Small but vocal groups exchanged insults on Mt. Pleasant Rd. Saturday outside Northern Secondary School. The presence of homeless shelters at the former Best Western Roehampton Hotel at 808 Mt. Pleasant and at 55/65 Broadway Ave near Yonge St. have created tensions between residents. Some want the shelters moved, others disagree how to resolve issues such as public drug use and needles being left in schoolyards and parking lots. Councillor Josh Matlow (Ward 12) and MP Rob Oliphant have tweeted. Readers may discern a difference in tone.
Protesters supporting and opposing the opening of the Roehampton temporary housing program — and an interim housing site at 55/65 Broadway Ave. — gather on Mount Pleasant. #toronto @globalnewsto pic.twitter.com/6Z3DEiSaFQ
— Albert Delitala (@AlbertGlobal) August 15, 2020
Our community’s support for our city’s homeless is unwavering. We expect the city & province to provide supports to ensure the safety of shelter clients & the community. Working with the mayor & city staff, I remain focused on a collaborative, effective & compassionate approach.
— Josh Matlow (@JoshMatlow) August 15, 2020
Two demonstrations today about the City's homeless shelters at the Roehampton Hotel & on Broadway Ave. To be clear: residents, including me, as a neighbour and as an MP, do not like the way the City did this. 1/7
— Rob Oliphant (@Rob_Oliphant) August 15, 2020
Supporters of Broadway and Roehampton residents counter-protest moving – so great!! (video credit Tommy Taylor) #totonto #topoli pic.twitter.com/qckMVDt4g7
— jennifer evans (@nejsnave) August 15, 2020
