on Earth, scientists say
Sunday was the hottest day ever recorded, breaking global temperatures dating back to 1940, according to preliminary data from Europe's Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Polar bear at Calgary Zoo died by drowning following 'crushing' injury
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has revealed the cause of death for polar bear Baffin last week.
Clip resurfaces of Vance criticizing Harris for being 'childless,' testing Trump's new running mate
Comments Donald Trump’s running mate JD Vance made in 2021 questioning U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’ leadership because she did not have biological children have resurfaced, testing the young conservative senator in his early days campaigning as part of the Republicans' presidential ticket.
Premier says fine-tuning needed for alert system after miscommunicated Jasper evacuation timing
Alberta's premier says changes are needed to the province's emergency alert system after incorrect information was shared about the Jasper evacuation on Monday night.
'I had to go into hiding': Manitoba man still being harassed after charges into alleged human trafficking ring dropped
A man whose charges were stayed following an investigation into an alleged child sex trafficking ring in Portage la Prairie says his life has been ruined.
'Stars are aligning' for Bank of Canada rate cut: economists
The Bank of Canada is expected to deliver a dose of interest rate relief Wednesday when economists and market watchers predict the central bank will cut its overnight lending rate.