City of Windsor scraps site for new homelessness hub over cost, will keep looking for location

The City of Windsor announced on Monday a decision to halt efforts to acquire land in the area of Wellington Avenue, where it had plans to create a $50-million homelessness and housing hub.

The city says following a review, the 700 Wellington Ave. land acquisition would be too expensive.

"After a thorough due-diligence review of all factors required to deliver a successful project at this location, it has been determined that the costs associated with land acquisition would be too expensive for the city's specific intended use," the city said in a statement.

City council originally selected the vacant, 2.8-hectare site in hopes of setting up 64 single-bed permanent supportive housing units, and supports for those with mental health issues, addiction and homelessness. The cost was pegged at least $50 million. 

The project was announced in April. Officials said it would take at least three years to open.

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens says council remains committed to "securing the appropriate site and getting this right."

"We have made significant investments in the temporary H4 by expanding hours, enhancing services, and increasing access," he said. "We did our due diligence on the property and have determined that land acquisition costs would exceed our identified budget." 

The city says in a statement that the search for a new and permanent site will continue, which will allow for the involvement of other services, such as the Downtown Mission, to all be in one site.

Kirk Whittal, executive director of housing and children services for the City of Windsor, says the city will start searching for another suitable location that could fit the project's needs.

Chris Soda, who lives in Ward 1 and has ties to Wards 2 and 3, says that although he's surprised he's glad the city scrapped the location.

Soda added be believed the location was the city trying to move the problem from one part of the downtown ward to the edge of the ward, adding that the H4 site should be further away from residential areas.

"Finding somewhere for people to live doesn't necessarily mean they would want to live there. And putting all these individuals who have these problems into one location is probably not good for the surrounding neighbourhood," he said. 

Other residents have previously told CBC Windsor they had concerns about crime and safety, as well as property values. 

Ward 2 Coun. Fabio Costante says he's always been opposed to the location. He says one concern is that it's too far away from many of the services people rely on. 

"Second reason is the unknown costs and risks of expropriation. We knew that to get this land, we had to expropriate," he said. "We've got to be really thoughtful and make sure we do this right, because it could have serious implications if we don't."