On the sunny afternoon of a recent Sunday, the streets of Ottawa saw vibrant displays of support and dissent surrounding the city’s proposal to erect temporary housing for asylum seekers. The initiative aims to use structures known as Sprung Structures to provide shelter and assistance to those new to Canada, but it has sparked significant controversy among residents.
At Ben Franklin Plaza, hundreds gathered to voice their endorsement of the newcomer reception centres proposed by the city. This first installation is set to rise at 1645 Woodroffe Ave., conveniently located near the Nepean Sportsplex. Ottawa’s Mayor Mark Sutcliffe was among the supporters, taking to social media to promote the city’s longstanding reputation as welcoming. “Let’s all work together to find the right solutions for newcomers and spread hope and kindness,” he appealed to the community.
The rally was organized by Refugee613, with its director Louisa Taylor emphasizing the pressing need for such facilities. Taylor pointed out the inadequacy of current city shelters to effectively accommodate the growing number of migrants pouring in. “We have hundreds of people living on cots, sleeping on cots and mats in arenas and community centers,” she highlighted during the gathering, stressing the urgency of their cause.
Notably, Taylor clarified the nature of these structures. “They’re not meant to be permanent homes, but rather, places for people to start their new lives,” she explained. Those who arrive, claim asylum, and begin their resettlement will find organized support here. She envisioned the facilities equipped with heating, plumbing, electricity, and minimum privacy as they receive assistance with legal documentation, employment permits, and access to necessary services. “They will have wraparound services on site,” Taylor noted.
Directly down the street, contrastingly, another rally occurred. Opponents voiced their discontent, with Christine Ricottone stating, “The city has sprung something on us,” alluding to the unexpected announcement of these structures. Ricottone and other residents voiced valid concerns about potential disruption to the community and local activities, particularly youth sports.
Residents like Graham Hughes, who resides near the target location, expressed their frustrations about not being consulted during the decision-making process. “It affects many people within our community,” he stated. He was quick to add, “I don't think anyone is against sheltering asylum seekers,” which is undoubtedly true; it’s about how and where those efforts are best carried out.
Currently, the city reports around 600 asylum seekers are utilizing Ottawa's shelter spaces. Plans for the new facility include on-site services such as translation and asylum claim assistance to streamline the transition for newcomers.
Learning from Others
While Ottawa navigates its approach to temporary housing, insights from cities like Toronto, which has embraced similar structures for years, promise valuable guidance. A recent visit by CBC to one such centre reveals how these shelters are structured and operated. The Dixon Hall, perched by the shore of Lake Ontario, stands as one of Toronto’s various 24-hour respite centres.
This building debuted as part of Toronto's winter action plan back in 2019, aimed at addressing increased emergency shelter needs flexibly. Praneeth DeSilva, the supervisor at Dixon Hall, shared how community consultation was undertaken before the establishment of the facility. “Because of the building’s smaller footprint, we didn’t have to go through the same rigorous demands as with permanent structures,” he explained.
Inside the Sprung Structure, visitors find operational necessities like washrooms and shared spaces for meals and rest. This open-concept model alleviates over-crowding concerns, as staff can easily supervise clients to maintain safety. Yet, no privacy exists for those needing shelter, with cots arranged side by side. Forecastors for the Ottawa model predict separate bedrooms to provide more dignity and personal space.
“Dignity is ensured through management practices,” asserted DeSilva, emphasizing how personnel treat residents with respect, nurturing their community spirit. While some Ottawa residents express worries about dignity and safety, others familiar with the Toronto structures suggest these doubts can diminish over time.
Taking cues from successful programs, Ottawa’s housing advocate Kale Brown has maintained communications with Peel Region, which is launching its own models of Sprung Structures. “We’ll learn from their experience moving forward,” he assured.
Community Reception and Future Guidance
Dixon Hall operates three of the Sprung Structures across Toronto, illustrating various models of accommodating vulnerable populations. While initially, there was significant pushback from residents upon their arrival, as noted by Liberty Village local Ross Howey, perceptions have shifted dramatically. “If they have to exist, everybody has to share the load. It's all part of your social responsibility,” he pointed out.
Another Liberty Village resident, Jen Linker, noted the overall harmony achieved among the locals after initial hesitations. “I think most everyone is just living pretty harmoniously,” she stated, indicating potential for similar outcomes as Ottawa tries its hand at deploying Sprung Structures.
Cathy Crowe, well-versed on the subject, advised Ottawa's planners to engage community members effectively. “These sites thrive on community involvement, whether through volunteering or assisting families,” she remarked, stressing the importance of creating pathways for mutual support.
Overall, the Sprung Structures represent innovative solutions for managing the influx of asylum seekers across Canada's urban landscapes. While some residents remain concerned about the project’s leadership and its community impact, supportive voices continue to grow louder, emphasizing hope and kindness toward those seeking refuge.
