A resident of Cape Breton Regional Municipality recently initiated an online petition to relocate the homeless shelter away from downtown Sydney due to visible drug activity. Mayor Cecil Clarke disclosed ongoing efforts to relocate the shelter to a new site outside the downtown area, funded by the province. The new shelter will offer comprehensive services like public health, mental health, and addiction support.
The resident behind the petition, Billy Quirk, a former addict, expressed concern over witnessing drug use near the Townsend Street shelter, emphasizing the need to move it to a less congested location. Quirk emphasized the negative impact of open drug use on public safety, especially for children and passersby.
The petition gathered significant support within a short time, with nearly 1,000 responses, mostly in favor of relocating the shelter. Mayor Clarke stressed the importance of providing adequate services while respecting individuals in need. The Cape Breton Community Housing Association managing the shelter and the provincial Department of Opportunities and Social Development supporting it have not issued statements on the matter.
During his election campaign, Mayor Clarke advocated for relocating both the homeless shelter and the nearby Ally Centre to address community concerns. Clarke highlighted the challenges faced by the public and local businesses due to the presence of these facilities downtown. Plans are underway to construct a new shelter on CBRM land near Open Hearth Park, offering proximity to essential services and amenities.
Efforts are being made to secure funding for the new shelter in the upcoming provincial budget. The relocation aims to address the current challenges faced by the community and improve the overall well-being of residents and businesses in the downtown area.