Tensions high as community weighs in on supportive housing project in Sarnia

A strong turnout in Sarnia for a special council meeting to share thoughts on a proposed supportive housing project. CTV London’s Bryan Bicknell reports.

Overflow crowds, high emotion, swearing, and verbal attacks.

That was the scene Monday as a special meeting of Sarnia City Council briefly devolved into a loss of public decorum.

The meeting was supposed to be an opportunity for the public to weigh in on a proposed supportive housing project for the city.

“I would bet you dollars to doughnuts that if this project were put into their neighbourhood, they would be against it,” commented city Coun. Bill Dennis.

While attending the meeting virtually, Dennis used his opportunity for questions to call out speakers who do not live in the neighbourhood where the project is being proposed.

“It’s very hypocritical, and it’s not right,” he said, with some members of the public sitting in the council chamber and the overflow in the lobby applauding with approval.

The meeting further took a turn when former city Coun. Nathan Colquhoun shot back at those opposing the development, including Dennis himself.

“And to you Bill, you don’t live in this neighbourhood either, so you can (expletive) off,” he said in the public meeting.

When speaking later to CTV News, he was unapologetic.

“Basically, to shame anyone that is in that building that is trying to stop the city from building houses for people that need it. I think it’s pathetic, it’s gross,” he said.

Lambton County has donated land at 333 George St. for a supportive housing development.

Non-profit community housing provider Indwell is proposing a building with 50 deeply affordable apartments with wrap-around supports. Indwell CEO Jeff Neven addressed the special council meeting virtually.

“We have homelessness, we have chronic homelessness, we have encampments, and we need a solution, and we want it. We believe that you are the best to help us deal with that,” said Neven.

The project has divided the community. Supporter Jennie Das, who spoke at the meeting, credits Indwell for helping her daughter in Hamilton get back on her feet when struggling with mental health.

“Through Indwell, she was able to rebuild her life, complete her studies, and is now successfully working at a wonderful job,” said Das.

Some residents of the George Street neighbourhood have undertaken a campaign, complete with lawn signs, saying they’re already doing their part when it comes to homelessness. Some point to an existing homeless shelter nearby, including speaker Chris Beausoliel.

“Because these are people that are trying to recover from drug addiction, they’re trying to recover from mental health issues, they’re trying to get their lives straight after being involved in incarceration. And sometimes trying doesn’t work, so the behaviours still persist,” he said.

According to Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley, the city has not yet received a formal planning application for the Indwell project.