Public Outcry at Oxford County Council Meeting Over New Homeless Shelter Plans
‘Every county person should be embarrassed’: Sparks fly as Oxford Council gets earful from public on homeless shelter at former YMCA
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At a recent Oxford County Council meeting, residents expressed strong emotions regarding the decision to convert the former Woodstock YMCA into a homeless shelter. Many shared personal stories, highlighting the need for stability and dignity for the homeless, while others criticized the council's lack of transparency in the decision-making process.
- 01The former Woodstock YMCA building will be transformed into a 24-hour homeless shelter with support services.
- 02Tracey Sherman shared her family's struggles with homelessness, emphasizing the need for dignity and safety for those affected.
- 03Residents criticized the council for making decisions behind closed doors, expressing embarrassment over the lack of public consultation.
- 04Oxford County Warden Marcus Ryan defended the shelter, citing the urgent needs of the homeless population in the area.
- 05The council unanimously supported a motion to hold a public input meeting on the shelter plans before the end of July.
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During a heated meeting of the Oxford County Council, residents voiced their concerns about the council's decision to convert the former Woodstock YMCA building on Dundas Street into a homeless shelter. Tracey Sherman, a mother affected by her son's struggles with schizophrenia, spoke passionately about the need for stability and dignity for the homeless. Many residents, including Kelly and Justin Byers, criticized the council for making the decision behind closed doors, expressing their embarrassment over the lack of transparency. In response, Oxford County Warden Marcus Ryan highlighted the urgent situation of those living on the streets. The council voted unanimously to hold a public input meeting on the shelter plans by the end of July, aiming to involve the community in discussions about the facility. Additionally, the council approved a motion to allocate up to $250,000 for architectural design work for the new shelter, which will be conducted alongside the public consultation process.
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The establishment of the homeless shelter is expected to address urgent needs for housing and support services in the community.
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