Article content

Last summer, without any consultation with the people of Vanier, and after more than a year of secret talks with City Hall, the Salvation Army executive cut a deal to move its infamous George Street shelter into the middle of a residential neighbourhood in the heart of Vanier.

To move the shelter, said to be the subject of the top five calls for police service, requires amendments to the city’s official plan and zoning bylaws which otherwise preclude placing a shelter on a Traditional Main Street, Montreal Road. Mayor Jim Watson immediately signalled his support for the idea, tilting the playing field, then went silent as Vanier’s protests mounted. On Friday, council’s planning committee closed its ears to the people of Vanier and recommended approval of the backroom shabby deal. Next stop is Nov. 22 in council.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Politics of the Salvation Army homeless plan are deeply flawed: Heinbecker Back to video

Photo by Tony Caldwell / Postmedia

Salvation Army workers and volunteers undoubtedly deserve their reputation for dealing compassionately with some of our city’s poorest and most vulnerable people. The Army’s executives calling the shots from Toronto, on the other hand, have been less than concerned about the people of Vanier. The Army’s public relations team seemed determined to limit debate, and engaged in misinformation, to be charitable, and spin. Correspondence went unanswered. The Army submitted to an “open house” on its services but only after three months of pressure. Even then, the site the Army chose for it was outside of Vanier, requiring two buses and a transfer for vehicle-less people to attend, which was as brazen as it was obtuse. Even councillors appeared incredulous.