On December 3, 2021, The CBC posted an article about the Oshawa Micro-Homes Pilot Project

In this article, Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter is quoted several times as seen below:

"The homes will offer transitional housing with access to various health and social supports, including financial assistance, employment services, mental health and addictions and the teaching of life skills."

"Carter said while getting people off the street and out of the elements as winter approaches is a success in and of itself, the region will be watching closely to see if the program can be expanded."

"..."If it's a product that can meet the needs of the speed, the availability, affordability and also supportive environment, why not take that model and continue to expand it and look at it?" he said..."

"Experts from Ontario Tech University and Durham College will partner on evaluating the pilot project". Oshawa This Week, January 17, 2022 

Since the facility has been occupied in the Spring 2022, neighbouring residents in the Ward (4), have observed a remarkable uptick in the following undesirable activities:

• Emergency response dispatched to the site on numerous occasions (i.e. fire trucks and ambulance for drug overdoses)
• Police dispatched to the site on a regular basis
• SWAT Team responses
• K9 search unit
• Noticeable migration of undesirable activity and individuals to the site
• Loitering in parking lot
• Discarded drug paraphernalia on the property and in surrounding area
• Vehicles broken into in surrounding area
• Theft of neighbouring property
• Trespassing on neighbouring property
• Shopping carts, garbage, and refuse on the premises

Individuals on the housing site have been observed handling and using illegal substances in the open while neighbouring homeowners pass by. Drug paraphernalia has been discarded on the property, while visibly intoxicated individuals congregate on the premises. Numerous drug overdoses have taken place on site. Property has been stolen from neighbouring homes, from vehicles and from back yards. Sadly, a small child is now unable to visit his grandfather who lives directly across the street from the housing project, as the parents understandably refuse to bring the child within proximity of the facility. 

Selling a home in this neighbourhood has already become a difficulty in view of feedback from agents that buyers are not keen on the housing program.

The project appears to be a solution for mostly individuals who have become homeless as a result of severe addiction issues, but the facility is not a rehab centre per se. Occupants are selected from a By-Names List. 

The site is located in the heart of Oshawa, promoting a migration of drugs and criminal activity directly into the residential area. The program is redundant in view of existing social programs and exceeds tolerable levels of risk to the community. 

And what is the long-term cost to taxpayers? For starters, each unit came at a cost of approximately $80k. There are 9 units available. And none of the occupants appear to have jobs despite receiving benefits and employment counselling as part of the program.

This project is a pilot with a view on possible expansion. But unless the Durham Region is prepared to implement and enforce a more robust integration plan that involves 24-hour monitoring, police patrols, a bona fide rehab program, random drug testing and more transparency with the neighbouring residents, this program is just a money pit at the expense of community safety. A more selective approach to occupancy and a less central location for the homes would be a better measure for long term success in transitioning those who would truly benefit. 

The project needs to be put on hold, suspended and brought back to Council for immediate review on issues of public safety. 

Homeowners and residents of Central Oshawa are strongly encouraged to take action for change. Demand to be heard. 

Please sign the Petition if you wish to cease the project indefinitely and/or until public comment is provided and serious consideration given to the above-mentioned points being addressed. 

Contact your Ward Councillor. Council Members - City of Oshawa