Residents raise concerns about plan for Inuit women's shelter in Ottawa's south end
Residents in Ottawa's Hunt Club neighbourhood are raising concerns about plans to build an Inuit women's shelter in the south end neighbourhood.
The proposal would see city-owned land at 250 Forestglade Crescent sold to the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition, which hopes to build a 30-bed supportive housing facility for women and children only.
"Ottawa has the largest Inuit population south of Nunavut and there is a growing need to have a dedicated shelter for Inuit women who are affected by domestic violence," Jessica Bradley, Gloucester-Southgate councillor, said. "I am supportive and Hunt Club Park has a tradition of being a very welcoming community."
However, during a public meeting Tuesday night at the Greenboro Community Centre, many residents voiced concerns about the project.
"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.
Coun. Jessica Bradley speaks to residents at a community meeting about plans to build an Inuit women's shelter on Forestglade Crescent. (Shaun Vardon/CTV News Ottawa)
The Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition says the building would be no more than three storeys tall, mirroring a residential building across the street. The CMHC has already approved $8.8 million for construction if the land can be found.
In a letter to constituents, Coun. Bradley said, "This shelter will provide Inuit women and children with a safe, healthy and culturally appropriate place to live. It will give them an opportunity to heal in a welcoming family-oriented neighbourhood with greater access to schools, parks and greenspace."
The goal is to have the building built by 2027.
Ottawa's finance and corporate services committee will discuss the proposed land transfer at its meeting on May 7.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Serial sexual offender linked to unsolved 1970s homicides of four Calgary girls, women
An investigation into unsolved historical homicides from the 1970s has linked the deaths of two girls and two young women in and around Calgary to a now-deceased serial offender.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
Dabney Coleman, actor who specialized in curmudgeons, dies at 92
Dabney Coleman, the mustachioed character actor who specialized in smarmy villains like the chauvinist boss in '9 to 5' and the nasty TV director in 'Tootsie,' has died. He was 92.
Information commissioner faces $700K funding shortfall, says system is 'overwhelmed'
Canada's information commissioner says her office is facing a $700,000 funding shortfall that could impact its ability to investigate complaints about government transparency and accountability.
BREAKING Craig Berube named as next head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have named Craig Berube as their new head coach.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Australia's richest woman seeks removal of her portrait from exhibition
Art is subjective. And while many artists long to share their work with the world, there's no guarantee that the audience will understand it, or even like it.
Backlash over NFL player Harrison Butker's commencement speech has reached a new level
The NFL is distancing itself from controversial comments by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during a recent commencement address.
Person charged in random assault on actor Steve Buscemi in New York
A person wanted in connection with the random assault on actor Steve Buscemi on a New York City street earlier this month was taken into custody Friday, police said.