Residents of Yonge and Sheppard are perturbed at the decision of the City of Toronto to establish yet another homeless shelter (at 68 Sheppard Ave. West) in our already vulnerable neighbourhood. Over the past four years, we've witnessed our community deteriorate.

The proposed shelter is set to open right across from three daycare centres and flanks a senior community centre, posing substantial risks to our community's safety.

Statistics show that crime rates in our area have skyrocketed by 50% since 2019, a trend that could be compounded by an additional shelter. Furthermore, this would be the fourth shelter within a mere 3.5-km radius.

This disproportionate distribution of shelters, confined mainly to ethnic minority neighbourhoods like ours, outpaces those in predominately high income and caucasian neighbourhoods south of York Mills where there are currently no plans for any shelters.

The city states all the new locations needed to have good transit options. Five of these locations are not located in good transit locations. 

What all six locations have in common? They are either located in lower income areas, ethnic minority areas or a combination of both. 

The six locations are: 

• 68 Sheppard Ave. West. 
• 1615 Dufferin St. 
• 2204-2212 Eglington Ave West 
• 2535 Gerrard St East  
• 66 Third St
• 1220 Wilson Ave. 

What is striking is the fact that no shelters are planned for anything south of York Mills to Bloor St. This area is predominantly caucasian and upper class. There are numerous buildings for sale within the CR zone, with great transit options and even a number of city owned Green P parking lots as options (Yonge and York Mills Green P is huge and largely unused.)

In addition, these decisions are being made without proper dialogue with the residents. During a recent meeting, city representatives announced there would be no room for questions - a clear denial of our rightful say in our community's future.

The implications of this decision range from heavily dropping property values to a rapid decline in community safety. 

We are not suggesting that we pay no regard to the homeless individuals; we are merely demanding equitable distribution of shelters and the involvement of community members in the decisions that determine the character and safety of our neighbourhood. 

Yonge and Sheppard already has one youth shelter, a refugee centre and an upcoming supportive housing development. 

End this singling out of minority neighbourhoods.

We urge the City of Toronto to reconsider the location of this new homeless shelter.

1) Please, lend your voice to our cause and sign this petition today.

2) Please share this with anyone you know that lives in our neighbourhood.