Newcomer Reception Centre – FAQs

November 13, 2024

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Hi Kanata North,

I hope you enjoyed your weekend. I didn’t expect to be writing to you so soon after my newsletter on Friday, but I thought I would help clear up quite a lot of misinformation that has been circulating locally regarding the site selections that City of Ottawa staff announced for the construction of possible Welcoming Centres with Transitional Housing.

I was very disappointed to see how some residents were given misinformation and then encouraged to protest. I thought maybe some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) might be helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1.  Is the City putting up a tent in Kanata South to house newcomers? 

No. Absolutely not. (Whoever told you this is confused.)

  1.  Has the City decided to build a permanent structure in Kanata South to house newcomers? 

No. (Whoever told you this is confused.)

  1.  Has a site been identified in Kanata South for a Welcome Centre with transitional housing? 

Yes. There is land near the Eagleson Park and Ride that (out of 92 possible sites) ranked second on staff’s list for possible sites. The first choice is the parcel of land at 1645 Woodroffe Avenue. The Kanata South site is listed second, if a second site is needed.

  1.  Is there funding available now to build this Welcome Centre with transitional housing? 

No. Funding still has to be approved. However, the City has applied for a second tranche of IHAP (Interim Housing Assistance Program) funding that has not yet been approved for this initiative.

  1.  Did this just come out of nowhere? 

No. The discussion on this topic was held at City Committee meetings and at City Council meetings over the course of the past year and a half. Please spend some time reading the documents linked at the bottom of this newsletter to understand better the numerous times City Council and its Committees reviewed this concept and voted on delegating the final decision on site rankings to City staff.

  1.  Did the Kanata City Councillors know that this specific site was on the list? 

No. However, all City Councillors were aware that the final site choice (made by staff) could be in any ward in the City of Ottawa. When Kanata was placed second on the list, and that was announced last week, City Councillors learned of the specific ranking of the sites then, like everyone else.

  1.  Will there be an opportunity for consultation regarding the site in Kanata South?

Yes. There will be consultation to come, where much more information will be provided by City staff. That is how we do things at the City. I will let you know in this newsletter when that consultation will take place.

  1.  If the structure is needed, will it house only young men?

That level of detail has not been decided. However, as is explained in the memo from staff (see link below), we currently have a system better suited for families, so the need for transitional housing is higher for single people (but not necessarily men).

  1.  Is the Federal Government making the City build a Welcome Centre with transitional housing? 

No. This is a City of Ottawa plan and process that the City applied for funding to do. However, the funding has not been approved for it yet.

  1.  Is the funding for this type of housing tied to the $176.3 million dollars the Federal Government announced for affordable housing? 

No. We are using that money to build considerably more permanent affordable housing. The two concepts are not tied to one another.

  1.  Do we have to build a Welcome Centre with transitional housing? 

No, but City Council encouraged City staff to apply for the funding to do this because we believe that such a facility is a very good way to help all newcomers get the proper support to start their new life in Canada. Ottawa has seen newcomers arrive over many, many decades and there has never been a really good way to ensure that all newcomers get the support they need. This model could help solve a number of challenges that the City of Ottawa has struggled with for decades.

  1.  Why have we heard that the Ottawa Mission is involved in this? 

The Ottawa Mission is a wonderful organization that helps to support local Ottawa residents who are experiencing homelessness. They were finding that many newcomers were coming to the Mission looking for the type of help and support that is not a part of the Ottawa Mission’s mandate. The Ottawa Mission staff spoke to City of Ottawa staff to let them know that there was a need for proper settlement supports.

  1.  Can my MPP or MP or any known candidates running in the upcoming provincial and federal elections direct City staff on this issue? 

No. It is important for you to know that an MP, an MPP, or a candidate running in any upcoming election at either level of government cannot direct City staff. Only City Council can direct City staff. City Councillors will be involved in the committee and Council decisions on this project/issue.

  1.  Because the facility that is proposed would be a semi-permanent structure, if it isn’t needed in future, can it be used for anything else? 

Yes. Staff explained that the structure is much like the structures built beside our Ottawa Hospital and many other hospitals during the pandemic and could be used for many purposes. Such a facility could in future be used for health care, sports or entertainment, for example.

  1.  How can I give my input into this issue? 

Given how much misinformation is out there right now, the emails we have received are not helpful, as people are giving feedback on misinformation. The best way to give feedback will be at future consultation sessions that will take place. I will keep you updated in my newsletter. Please sign up to get my newsletter at www.kanatanorth.ca.

  1.  What do you think of this plan, Councillor Curry? 

I think Ottawa and every major city in Canada right now needs to have Welcoming Centres with transitional housing so that newcomers who come to Canada now and in the coming years will have a much better chance of success than many have had in the past. Is building a new semi-permanent structure the only answer? I have a number of questions for staff on this topic.

And, if funding is received for this type of solution and the decision is to go ahead, I will ensure that there is fulsome consultation on the details of the actual site, the pros and cons of that location, and the actual design (If this site is needed). Until that time, I will keep you updated so that accurate information is available regarding when the consultation will take place.

  1.  What does the mayor think about this? 

The Mayor was interviewed on this topic last week and here is a link to that interview. (https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/video/c3026613-mayor-mark-sutcliffe-on-sprung-structures)

  1.  What other documents can you send me for me to read for myself? 

Here are a number of links to the documents that might be helpful.