At the height of a protest in midtown Toronto Saturday, hundreds of protesters and counter-protesters faced off on Mount Pleasant Road, near Eglinton, which was closed to traffic for several hours.
On one side of the argument, you have residents who are against two temporary homeless shelters in their Yonge and Eglinton neighbourhood - the Roehampton Hotel on Mount Pleasant Road and two buildings being used as temporary shelters at 55-65 Broadway Avenue. The latter sites are slated to be closed at the end of August due to pending development on the site.
Residents say they're concerned for community safety following an increase in crime and drug use in the area since the shelters opened up in late April in the midst of the pandemic.
Speaking to CP24, this resident sums up some of their concerns, "Over the last month, there's been something like over 30 break-ins, there's been a stabbing of a city worker, an individual in a shelter was arrested with a gun, three people were caught with knives - that's not normal."
55-65 Broadway Ave. photo Heather Seaman
On the other side, counter-protesters tell CP24 the temporary homeless shelters should be fully supported.
"I'm embarrassed to be a neighbour right now. I'm embarrassed to see so much hatred on the streets," said one woman, who is all for having shelters in the area.
This man tells CP24 he's also in favour of the shelters: "I think it's a real overreaction. I think, you know, they've just gotta realize that these people are people too. I was homeless for about a month...you become homeless for all sorts of reasons."
Earlier in the day, former Premier Kathleen Wynne stopped by the rally to hear from people on both sides of the argument.
"I really hope this doesn't become an adversarial - homeless against non-homeless, you know, poverty against affluent. That's not what it's about. This is about community safety and making sure that the city puts the resources in and I know that they're trying. I've talked to the mayor. But, this is about people not understanding or not believing that the resources are there and that's what we have to advocate for."
CP24
Meanwhile, local councillor Josh Matlow, who has been eluding the media for weeks on the issue, sent out a tweet responding to ongoing concerns in the neighbourhood: "Our community's support for our city's homeless is unwavering. We expect the city and province to provide supports to ensure the safety of shelter clients and the community. Working with the mayor and city staff, I remain focused on a collaborative, effective and compassionate approach."
Our community’s support for our city’s homeless is unwavering. We expect the city & province to provide supports to ensure the safety of shelter clients & the community. Working with the mayor & city staff, I remain focused on a collaborative, effective & compassionate approach.
— Josh Matlow (@JoshMatlow) August 15, 2020
In an earlier tweet, prior to the rally, Matlow addressed some high-profile advocates of the protest.
"Community safety concerns are real and must be (and are being) addressed effectively, immediately and compassionately. But a rally being organized with Giorgio Mammoliti and Sue-Anne Levy, and that calls itself a "crusade", referring to our city's homeless as "tent people", is wrong."
Meantime, Mayor John Tory released a statement on the matter today, saying in part, that he has been talking with midtown residents over the last few weeks to hear their concerns, "I want people to know that the message has been received and that I am doing everything possible to address safety concerns in particular."
I have been talking to midtown residents over the last few weeks to hear their concerns and will continue those discussions in the lead up to the public consultation and afterwards.
— John Tory (@JohnTory) August 15, 2020
"I will not for one moment let up on my efforts as Mayor to BOTH care for our most vulnerable populations AND maintain safe, secure neighbourhoods. We will work together to achieve both."
In a news release, the city acknowledges that it's taking steps to address residents' concerns, including adding 33 new security cameras, enhanced 24/7 mobile patrols and four security guards at the Roehampton Hotel location. There are also plans in the next week to open a third-floor outdoor space for shelter clients at the hotel.
Heather Seaman
In the release, city staff note “The city has a responsibility to address and respond to safety concerns in any neighbourhood, while also supporting homeless individuals in our city with dignity and care.”
“The city is working hard to integrate the Roehampton temporary housing program into the community in response to COVID-19.”
The city will hold an online community town hall about the issue on August 19th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
https://www.toronto.ca/news/update-on-city-of-toronto-temporary-housing-programs-in-midtown/
With files from CP24