Repairing relationships

Leeward House neighbours feel left out of process

At last Tuesday’s meeting, Council approved the lease agreement with Base31 for a property on County Road 5 and a three-year memorandum of understanding with Prince Edward Lennox and Addington Social Services to fund operational costs at Leeward House, but not before hearing from close neighbours, who feel they have been left out of the process.

Last month, Committee of the Whole approved a motion that would see the transformation of The Maples Retirement Home into a nine-bedroom transitional housing facility for the County’s most vulnerable residents.

While the residents expressed support for housing initiatives, they urged Council to arrange for public consultation.

Cassandra spoke on behalf of relatives who live nearby and said they are concerned how the project might affect their property value, sense of personal security and enjoyment of their property, but most of all they were disappointed that they had to learn about it through local media.

I am hoping there will be a meeting with people in the community to discuss this project and what it looks like long term,” said Cassandra. “Collaboration, respectful and time-efficient communication, full transparency and honesty are what we are asking for and it is what all members of the community deserve.”

Neighbour Donna Joyce agreed. “I certainly understand the need and responsibility of our community to develop transitional housing of some sort,” she said. “I would appreciate an opportunity for a town hall to learn more about the project, more about why you felt it was an important initiative, and why you think it is important to place transitional housing in that environment.”

CAO Marcia Wallace acknowledged the oversight, and apologized for not consulting with neighbours and making the process more engaging. “We take this as a learning experience and will work to do better next time.” she said.

She stressed that the municipality wants to be good neighbours. “We believe this project doesn’t need to be a burden or property de-valuer or all the rest. I absolutely understand why they have concerns. We will work very hard to repair this relationship and schedule a meeting or whatever the community members are interested in terms of finding a way forward.”

Mayor Ferguson agreed, adding that the County needs to hear from neighbouring residents. “As a council, this was a rare opportunity for us to look after the needs of some of our residents. In our haste, we obviously have to go back and hear what the adjacent landowners have to say, but by the same token we have a motivated partner and we have the funding that is available. I certainly urge the conversation to take place so that the concerns can be heard as we move into the operational phase and further into the project,” he said.

Council did toss around the idea of holding off on final approval until proper public consultation had taken place, but Wallace noted the funds had to be spent in the year they were given.

“Public consultation is important, but I think we have moved past that,” said Councillor Phil St- Jean. “We are going to miss the boat here.”

Council ratified the decision. Staff is hopeful Leeward House could be operational this summer.