Councillors approve land for new Inuit women's shelter in Ottawa's south end
The City of Ottawa is selling a piece of land in Ottawa's south end to the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition to build a new transitional housing building for Inuit women and their children.
The Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition wants to build a shelter with 28-34 beds on Forestglade Crescent, supporting women and their children affected by domestic abuse or facing homelessness.
Councillors on the finance and corporate services committee approved a proposal to declare the site as surplus and sell the property to the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition "for nominal consideration" to develop the new facility.
"The site at 250 Forestglade Crescent is ideal for this use because of its proximity to transit and parks," staff said. "As well, it is in a quiet residential neighbourhood, which is beneficial for the women and their children as it allows for privacy and safety."
The Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition says the new shelter will provide a "community led, wrap around supportive environment."
"The Shelter will strengthen Inuit families, including supporting Inuit women to function independently with your children, in a healthy way free from violence and the continued effects of intergenerational trauma," the coalition said. "The community-oriented space will be a space to break the cycle of abuse with women supporting women and the community supporting women and children."
Officials say the new facility will be open to community members for up to six months, and there will be programming on site for counselling, employment and training support and child welfare support.
Some residents in the Hunt Club neighbourhood have raised concerns about the plans to build the shelter in the neighbourhood.
One resident told the committee that while transitional housing is important for the city, residents are wondering if the city looked at other options for the land.
"I think what we're just a little bit concerned that what ends up coming there is something that may detract from our neighbourhood as opposed to benefiting the neighbourhood," the resident said, adding residents weren't consulted on the plans.
At a community meeting in April 23, residents wondered if the neighbourhood has enough supports for transitional housing.
"I'm concerned about the women coming into the community that does not have a hospital near them, that does not have a grocery store near them," Marina Bossio said.
"What kind of security are we going to have in the neighbourhood? What kind of supervision is there going to be over the site? How are issues going to be dealt with," Bernard Ouellet asked.
The goal is to have the building ready by 2027.
With files from CTV News Ottawa's Shaun Vardon
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Debunking the 'anti-sunscreen' movement: Doctors say TikTok trend is dangerous
Dermatologists are sounding the alarm about misinformation from the anti-sunscreen movement, saying not wearing sunscreen can cause cancer and other problems.
Poilievre Conservatives offer to help Trudeau Liberals pass foreign interference bill
Pierre Poilievre's Conservative Party is offering to help Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government pass a piece of legislation aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada.
DEVELOPING Key witness lied on stand, Trump lawyer tells jurors during closing arguments in hush money trial
Donald Trump's landmark hush money trial turns on the testimony of a prosecution witness who told lies on the stand and cannot be trusted, a defence lawyer said Tuesday during closing arguments.
Ont. university says professor fired over 'unethical' sexual relationships with students
An associate professor at McMaster University has been fired after its board of governors found that he engaged in 'unethical, inappropriate and in some instances exploitative' sexual relationships with students.
Richard Dreyfuss' comments about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity lead venue to apologize
The actor Richard Dreyfuss showed up in a dress at a 'Jaws'-themed event in Massachusetts, where the blockbuster 1975 movie he starred in was shot, and then proceeded to make demeaning remarks about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity.
Three people shot to death in tiny South Dakota town; former mayor charged
Three people were shot to death in a small South Dakota town, and a former law officer who once served as the town's mayor is charged in the killings.
Quebec homeowner recalls moment tornado hit his farmhouse west of Montreal
A homeowner in western Quebec is recounting a narrow escape after his home was hit by a tornado Monday afternoon.
WATCH Airline pilot treated to stunning northern lights show during U.S.-Portugal flight
An airline pilot got quite a show on May 11 while flying from San Francisco to Lisbon when a solar storm caused stunning auroras.
Severe thunderstorms, 15 cm of snow: Canadian weather forecast highlights
Well into spring, some parts of Canada could experience a wintry comeback, while other areas are bracing for severe thunderstorms, according to local forecasts.