‘City talking about us, not to us:’ Bayview Station homeless demanding solution

Residents in 'tent city,' behind Ottawa's Bayview Station, are fighting for their rights and trying to draw attention to a growing housing crisis in the city.

Living conditions and human rights violations were the theme of a rally held behind the transit station, Monday. Housing advocates from Amnesty International and the United Nations spoke, while cries of “shame” rung out whenever the City of Ottawa was mentioned. 

Some residents are calling for more affordable housing in Ottawa, especially near Bayview Station.

Kitchissippi Councillor Jeff Leiper said, “Finding affordable housing in [the] neighbourhood is extremely difficult.”

Leiper has been working with fellow City Councillor Catherine McKenney find a solution for those in need of housing, especially for the winter months. He is hoping to get everyone at the council table to discuss a solution soon. 

During the rally, word spread that the city was holding a meeting to discuss what it was going to do about 'tent city.' Leiper and McKenney were both unaware.

Resident of the makeshift tent neighbourhood, Justin, was also caught off guard.

“They're talking about us, so why can't they talk to us,” he asked.

Residents behind Bayview added that they are frustrated with their situation because they feel they're being told one thing, and the media is being told another.