Residents in the Beaverton area have launched a petition opposing the Region’s plan to build a 50-unit supportive housing complex in Beaverton.

Late last month, regional councillors approved an Expedited Supportive Housing Report, which outlines a pair of projects designed to address the needs of Durham’s unsheltered residents.

The Beaverton project will be located on land owned by the Region at 133 Main Street – on the grounds of Lakeview Manor, beside Gillespie Gardens – subject to the approval of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

“Residents will have access to wraparound services to promote life stabilization. To expedite the development process, the Region is pursuing a modular construction technique that has seen significant success in western Canada and is growing in popularity in Ontario,” reads a press release from the Region.

The petition echoes many of the concerns raised by members of township council, which passed a motion opposing the plan due to a lack of information and public consultation on Aug. 20.

The motion — brought forward by Ward 1 Councillor Mike Jubb — calls for the Region to undertake a formal process for public consultation, as well as completing “studies and research” that would support the site as the optimal location for such a project.

The petition raises both those points and references the current lack of social services, healthcare and transportation in the community.

It has garnered nearly 1,000 signatures in the days since it was launched.

“This is an important community issue that needs to be understood by Brock residents. We expect our elected officials to keep us informed and allow us to actively participate in initiatives in our communities,” said Randy Straeten, one of the organizers of the petition.

The petition is available to sign at roughly a dozen businesses in the Beaverton area and is expected to be presented to township council in the coming weeks.

To view the petition, click HERE.