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Re: York Region rules out Yonge site for shelter, emergency housing, Dec. 13, 2024.
I was absolutely gutted to see this in print. I took an evening to reflect on what this might really mean.
Two weeks ago, dozens of supporters of our community group, Aurora Cares-Housing for All, absorbed the tranquility and healing essence of the property at 14452 Yonge St., just south of the railroad overpass and set back from Yonge Street.
We were on the site where, by now, there could have been a new regional men’s transitional and emergency shelter. Fifty-five people could be warm and on their way to finding permanent housing.
For an hour in wet snow and cold wind, we discussed what Aurora can do to help the unhoused. We talked about how cold and miserable we were becoming, and how unjust and horrible it must be to live in a tent, or in a car.
The article said Lisa Gonsalves, York Region commissioner for community and health services, confirmed to AuroraToday that the region was removing this site from the table.
Perhaps the right question was not asked, or could not be answered, at that time. What if the question was posed as, “Should Aurora town council pass a motion to invite the region back to the table? Having approved the slight rezoning, would the region be willing to move forward at this site?”
Perhaps the unspoken answer to the initial question was, “At this moment, without a town council motion approval for zoning, we cannot spend time keeping this on the table.”
In light of the urgency purported by council, and members of the community both for and against this site, to assist with housing for our underserved population, can council reconsider?
Yes, yes they can.
It’s not a weakness but a strength to reconsider helping the most vulnerable, those at the beginning of the continuum proposed by Aurora’s affordable housing plan. That continuum begins with emergency and transitional housing.
We still have the opportunity.
Over 400 supporters of Aurora Cares-Housing for All invite our town council to step forward.
Kimberley McLean
Aurora
