Weekend rallies draw opponents, supporters of asylum seeker centre plan
Communication remains a key concern for both sides
Communication concerns over plans for potential newcomer welcoming centres in Ottawa were front-and-centre at a pair of opposing protests Sunday.
A few hundred people rallied in support of refugees and the proposed structures on Sunday at 101 Centrepointe Dr., while about 100 others also protested at the Nepean Sportsplex, where one of the structures is to be built.
Misinformation about the structures has been an issue since city staff issued concrete details about their plans in a memo sent out Nov. 7.
The city first proposed using a football field at the Nepean Sportsplex as the site for the first of two possible tent-like structures to house approximately 300 single adult newcomers and asylum seekers.
On Nov. 16, however, the city said it was now looking at alternative spots on the Sportsplex site so that the field can keep being used.
The structure would provide housing, running water, heat, food and social supports to newcomers for 90 days until they're presented with a more permanent solution.
If it's needed, and enough funding can be secured, a second structure would go at the Eagleson Park and Ride in Kanata South.
Both structures would be funded by the federal government.
'Bad information'
The sites aim to ease the substantial pressure on Ottawa's shelter systems caused by a recent influx of people who come to Canada for refuge.
Sunday's rally at 101 Centrepointe — an attempt to dispel misinformation about the structures — was hosted by community groups Refugee 613 and Burundi We Want.
Misinformation has been a hindrance to sharing the facts about the centres, said Burundi We Want executive director Camille Kamanzi.
Kamanzi said he's heard people say the structures are part of a plan to bring in newcomers who will "invade neighbourhoods."
"These people are already here," he said. "They want to improve their lives."
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe also attended the rally and said he's heard concerns the structures will be tent villages, will be permanent, and will contribute to a rise in crime.
None of that is true, he said.
"There's been a lot of misinformation in the public. There's been a lot of bad information," he said. "There's a lot to this plan, and I think once people understand this plan they'll be a lot more comfortable."
Critics seeking clarity
But for many of the protestors who gathered by the Nepean Sportsplex, clarity on the city's plans has been lacking.
Several protesters told the CBC that asylum seekers housed at the proposed centre would not go through a vetting process before they arrive.
All individuals seeking asylum, however, are required to enter Canada at an approved point of entry and undergo screening at each step of the process.
Most protesters blamed the confusion on the city's communication.
"If there was more thought being put into it, they sure haven't shared that info with us," said Stacy Bleeks, whose children use the field initially slated for the welcome centre.
Bleeks said he was there to save the field and hadn't heard the city was considering other areas of the site.
Scott Boxall, president of the Myers Riders Football Club, which practises on the field several days each week, said he's worried consultations won't effectively serve his community.
He said he met with Knoxdale-Merivale Coun. Sean Devine earlier this month but wasn't satisfied with the solutions he'd heard from local politicians.
"I just wish they'd listen to the residents of this community," he said.
While there will not be a chance for residents to weigh in on the locations of the centres, the city told CBC it will work with local councillors on public consultations.
In early 2025, the city will go through the usual process to pass a zoning amendment, and that will include opportunities for people to submit written statements or appear before a committee.
For Kamanzi, the rally in support of the structures was a chance for residents to learn.
"Ottawa has always been a welcoming city," he said. "It's important that we stay focused on the fact that these people are already here, and they need support right now."
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With files from Radio-Canada's Antoine Fontaine and CBC's Elyse Skura