Vanier leaders say Salvation Army shelter plan has ‘serious shortcomings’

Vanier representatives from all three levels of government say the Salvation Army's plans for a new shelter and community hub on Montreal Road is dated, and that a more inclusive approach is needed.

The plans for a new building at 333 Montreal Rd. in Vanier include 140 short-term stay accommodations, a life skills program, 50 addiction stabilization spaces for men, and 60 spots for men who have special health issues and need accomodation.

Ottawa city council's community advisory group met for the first time to review the Salvation Army's plans on January 13, 2022; following the meeting, the area's three government representatives issued a joint statement.

“The ongoing COVID pandemic has clearly demonstrated that overcrowded drop-ins and temporary shelter spaces are an approach with serious shortcomings,”  read the statement, from MP Mona Fortier, MPP Lucille Collard and Councillor Mathieu Fleury. “The Salvation Army's proposed mega-shelter for men on Montreal Road is dated and fails to acknowledge this reality.”

“We strongly believe that a better, more inclusive approach needs to involve supportive, modular housing projects that will give people a safe place to call home with individualized mental health, educational, and employment supports,” the statement added.

Ottawa city council approved the plans for the facility in 2017. Some residents were upset by the decision and vowed to fight it. Ontario's Local Planning Appeals Tribunal dismissed an appeal to try to stop the Salvation Army's plans, in June 2020.