Vanier businesses push back against shelter move

Some business owners in Ottawa's Vanier neighbourhood are pushing back against the Salvation Army's plan to build a new shelter on Montreal Road, fearing the move will simply importproblems with crime and drug use at the current location in the ByWard Market.

The Salvation Army announced plans Thursday to build a 103,000 square-foot facility at 333 Montreal Rd. to replace the shelter it currently operates on George Street.

The charitable organization said the new $50-million centre will be a social support hub where clients can accesscounselling, skills training and housing.The ByWard Market buildingwill be shut down andsold to fund the new development.

Drew Dobson, who has owned Finnigan's Pub on Montreal Road for 16 years, said he was stunned to hear a large shelter could be moving in two doors down.

"Vanier is a community that had struggled in the past but has made great strides and improved recently, and I don't know that bringing the problem from the market here is a step forward," he said.

Started petition

Dobson has started a petition on behalf of concerned community members.

"The Vanier area already has issues with crime, gangs, drugs, arson, poverty, prostitution, graffiti and panhandling and does not need the added stress of a massive Salvation Army shelter," the petition reads.

Mark Kaluski, chair of the Vanier BIA, said he was surprised bythe lack of consultation with community and business owners.

I'd be happy to have it inVanier. I just don't want it right on Montreal Road right when we're trying to rebuild a new commercial district.- Mark Kaluski, Vanier BIA

Kaluski said he welcomes the investment and jobs the project will bring the area, but said locals could have helped theSalvation Army choose a better location.

"I'd be happy to have it in Vanier. I just don't want it right on Montreal Road right when we're trying to rebuild a new commercial district with restaurants and shops and hotels and interesting and unique features."

The BIA would rather see an"anchor business" that would attract more commerce to the area occupy the prime real estate on Montreal Road, Kaluskisaid.

"We're trying to drive customers to Montreal Road and this prime piece of land is being used for a social service, which is definitely needed in Vanier, but maybe not where we would have wanted it," hesaid.