Solution or problem? : Residents cast a shadow of their former self in the neighborhood for the Esplanade emergency shelter

45 The road to Esplanade was paved with awakening intentions rice field.

Still, the reality that some locals turned the hotel into an emergency shelter during COVID-19 could be the theft of the scent of urine. It was a hell of vandalism.

It was difficult for many neighbors to see the good points of this project when they saw drug dealers come in to pay for their addiction and evacuate their residents by ambulance.

For many, whether or not the shelter residents were responsible, wanderings, fires, and retail window damage surged, making the neighborhood unrecognizable.

Retired Dennis Moore, who lives in a condominium near the emergency homeless shelter, said crimes have declined slightly recently as Toronto police have been strengthened, but major problems continue.

"They lit our trash can, they were pulling our fire alarm at night, there is a field defecation, they stayed in our alley, Everything is stretched and high, "Moore said. "Many (companies) around here have been robbed many times and are poor moms and pop restaurants."

People who oppose shelters are inhabitants online. She said she found evidence of stealing bicycles and shoplifting baby food for sale.

"There are 5 star rooms with Wi-Fi, laundry and catering, but it's incredible," she said.

Moore said she said the community was cracked and some supported the homeless initiative, but many locals are no longer comfortable to go home. She feels.

The City of Toronto leases the Novotel Hotel for an estimated rent of up to $ 625,824, making it extremely vulnerable to both COVID-19 outbreaks and other pandemics in overcrowded existing facilities. Provided a physically separated home. , Chronic homelessness, fatal surge in drug overdose and mental health problems.

45 The Esplanade was labeled as temporary, but was allowed to be extended until April next year.

Toronto has signed contracts with 29 hotels in the city to provide additional emergency shelter, with 3,900 people staying in 2,900 rooms in March.

Mayor John Torrey spokesman Robin Hadisi said the city turned to unused hotels and spaces during the pandemic in search of alternative housing options.

"During the pandemic, there was an urgent need for a safe indoor shelter for vulnerable people in Toronto," Hadith said in a statement. "To address the critical shelter and housing issues, Mayor Tory will prioritize the necessary steps, funds and resources, and will continue to have access to safe indoor shelters for anyone in need of it in the city. As a result, the city of Toronto continues to provide safe indoor shelters for those in need. ”

Esplanade shelters are in demand. She said she was able to quickly provide a safe home for 250 people in a large downtown area.

"The mayor is listening to locals around 45 Esplanade and takes their concerns very seriously," she said. "He has endeavored to help city officials address these concerns and work with shelter operators in a meaningful way, thus providing appropriate support to those living in this temporary shelter.

The mayor needs to provide a safe and cozy environment for people suffering from homelessness and the communities around them. "There is no option to sacrifice one of these priorities and responsibilities and the other," Hadice said.

Hotel shelters are still considered temporary, and the mayor's office says a solution is being sought to provide stable long-term housing. increase.

Senior Susan Ferranti, who recorded numerous incidents in the community, said she was "welcome" if the shelter residents respected the neighborhood.

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Evacuation shelters were seen "shooting" and just this week two men (one with visible pain) were on the sidewalk. She said a lying photo was taken.

"I'm sorry for them, I feel like they aren't getting the help they need," Ferranti said. "They are safe, but they are not doing anything ... We are now hiring police officers on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All this security is needed and additional police officers are needed. If there is something wrong.

"(The shelter resident) is servicing them, but they are forced to use them. Not everyone has to follow the rules. She said.

Ferranti has four hotel shelters nearby and locals say they are permanent. He said he was afraid to become a target.

The shelter is run by Holmes First, and according to a city statement, all staff are trained in harm reduction, prevention and response to overdose.

Residents have access to wraparound support services.

Monitored on-site video surveillance, hourly patrols A statement from city officials states that guards, local safety teams, and 24-hour paid guards are supporting security activities in the area.

"All residents of Toronto" Similarly, residents of city shelters have free access to the local community and their facilities, and like all residents, they are expected to comply with all laws. " The statement states. "Violent and / or criminal activity that occurs in a shelter or community is unacceptable to the city or its shelter provider. The shelter resident is inappropriate, offensive, violent, or criminal. If they are found to have acted on, they will be held liable for these acts. "

aartuso@postmedia.com