No shortage of criticism and support after Oxford County’s homelessness centre public meeting

County staff made up the panel for the meeting as Rebecca Smith, the county’s director of human services, answered most of the questions. (Lee Griffi Photo)

Lee Griffi, Editor

Over 200 people turned out on July 15 at Woodstock’s South Gate Centre to ask questions about the future Homelessness Support Centre (HSC) in Woodstock.

Planning for the former YMCA on Dundas Street is in its infancy, meaning there were many more questions than answers. Residents could submit questions in advance or in writing during the meeting, but there was no live microphone for attendees. Vink Consulting facilitated the meeting at a cost of $4,500.

“The purpose of this session is to share information about the county’s vision about the future (HSC), answer questions, hear concerns and considerations that may help inform the future development and operation,” said Jody Ball, the meeting’s lead facilitator. “

The question-and-answer session lasted more than an hour, with the first question focusing on community safety once the facility opens to people experiencing homelessness.

“We are planning to have 24/7 security on site. There will also be standards on site for the future operator to ensure safety is the number one priority, which is certainly the focus for us at the county,” said Rebecca Smith, the county’s director of human services. “We are also looking at some design-related things. Obviously, there will have to be some interior work we have to provide, which will be interior cameras, surveillance as well as controlled entryways,” she added.

The new HSC is expected to open in 2027 and will replace the current three-shelter system. It will serve residents from across Oxford County who are unhoused or at risk of becoming homeless.

Health care supports and other community services are proposed for the site. The county is expected to eventually issue a request for proposals to select an operator for the facility.

Oxford County Warden Marcus Ryan said despite the lack of a plan for when the centre opens, he was pleased with how the event went.

“The questions were excellent. I totally agree that there are many, many unanswered questions because the HSC is a year away from opening, and our intention of the public meeting was to get input from residents before we answer questions. Council does not want the services and site design finalized without public input.”

Ryan added the format of the evening was the right choice, despite some participants' frustration.

“We offered opportunities for questions to be submitted before or during the meeting, either electronically or handwritten on paper. This gave the most options for people to submit whenever and however they were comfortable. In my experience, in public meetings many residents are reluctant to speak publicly, and wary of having a negative reaction to their comments, and so don’t participate.”

Woodstock City/County Councillor Deb Tait criticized the format.

“This was not a public meeting. It was a public orchestration designed to limit real public input and to insulate the elected councillors who supported this shelter location from any accountability to the public. Those that supported and voted for this location were not at the front-a staff person was made to answer all questions-not any of the elected people that supported it.”

Smith did most of the talking during the meeting and was joined at the front of the room by Anthony Dolcetti, manager of housing and homelessness, Mike Amy, manager of facilities and fleet, and Jillaine Blair, manager of outpatient mental health and addictions at Woodstock Hospital.

Tait added the site will have a huge impact on the public and the City of Woodstock.

“This location is going to cost millions of dollars to renovate and will have a direct impact on every single taxpayer in Oxford County. In Woodstock, the public will bear not only the cost of the building but also the additional expenses associated with its location on the city’s main street.”

She added the hardest hit will be the businesses and homes closest to the Y, all done with zero public input or public consultation.

“Anytime you are using taxpayers' money, it should be done in complete transparency. I was not aware of anything on this public meeting other than the date and time. I had no idea that the public could not get up and ask a question. From the people I spoke to, they were not aware either.”

Tracey Sherman has a son who has struggled with homelessness for several years, and thought the meeting was handled well.

“They made it easy for everyone to participate by offering QR codes to submit questions, but they also had paper copies and staff available to help anyone who wasn’t comfortable using technology.”

She added that staff answered questions for well over an hour and were knowledgeable and forthcoming about what they know and what is being planned.

“I know not everyone will leave with the same opinion, but I left feeling encouraged. One thing I’d remind people is that the proposed location is only a short distance from the current one. The service isn’t moving into a completely new area—it’s staying close to where it has already been while creating a better space for both the people using it and the surrounding community.”

Curtis Nicholson lives behind the former YMCA and said the meeting was a scripted corporate facade, specifically designed to not take any real questions from concerned neighbours.

“The QR code didn't work on my phone, and I can assume many others, so I couldn't have a voice even as the immediate abutting neighbour. When we tried to speak, it was drowned out and suppressed by the panel and others. The only thing left for us was to shout our questions, tell them they were deflecting, and do a massive collective walk out.”

He added anything regarding safety or how the perimeter of the building was avoided.

“I know why now in hindsight. They are designing the shelter with the intake process at the back of the building, which would expose my child and other children to drug addicted clients.

Woodstock Mayor Jerry Acchione attended the public meeting and was encouraged by the respectful dialogue and thoughtful questions from residents.

“The feedback shared will help county staff and our community partners continue refining the details of the Homelessness Support Centre and the future use of the property. While some residents felt the meeting format and communication could have been clearer, opportunities were provided for questions to be submitted before and during the meeting, both electronically and in writing.”

He added public engagement doesn’t end with one meeting, and he remains committed to ensuring residents, businesses, and community partners continue to have opportunities to ask questions, provide input, and help shape this important project as it moves forward.

“Public safety and transparency are paramount for everyone involved. Audience applause at the conclusion of the meeting reflected the appreciation many had for the opportunity to be heard.”

The meeting and more details on the HSC are available at https://speakup.oxfordcounty.ca/homelessness-support. Updates will also be provided on the same web page.