County council hears from the public on YMCA purchase

Woodstock resident Tracy Sherman gave an emotional presentation to county council and praised elected officials for the purchase of the former YMCA building for a permanent homeless shelter and support centre. (Lee Griffi Photo)

Lee Griffi, Editor

Oxford County councillors heard emotional pleas on both sides of a plan to purchase property in Woodstock to house what is being called a homeless shelter and support centre.

The Echo broke the story of the county purchasing the former YMCA at 808 Dundas Street in Woodstock at a cost of $4.55 million dollars. Renovations to the property to accommodate the shelter and professional office spaces are budgeted at $3 million.

The biggest problem one delegation had with the purchase is the absence of any public consultation before the cheque was written.

“One of our offices has already been the target of a homeless individual threatening to harm everyone inside our facility with a gun. When the possibility of catastrophic failure exists, you owe this community a voice,” said Justin Byer who spoke to council with his wife Tracy. The pair own a business immediately across the street from the Y.

“There is also real concern from the more than 200 people who have signed a petition against this facility that Dundas Street could begin to resemble parts of East London. Why spend all that money revitalizing downtown, only to risk damaging the same corridor 600 meters away,” he added.

The couple, who are well known for their community engagement and support of causes, said their opposition comes from lack of a clear plan, and lack of communication with stakeholders in the process.

“When I found out that neither the police nor Inn out of the Cold were meaningfully consulted, I knew that we had to speak up. My ask today is simple. Pause and consult this community, especially local stakeholders, before spending another dollar,” said Tracy.

“Right now, a building has already been purchased. And now, the county is asking for $250,000 for architectural drawings without issuing an RFP to ensure competitive pricing, and without meaningful input from the people most affected. Neighbours, business owners, police, fire, EMS, Inn out of the Cold and Operation Sharing. Where were they in this process?” she added.

“I can’t believe I’m standing up here to be against this,” added Justin. “The process of how you have run this behind closed doors and to find out through a leaked media report is where we’re standing today? It’s ridiculous. Every county person should be embarrassed at how that happened.”

A back and forth between Mr. Byers and Ryan was testy at times, prompting Coun. and Tillsonburg Mayor Deb Gilvesy to comment.

“Quite frankly I’m a little bit disappointed at the tones of the voices I am hearing around council chamber today. I think we can have a civil discussion about this and I think its very important the public is involved.”

She added the concerns raised by the Byers are valid.

“We are here to listen to the public and these processes have to be open. I’m glad people feel free that they can come and speak. That’s what democracy is all about and that’s what this council should be about.”

Ryan said the only thing council should be held accountable for is the purchase didn’t get done sooner.

“We’ve had upwards of a dozen locations in front of us over the past three and a half years that we were not able to make a decision on. We’ve made one and we need to get this done because there are people who are unrepresented here today that we shouldn’t forget and that’s people sleeping under tarps tonight, people who slept in tents last night in parks.”

Woodstock resident Tracy Sherman, whose son Travis struggles with schizophrenia and homelessness, spoke to council and thanked them for making the move to being a permanent structure on line.

“For years our family has lived with the heartbreaking reality of navigating a system that simply does not have enough support for people struggling with severe mental illness, trauma, homelessness and addiction.”

She added she has watched her son struggle in ways she would never wish on any family.

“I have experienced the fear of not knowing where he is. My son almost froze to death two years ago and a police officer found him outside in a snowbank. I fear the phone call. I fear whether someone vulnerable will survive another night outside.”

Sherman, who struggled to hold back tears for much of her presentation, said the new building gives her hope because people need more than a temporary place to sleep. She also praised council for making a tough decision.

“Leadership is not always about making the easiest decision. Sometimes it is about making the compassionate one and sometimes is means making difficult choices knowing there will be criticism, pushback and political pressure.”