PETERS: Pathways shouldn’t be a wedge between people who want the same thing

Pathways came before council this week for a discussion on the land use. This will be the first in a series of debates around what’s happening on and around the former car dealership-turned access hub.

Nearby business owners like Rob Guido were initially open to the idea of a shelter being placed next door.

Having seen what it has attracted to his neighbourhood, he’s had enough. And he’s not alone.

When city staff spoke about the facility Tuesday, they were impassioned in defending the good it has done for a number of different individuals. That’s great.

The tone, though, was defensive – as if an effort to support vulnerable people was being attacked.

And maybe it is.

Demanding community safety, though, is not unreasonable. And businesspeople shouldn’t be asked to sacrifice their safety and security for anything – including the provision of much-needed supports to a population in desperate need.

Why does it have to be an either/or proposition?

What’s happening on the Pathways property itself is terrific. It should be lauded and it should be supported.

The safety and disorder issues that are radiating elsewhere in the neighbourhood, though, are major issues that can’t be minimized.

The onus falls to the provincial government, with its jurisdiction over health and safety issues in our communities, to provide the reinforcements necessary to shut it down.

I’m James Peters.

by James Peters

PETERS: Pathways shouldn’t be a wedge between people who want the same thing

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