Living in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, my family and I have always cherished our neighborhood's sense of safety and community. However, since the establishment of the community resource shelter on Wellington St E, our lives have been disrupted. We have encountered numerous worrying incidents involving individuals who frequent the shelter, leading to an environment that feels less secure for our children and our home.

On multiple occasions, we've discovered discarded needles, crack pipes, and other drug paraphernalia in our yard. With young children and a baby on the way, the presence of such hazardous items poses a significant risk to their safety. It becomes heart-wrenching to think that a simple playtime in the yard might expose them to dangerous drug paraphernalia or worse.

Moreover, the financial strain has been overwhelming. Over $10,000 worth of damage has been inflicted upon our vehicles and property, a cost that we, unfortunately, have had to bear.

While community shelters play an essential role in supporting those in need, their placement and management must consider the broader community's safety. We believe there are more suitable locations for such facilities that do not infringe on the security and wellbeing of family-friendly neighborhoods.

We are calling on local authorities to reassess and ultimately shut down the community resource shelter on Wellington St E. We urge decision-makers to explore alternatives that provide support to those in need while preserving the safety and integrity of our community. Please sign this petition to help protect our neighborhood and ensure a safer environment for our children and families.