A group of concerned citizens has launched a website protesting the Region’s decision to build a 50-unit housing complex in Beaverton.

The SITE features information on a community petition that has been launched, a rough timeline of approval process and a series of questions about the proposal.

The project was one of two approved by regional council in late July and will be located 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 news came as a surprise to many on township council, who were unaware that such a project was even being considered by the Region.

Citing a lack of information and public consultation, members of township council passed a resolution formally opposing the project on Aug. 20.

Those concerns were echoed in a community petition that launched soon after and has garnered more than 1,750 signatures thus far.

Two Beaverton residents – Randy Straeten and Elizabeth Johnston – brought their concerns directly to the Region’s health and social services committee with deputations earlier this month and more than a dozen residents have sent letters to township council.

The community petition is expected to be included on the agenda for Monday’s (Sept. 28) meeting of township council.

The Region recently launched a webpage to share more information on the project and the wrap-around supports that may be offered.

“Life circumstances – such as family breakdown, abuse, job loss, addictions or mental health challenges – can bring someone to be in crisis, without a place to call home. This happens to people in cities and in smaller communities. When this happens, people need support and they need shelter,” it reads.

“Wrap-around supports to an individual living within a community means enhancing access to support services, establishing trust and rapport, and providing increased opportunities to meeting their needs because services are available when they need them.”

The post notes that, generally, wrap-around services include such services as on-site meals in a dining hall; mental health and addictions support; medical and dental care (virtual and/or on site); financial assistance such as Ontario Works, ODSP and/or other financial benefits; rental and tenant support; life skills teaching/counselling and employment services.

“These on-site services allow for people to get the assistance they need, close to home. This helps to improve their overall quality of life and increases opportunities for success by clearing a pathway for them to become contributing members of the communities in which they live,” it reads.

The page also attempts to address concerns surrounding healthcare, transit and security/policing.

For more information, click the link below.

Region launches webpage to address concerns about proposed supportive housing project in Beaverton