Barrhaven residents gather to oppose proposed 'sprung structures' for asylum seekers
Dozens of residents gathered in Barrhaven on Sunday afternoon to push back on a city proposal to build a tent-like structure to house asylum seekers.
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
The City of Ottawa has shortlisted the area of Greenbank Road and Highbury Park Drive for the construction of a "sprung structure" to help provide emergency welcoming and additional transitional housing capacity to accommodate “unprecedented levels” of migration into Ottawa.
Barrhaven has been shortlisted from 70 possible locations across Ottawa for the construction of the shelters. Alta Vista and Orléans had also been considered as potential sites.
The modular fabric buildings could house up to 150 beds and have ignited controversy with many residents, with some citing safety concerns and others advocating for more permanent housing solutions.
A rally took place in Barrhaven on Sunday, attended by MPP Lisa MacLeod and local councillor Wilson Lo, who have led the push against the structures.
"It's not a dignified way to house people, even if it's temporary. It's not appropriate in Barrhaven. It's not appropriate for anywhere in Ottawa," Lo told CTV Ottawa.
"Other cities in Ontario have proven that with a similar amount of money and a very similar timeline, you can take advantage of the advances in rapid construction technology to build a permanent structure."
Lo moved a motion at a July city council meeting to take away staff's authority to look at the location options, arguing that staff would be making a multi-million dollar decision on introducing a new shelter system without council oversight. Council ultimately voted down the motion.
"I don't know what the actual, final decision is going to be, but these next few weeks are going to be very important because that's when the site evaluations come back," he said.
A conceptual image of a 'sprung structure' that could be used to house asylum seekers.
Residents say the community does not have enough social services to allow for a large influx of asylum seekers.
"Our community has grown so rapidly that we're still catching up in regards to infrastructure, but really, we don't have we don't have the addiction supports. We don't have the mental health supports, we don't have the health care supports," said Jason MacDonald, chair of the Barrhaven Business Improvement Area.
"There's so many different alternatives. There's so many buildings that not only could be utilized right now for the asylum seekers and for the refugees to give them a much better start here in our amazing country."
The city has prioritized the structures as a housing solution because they can be constructed quickly and have minimal foundational requirements. A similar structure was used during the COVID-19 pandemic at The Ottawa Hospital to expand patient capacity and is still in use.
Alta Vista Coun. Marty Carr has supported the construction of a sprung structure in her ward but says they should be equally distributed to other parts of the city.
"We have neighborhoods all over the city that are sheltering folks, and I don't see why Barrhaven should be exempted," Carr said.
"I think a sprung structure will be a great alternative to using community centers that have been taken from their neighborhoods."
Barrhaven resident Xiaohua Ma said there should have been more transparency from the city about where the shelters will be installed. She said she has written letters to the mayor addressing her concerns, but did not receive a response.
"We want to understand how the city decided to put tents here. We would like to understand the procedure," she said.
"We want the city to hear our voice as well."
Barrhaven is one of the neighbourhoods being shortlisted as a possible candidate for the installation of a tent-like "sprung structure" to house asylum seekers.
Hong Yu, another Barrhaven resident, agreed there needs to be better solutions for asylum seekers.
"It is not appropriate for anybody. There must be a better solution for all the people," Yu said.
The city has not yet said whether a final decision has been made on the location of the sprung structure. Staff say the goal is to open the new structures in 2025.
Residents will be holding another rally opposing the proposal on Tuesday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Joe Biden pardons son Hunter Biden of gun, tax charges, despite promising not to
U.S. President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he pardoned his son Hunter Biden on gun, tax charges, despite previous promises that he would not do so.
Canada Post presents union with 'framework' to reach deal as strike continues
Canada Post has presented the union representing some 55,000 striking postal workers with a framework to reach negotiated agreements, the corporation said.
'Devastating': Missing Surrey, B.C. teen found dead, family says
The family of a missing 18-year-old, who was last seen in Surrey over a month ago, says there has been a tragic end to the search.
opinion Are you overpaying for subscriptions? It's time for an audit
From streaming platforms and apps to gym memberships and meal kits, subscriptions are convenient, but it's easy to overlook how much you're spending. Personal finance contributor Christopher Liew offers tips on how to audit your subscriptions to save money.
The best tips to prepare your car for the winter
Slippery or snow-covered roads, reduced visibility and bitter cold are all conditions that can make driving difficult and even dangerous during cold weather months. CAA spoke with CTV Morning Live this week on some of the best ways you can winterize your car.
PM Trudeau 'surprised' provinces unanimous on accelerated defence spending: Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his fellow provincial leaders are united in pushing for Canada to meet its NATO defence spending targets ahead of schedule, and that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was "surprised" to hear it.
Stellantis CEO resigns as carmaker sales continue to slump
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares is stepping down after nearly four years in the top spot of the automaker, which owns car brands like Jeep, Citroën and Ram, amid an ongoing struggle with slumping sales.
'Wicked' star Marissa Bode speaks out against 'harmful' ableist comments made about her character
'Wicked' actress Marissa Bode posted a video on TikTok asking for kindness after receiving ableist comments on social media.
Poilievre calls for asylum seeker cap, border plan as U.S. tariff threat looms
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has demanded the federal government present a plan before Parliament to beef up border security as U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatens to impose stiff tariffs on Canada.